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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWildfire Risk AssessmentWildfire Risk Assessment 2229 Elks Springs Date: Oct l-5, 2024 lnspector: Kent Oliver Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District 2229 Elks Springs Dr. Lot 5 Glenwood Springs, Co 81601 ,eq $ \ N History of Elks Springs For hundreds of years, the site of present-day Glenwood Springs was a winter destination for the Ute people, who spent the cold season soaking in the hot springs, rejuvenating body and spirit after summer and fall hunts. The Utes who lived in the area call themselves the Parianuche, or "elk people." Hydrants: There are hydrants on the main Elks Springs Road with one hydrant on the East side of the road and boundary of the lot 5 location. Current Development Outline: The developer is currently building on the Lot 5 area and has an outline indicating the home site location. With that reference, it is possible to get a picture of the surrounding area and what is helpful to protect the future home on that lot. The lot has a West facing and some downhill slope from the home site. There are many Pinon-Juniper woodland below and around the home lot. The following are recommendations for the hardening of the site and home. t * a !ir I 1 I 1 *h ry I -E * $ + tt + $ r Ir t'$ Zones: Tone t = 0 to 5 feet around the home Tone 2 = 5 to 30 feet from home Zone 3 = 30 to 100 feet from home IrTT il,,.}|r f\ts rb Priority of Vegetation Management: Mitigation in Zone 1, 0 to 5 feet around the structures L. Recommended that vegetation in the Tone I area should be well maintained and watered. No Mulch should be used in any of the zone areas. Flower and decorative beds around the structures are ok. Ornamental grasses are ok, as long and they are kept healthy and watered. These grasses or vegetation should not be too close to each other, wood siding or decking. ln the spring or fall should be cut down to maintain health and no dead vegetation. Alternatives to mulch would be stone or pea gravel, Sample of Grasses Sample flower beds (No Mulch) Mitigation in Zone 2, 5 to 30 feet around the structures 2. Recommendations for Zone 2,5 to 30 feet. The goal of this zone is designed to give an approaching fire less fuel, which will help reduce its intensity as it gets nearer to your home an any structure on the property. Mow grasses to 4 inches tall or less No accumulations of surface fuels such as logs, branches, slash and mulch. Remove enough tree to crate at least 10 feet of space between crowns. Measure from the outermost branch of one tree to the nearest branch on the next tree. Remove ladder fuels under remaining trees. This is any vegetation that can bring fire from the ground up into taller fuels Prune tree branches to a height of 6-10 feet from the ground or a third of the total height of the tree, whichever is less. Remove stressed, diseased, dead or dying trees and shrubs. Common ground junipers should be removed whenever possible because they are highly flammable and tend to hold a layer of flammable material beneath them. Periodically prune and maintain shrubs to prevent excessive growth. Remove dead stems annually. Accumulation of pine needles, leaves and wood chips should be removed from one 1. The use of wood chips under trees should also not be used. .'' .: iI' '.,'.,i, j Mitigation in Zone 3, 30 to 100 feet around the structures 3. Recommendations for Zone 3, 30 to L00 feet. This zone focuses on mitigation that keeps fire on the ground, but it's also a space to make choices that can improve forest health. Healthy forests include trees of multiple ages, sizes and species, where adequate growing room is maintained over time. lf the distance of 1-00 feet to the edge of Zone 3 stretches beyond your property lines, its encouraged to work with adjoining property owners to complete an appropriate defensible space. lf your house is on steep slopes or has certain topographic considerations, this zone may be larger. Mowing grasses is not necessary in Zone 3. Watch for hazards associated with ladder fuels. The chances of a surface fire climbing into the trees is reduced in a forest where surface fuels are widely separated and low tree branches are removed. Tree crown spacing of 6-10 feet is suggested. Consider creating openings of meadows between small clumps of trees so fire must transition to the ground to keep moving. As you do have a steep slop on your property fire from below will come up the hill As mentioned, before you may need to do more mitigation work down the hill and beyond the L00-foot boundary. Structure Mitigation: Roof, Siding, Vents, Decks & Openings 4. Medal roof is preferable over other types of roofing. When constructing or maintain, insure there are not gaps in the roofing connections or flashing on the edges. 5. Siding Condition: ls siding free of gaps, holes, or other areas where embers could accumulate, lodge, or penetrate? 6. Others Considerations: - L/8" wire mesh should be placed just inside vents. NOTE: Do NOT put wire mesh over dryer vents. - Where wood sidings meet the ground there should be flashing protecting siding from getting fire brands behind them. - Decks: No gaping of deck boards going up against wall siding. - No gaps around windows, doors or garage doors. - Keep leaves and dead materials off decks,,roofs, gutters and areas where debris is collected Conclusion: With a Fire Wise designation and proper planning and implementation, there should be funding opportunities available to help the HOA's or individual home owners through the state of Colorado and/or the Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative, if needed. As you are building, pre-plan you're landscaping, including, scrubs, trees and other vegetation you would like to see around your home. Elks Springs subdivision is mostly West facing and downhill. That puts it at higher potential for wildland fire due to its dryer area and abondance of Pinon-Juniper and other scrub species. Please don't hesitate to reach out to use in the future with further questions or needs.