Wildfires have shaped the forests and grasslands that surround the Town of Vail. Wildfires may appear to be a destructive force of nature, but they also keep the environment healthy. The plants and animals have adapted to not only survive but thrive with wildfire. High elevation forests like those that surround Vail do not experience large wildfires often. Historically, a handful of small fires would burn each summer with a large fire occurring once every 150 to 250 years. Because the large fires occur so infrequently, they would have a large amount of vegetation to burn and can last weeks or even months, burning thousands of acres of forest and grassland. These highly destructive fires are the beginning of a new forest. After a large fire new grasses and trees grow in the burn area. This new forest provides new habitat for wildlife, healthy forests and open vistas. The ecosystem has adapted to thrive in these conditions, so too must the Town.

The Town of Vail is taking proactive steps to become “Fire Adapted”. We recognize that a large fire will impact the town in the future. We must take the time now to prepare the forest and community to thrive with wildfire. We all have a part to play in ensuring we are ready for wildfire.

Wildfire Mitigation

• Vail Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• Town of Vail Interactive GIS Map

Fuels Reduction Projects

Over the past several decades Vail Fire, in cooperation with a variety of partners, has completed numerous fuels reduction projects in the forests surrounding the Town. The map below shows a selection of fuels reduction projects that have been completed around the Vail Valley by Vail Fire and its partners. These fuels reduction projects are one part of the overall program to make Vail Fire Adapted.

Evacuation Preparedness

In the event of a wildfire in or near Vail the Police and Fire departments will notify residents of the need to evacuate. Before a fire there are many things that you can do to be prepared. One of the most important things you can do is sign up for the towns notification system Everbridge here. The town will use a variety of systems including; Radio, phone calls, text, email, social media and door to door to notify residents of an evacuation. To be prepared for an evacuation you should focus in 2 areas: what to take and where to go.

What to Take

Prior to an evacuation some thought should be put into what you will take with you. To simplify the process, use the 6 P’s to prepare a list of what you would take:

1. People and Pets
2. Papers, phone numbers and important documents
3. Prescriptions, vitamins and eyeglasses
4. Pictures and irreplaceable items
5. Personal Computers
6. Plastic (credit cards, ATM cards and cash)

Another way to be prepared for evacuation is to build a go-kit to take with you. Go-kits include enough supplies for you and your family to take care of your essential needs during an evacuation. A list of useful items and suggestions for a go-kit are included at www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

Where To Go

Unlike a hurricane, pre-designated evacuation routes cannot be established to direct you to safety. The location of the fire will dictate where you are sent in a wildfire evacuation. In general evacuation routes within the town will be downhill to the valley bottom then to the nearest Interstate 70 on ramp and away from the direction of the fire. In addition to 3 designated on-ramps in East Vail, Main Vail and West Vail emergency services has the ability to utilize the lower truck ramp of I-70 to evacuate residents of East Vail if necessary.

To accommodate residents that do not have a vehicle or need special assistance additional accommodations have been arranged. The town buses will be utilized to pick up individuals without a car. To use this service, walk to the nearest bus shelter and wait for the next bus. Individuals in need of extra assistance during an evacuation should register with Vail Public Safety Communications Center at 970-479-2201.

Once you have left your house do not stop until you are in a safe location such as a collection point or evacuation shelter. The town’s notification systems will clearly indicate where the collection points or evacuation shelters are established. Support services such as the local Red Cross and Salvation Army are available to set up evacuation shelters. When possible check in with your loved ones to make sure they know you are safe.

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