Spring 2021
By Rebecca Bratburd
Can bears open doors? Can charcoal and wood embers continue smoldering for up to seven days? Is it Fire Chief John Benson’s goal to see a green, reflective address number next to every driveway in the neighborhood?
With the fire district’s subdivisions welcoming around 50 new residents over the past 18 months, Boulder Mountain Fire’s (BMFPD) support arm, the Auxiliary, hosted its New Resident Welcome last quarter on Zoom. Following an intense wildfire season, the meeting’s speakers and its 23 attendees were eager to talk about wildland fire preparation. In case you didn’t know, the answer to all of the questions is a resounding YES!
Mountain living differs from city living in ways that may not be obvious. Newcomers learned about various challenges, including how to handle trash and recycling pickup without disturbing wildlife, and how to be ready for the power outages that happen with regularity. Fortunately, BMFPD’s website (bouldermountainfire.org) provides a great resource for mountain living preparedness.
For instance, evacuation routes for Pine Brook Hills, Carriage Hills and Boulder Heights were updated in 2020 and maps are available on the website. All property owners in the area are entitled to a free wildfire mitigation assessment. Schedule a time for a visit, and members of the “Mit Crew” will come to your site to discuss the ways to make it safer and more resistant to wildfires. Ash buckets, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide alarms, and reflective house number kits can be purchased from the Auxiliary’s online store.
While Chief Benson and the department’s members are here for the community, it’s crucial to call 911 with emergencies—not the fire station. If you see smoke, but you’re not sure how imminent the danger is, call 911.
If we can do anything to help you learn more about the neighborhood, including volunteer information, or to settle in, feel free to reach out to BMFPD or the Auxiliary.
Auxiliary Spring Meeting:
The next meeting of the BMFPD Auxiliary, to be held virtually via ZOOM, is scheduled for April 18 at 3:00. To receive the meeting link, please contact Ann Harsh, aharsh@comcast.net. Everyone is welcome!
RESOURCES:
How to watch the welcome session recording:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share TYzzB72d79U9NwldRqaAbIIc3iaU7777lLn_ER8Pbehhgdw0L5vqAgDcw9x_PFJP.B5r6Zbj-bNWYNwhp
Passcode: 4$0G4jxH
www.bmfpd.org
www.bouldermountainfireauxiliary.org