Remember When?
submitted by the City of Castle Pines North
Thursday October 29th 2009 marks the six-year anniversary of the Cherokee Ranch Fire. Do you remember that day?
The entire community of CPN was evacuated as flames came dangerously close to several houses and neighborhoods. Yes, CPN is part of the Wildland Urban Interface, where residences are built near and within forests and natural landscaping. Along with this privilege we must assume responsibility for the safety of our selves and our homes, our environment, and our firefighters.
In collaboration with the following agencies, a group of stakeholders and representatives is just finishing the development of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFRA)
Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS),
Douglas County Planning, Fire Mitigation Specialists,
Douglas County Office of Emergency Management,
The City of Castle Pines North, Safety Task Force
The CPN Metro District, Parks and Open Space
And representatives from local HOAs
The CWPP is a scientific analysis of our area based on topography, fuels, weather patterns and fire behavior. It is also a planning tool that establishes priorities and treatments. A fairly comprehensive plan, it targets each community to outline specific recommendations.
Thursday October 29th, the anniversary of the Cherokee Ranch Fire, is a fitting day to talk about wildfire and our neighborhoods – 7 p.m. at the CPN Community Center.
Personnel from SMFRA, Douglas County and CSFS will introduce the CWPP and answer questions. The community of PineRidge will receive a plaque from CSFS in recognition of becoming the 10th community in Colorado to achieve “Firewise” status.
Remember the smoke and anxiety of that day six years ago and make a commitment to understand the specific hazards that put our neighborhoods at risk. Learn what steps we can take to begin short-term and long-term planning efforts to protect our community.
