Fire Threat Assessment
There are many resources available on the web which can help you understand the level of fire danger currently experienced in the Crystal Lakes area.
Note: Crystal Lakes is located at Latitude 40.847631 and Longitude -105.635613
Fire Danger Map - Observed
A fire danger rating level takes into account current and antecedent weather, fuel types, and both live and dead fuel moisture. For our area, levels of "high" or above are of serious concern. In this case, fire danger rating levels are "observed" meaning that they have already occured (e.g., yesterday's data).
Fire Danger Map - Forecasted
A fire danger rating level takes into account current and antecedent weather, fuel types, and both live and dead fuel moisture. For our area, levels of "high" or above are of serious concern. In this case, fire danger rating levels are "forecasted" meaning that they have not yet occured (e.g., tomorrow's forecast).
Note: The forecast fire danger level is often at or below the actual fire danger.
ERC - Seven Day Forecasts
WFAS developers have been working on a process to use ERC-seven day forecasts from the National Weather Service to estimate future fire danger. These fire danger forecasts are being produced at 6:00 AM Mountain Time each day for the current day and the next six days. Images of the forecast Energy Release Component for Fuel Model G are currently being provided and future enhancements will offer more indices, components and fuel moistures as well as more comprehensive analysis tools.
1000-Hour Fuel Moisture
The 1000-hour fuel moisture measures the moisture levels in dead fuels 3-8" in diameter (ie - dead and down trees), a good indicator of the overall dryness of the area. Levels under 15% are of serious concern. As a comparison, kiln-dried lumber is usually between 10 and 15%.
Haines Index
The Haines Index is a determination of fire hazard based on the stability and moisture content of the lower atmosphere (e.g. how the weather will affect a wildfire). The Haines Index can range between 2 (Very Low Potential) and 6 (High Potential). The drier and more unstable the lower atmosphere is, the higher the index.
Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS)
Data from the RAWS station in Red Feather Lakes is updated several times a day. For the Red Feather/Crystal Lakes area, temperatures above 75 degrees and/or relative humidities below 15% are indicative of conditions in which the potential fire danger is high.
IN AN EMERGENCY
CALL 9-1-1 FOR ASSISTANCE
Warning Sirens
For the safety of the community, Crystal Lakes Associations has evacuations sirens posted throughout the Association. The evacuation siren in case of failure of the dam is located near the Wapiti Mailsheds to cover the floodplain area and sounds like this whoop sound:
MP3 audio file [163.5 KB]
Property owners in the floodplain should evacuate immediately if they hear this siren; all other property owners should remain on their lots, to keep the roads clear for those evacuating the floodplain.
Sirens in ALL parts of the association will sound the fire evacuation siren if a wildfire threatens the community -- it sounds like this alert sound:
MP3 audio file [168.6 KB]
ALL property owners should evacuate IMMEDIATELY if they hear this siren. Emergency personnel will be on hand to help direct evacuating property owners out of the area.
Where to Find Us:
Crystal Lakes Fire Protection District (CLFPD)
237 Blackfoot Road
Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545
970-881-3521 (Phone)
970-881-2085 (Fax)
Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department (CLVPD)
237 Blackfoot Road
Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545
970-881-3521 (Phone)
970-881-2085 (Fax)
Click here for a map.
How to Contact Us
For more information, feel free to contact us by telephone, email, or by using our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!
CL FIRES
CL FIRES is dedicated to education, planning, and support in the areas of fire prevention and safety, wildland fire mitigation, and personal safety in the greater Crystal Lakes Community of Larimer County, Colorado.
Click here to join.
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