RBC I The Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit would like to thank people who have reported wildland fires, and offer tips to others who spot a wildland fire.
“Having the public reporting fires allows us to respond quicker and work to keep incidents small,” said Bureau of Land Management Assistant Fire Manager Jimmy Michels.
Public safety and the safety of those with you are of utmost importance, Michels said.
“Never attempt to extinguish the blaze yourself, especially using a fire extinguisher, as the chemicals become toxic in wildland environments,” he said. “Many times, when citizens suppress a fire, it hampers firefighting response by temporarily eliminating the signs of a fire only to rekindle at a later time.
According to Michels, here are correct steps to take to report a fire: Call 911; If you’re near the fire, move out of the fire area and monitor; Account for others with you and move them to safety; State your name and phone number in case clarification or more information is necessary; Give the location from which you’re seeing the fire or smoke; Give location of the fire, including direction of the fire from where you’re standing; nearest road or highway; Give closest landmark; Note what’s burning; sagebrush, grass, trees, etc.; Note fire size; if you can’t estimate an acreage, try comparing it to something like a football field; and please report if you see flames or smoke.
“The county, state and federal managers appreciate your cooperation and support with wildland fire response,” Michels said.
