Complied by Angie Robbins and Lisa Coalwell Let's face it -- assembling a "Go Bag" for an emergency evacuation isn't fun. It's an in-your-face reminder that a wildfire is a real possibility. It's easier to get started, though, with this quick-and-easy (and effective) "Emergency Supply Kit" list from the Larimer County website. https://www.larimer.gov/emergency/evacuees If you'd like to create a more complete and extensive Go Bag , check out the websites listed below. There

Compiled 3-12-26 by Lisa Coalwell With high winds come possible power outages. Be ready by checking out these resources: Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association's Outage page: https://pvrea.coop/outages-safety/outages/ Sign up for outage alerts Report an outage Check the Outage map: https://pvrea.outagemap.coop/ Larimer County's Power Outage Safety page: https://www.larimer.gov/emergency/power-outage-safety Learn what to do if you or family members depend on energy-dependen

Wildfire preparedness is a community effort, and the residents of Green Mountain Drive recently proved just how effective—and simple—that effort can be. In a fantastic display of neighborhood collaboration, residents banded together to clear hazardous woody debris from their properties, utilizing a valuable resource provided by the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (LFRA): Community Slash Bins . A Neighborhood Success Story The project was a resounding success. Working together,

Colorado is known for its soaring peaks and rugged landscapes, but the foundation supporting our "Colorful Colorado" lifestyle is showing some wear and tear. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Colorado Section recently released its 2025 Report Card for Colorado’s Infrastructure , and the results offer a sobering look at the systems we rely on every day. Here's a compilation from the report, with the ASCE's comments and suggestions: Overall, Colorado received a C-

From Rocky Mountain PBS: Homeowners in Colorado face difficult decisions when it comes to insuring their home. With increasing fires and more intensive hail, Rocky Mountain PBS and Colorado Public Radio look into the looming crisis — and what the state government is doing to address it. Click here to watch the 26-minute video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=50g8k7FaLOE&t=48s Here is an AI summary of the video: This video, titled  "Undercovered: Colorad

The following message is from Josh Roberts   Mitigation Coordinator / EOC Planning Section Chief. Larimer County is officially now accepting applications  for the 2026 Community Mitigation Grant (CMG) program. The Community Mitigation Grant program is designed to spark grassroots efforts  for mitigation activities. By focusing on the neighborhood scale, this program helps build vital momentum for long-term risk reduction work across our community. Program Details & Eligibilit

When a fire breaks out, every second counts. You reach for your fire extinguisher, pull the pin, and squeeze the lever—but nothing happens. This is a nightmare scenario that is entirely preventable. According to the safety experts at the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (LFRA) , ensuring your fire extinguisher is properly serviced and recharged is a critical component of home and business safety. In this post, we’ll break down why recharging is necessary and how to ensure your

Wildfire mitigation is crucial for our community. Creating and maintaining "defensible space" around structures is the single most effective action we can take to protect our properties. The Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (LFRA) is now providing us with a new way to get slash out of our community. The Community Slash Bin Program When you thin out dense vegetation, remove dead trees, or clear brush from your property, you are left with a large amount of material (slash) that m

The following news release is from the US Forest Service. FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Nov. 14, 2025) – Fire managers on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are preparing for pile burning season this winter. Current and forecasted weather conditions may create favorable pile burning conditions over the next several months.   Pile burning is a type of prescribed fire that helps remove woody debris from the forests, reducing the potential of more impactful, unplanned fire activ

Mark your calendars! The Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW) is excited to host a free public screening of the powerful documentary, "Fire Lives Here."  This is more than just a film—it's an intimate look at the forces that shape our beloved Colorado Front Range and a crucial conversation about living with wildfire in our beautiful region. The Film: Fire as a Force of Renewal In the wake of devastating wildfires, it's easy to see fire only as a threat. However, "F

Larimer County recently hosted a public engagement workshop via webinar on October 9th , providing insight into the ongoing update of the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. If you missed the virtual meeting, here are the key takeaways on why this structured planning process is vital for building a more prepared and resilient community. What is Hazard Mitigation and Why Costs Are Rising At its core, Hazard Mitigation  is defined as sustained action taken to reduce or

On our most recent GMRS Community Net, our Net Control discussed a tragic reminder of nature's swift, unforgiving power. Two young, experienced elk hunters, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko , both 25, were found deceased in the rugged San Juan Wilderness after a lightning strike. Authorities confirmed they were likely killed instantly, found below a tree. This heartbreaking event underscores a vital truth: no outdoor activity is worth risking your life when thunder is near.  Whil

Wildfires are an increasingly devastating threat, particularly in communities like Pinewood Lake, where human development meets wildland vegetation. As these fires grow in intensity and frequency, ensuring community safety becomes paramount. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is at the forefront of this challenge, developing crucial guidance, methodologies, and research to protect lives and property. Let's explore some of their vital work. ESCAPE: Guidi

Help Build a More Resilient Larimer County! Larimer County is no stranger to challenges, and building a strong, prepared community is key to navigating future uncertainties. That's why the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has launched its 2025 Community Resilience Survey, and they need your input! Take the Larimer County Community Resilience Survey today! Larimer County Resilience Survey This vital survey is designed to gather community perspectives on what

The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, but in our beautiful mountain community, it's crucial to remember the serious hazards that fireworks pose, particularly concerning wildfires. Below are some tips on being safe, rules for fireworks in Larimer County and public places where you can celebrate safely. The Dangers of Fireworks in our Mountain Community The dry conditions prevalent in mountainous terrain during the summer months create an extreme fire risk. Even seeming

Welcome to the final week of Wildfire Awareness Month! We've covered understanding our risk, preparing our homes and families, and the power of community action. This week, we're focusing on something incredibly important: the actions each and every one of us can take to prevent wildfires from starting in the first place.  Remember, a significant number of wildfires are human-caused, meaning they are preventable. Let's all be responsible and become spark stoppers! Outdoor Act

Welcome back to Wildfire Awareness Month! For the past two weeks, we've focused on understanding individual risk and preparing our homes and families. This week, we're shifting our focus outward to the power of collective action: community actions to prepare for wildfire . Wildfire preparedness isn't just an individual responsibility; it's a community-wide effort that can significantly enhance our overall safety and resilience. Why Community Preparedness Matters Wildfires don

Check out the YouTube recording on Firewise Landscaping and Managing Your Defensible Space , hosted by our neighbor, Kathy Maher: In this presentation, Kevin Lyles , a Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist , shares his expertise on creating fire-resilient properties. With over 25 years of experience as a professional landscape architect, Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge from designing open spaces, parks, trails, and native landscapes. In 2023, he further applied his pass

Living amidst the breathtaking beauty of our mountain community comes with a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to natural disasters. Fire, floods, and other emergencies can strike with little warning, and while individual preparedness is crucial, the strength of our community lies in our ability to support one another. That's where the power of a "Buddy System"  comes in. Imagine a network of neighbors – your trusted "buddies" – who you can rely on and who

Welcome back to Wildfire Awareness Month! Last week, we emphasized the importance of knowing your risk. This week, we're moving on to the crucial next step: preparing your home and family for wildfire . Taking proactive steps now can significantly increase your chances of safety and minimize damage. Protecting Your Home: Creating Defensible Space Defensible space is the buffer zone around your home that you clear of vegetation and flammable materials. This space can slow or s