National Wildfire Community Preparedness DayNational Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is May 4. This event is a way for communities to focus on improving wildfire preparedness. In the last two years, wildfires in the United States have killed more than 100 people and cost more than $25 billion in property losses, according to the National Fire Protection Association. However, activities such as fire mitigation and emergency evacuation planning are not limited to just one day a year.Falcon firefighters offer free wildfire mitigation assessments to residents of the fire district. Call 719-495-4050 to make an appointment.For more information and ideas for projects that can be accomplished year round, go to: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/National-Wildfire-Community-Preparedness-DaySlash disposalOne way to dispose of branches and vegetation trimmed during mitigation projects is to turn it into mulch. This year, the Black Forest Slash-Mulch drop-off site opens May 4. The site is located on the east side of Herring Road, just south of Shoup Road. There is a $2 fee per load to offset operating costs. For hours and more information, visit https://bfslash.org/ or call 719-520-7878.According to its website, the Black Forest Slash-Mulch Program is a Wildfire Mitigation and Recycling Program. It is co-sponsored by the El Paso County Environmental Division, Colorado Forestry Association and the Black Forest Fire Department, in cooperation with the Colorado State Forest Service and the State Board of Land Commissioners.Outdoor burningAnother way to dispose of large quantities of branches, limbs and other vegetation (slash piles) is to burn it. However, slash burns require an open burning permit that must be approved by the El Paso County Health Department, the El Paso County Sheriffís Office and the fire department that has authority over the jurisdiction where the burn is taking place.Open burning in unincorporated areas of El Paso County falls under state and county regulations and ordinances. Full information can be found on the FFPD website. Look for the Outdoor Fire and Open Burning Info button on the upper right side of the home page.Recreational fires such as fire pits do not require a permit, but they are subject to fire restrictions enacted by the county during periods of high fire danger. As a reminder, only vegetative materials (twigs, branches, logs, etc.) can be burned in recreational fires. The fuel area must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high. Trash, furniture, construction debris, and pallets cannot be burned. Burn barrels cannot be used for any kind of fire.Burning without a permit or burning prohibited materials can lead to costly civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day from the state. Additionally, anyone who conducts open burning, whether or not a permit has been obtained, that causes damage to someone elseís property may be held liable for costs and could face criminal charges.Ambulance updateOn April 2, the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners issued an Ambulance Service License to the Falcon Fire Protection District.††Stay connected with the FFPDWebsite: http://www.falconfirepd.orgFacebook: Falcon Fire DepartmentTwitter: @FalconFireDeptNextDoor.com
