Journal 26: Fire Road, Life-Saving Takeaways

1. Be the solution at home. Wildfire preparedness starts at home. Make sure you’re staying on top of fire mitigation on your own property by clearing flammable materials, trimming vegetation, and maintaining defensible space reduces the likelihood of a home igniting and limits ember spread.(1)  The Pinehaven HOA hires a hauling contractor twice a year. One at the end of June and again in September to remove small branches and pine needles. Homeowners should place this debris in a single pile near the edge of their property along the roadside for pickup.

2. Participate in Firewise work days. As part of Pinehaven’s Firewise program, the HOA also plans one or two community workdays, where cabin owners come together to reduce fire hazards across the subdivision and along shared areas. In addition, we band together to keep our roads clear of debris and other obstacles that could block emergency response. These actions give firefighters a safe zone to work and prevent fires from reaching buildings. They are also wonderful opportunities to get to know your neighbors and build relationships that can strengthen our neighborhood’s safety and resilience. To learn how you can get involved or to add your name to the contact list, email Tom Thompson, Pinehaven HOA President, at this link.

4. Maintain emergency awareness. Pinehaven’s limited-access road is a vital part of our wildfire safety plan, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. True preparedness means taking action now. Evacuate early, pack a go-bag with essentials, keep your vehicle fueled up and ready to roll (facing out!), and sign up for the local emergency alert system. In the event of an evacuation, take only one vehicle if possible (carpool family members) to reduce traffic. Be sure to drive with headlights on in smoke and keep windows up and vents closed (or on recirculate) if driving through smoky areas.2  Bring your cell phone and text a friend or relative letting them know you left. Phone lines may be overloaded, but texts often go through. Every step you take now could make all the difference later. Pinehaven’s fire road is not a certified public evacuation route, but a limited-access path for emergency personnel. In a dire situation with no other exit, it may be the only option, but only with extreme caution, as it was not designed or maintained for general public use. You can download helpful PDF evacuation checklists at this link.

• Online subscription at this link: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/48F38BC14956.
• Phone call. Call the La Veta dispatch and ask them to add your cell phone to the notification network to receive emergency alerts. Call 719-738-1044.