Could better planning have mitigated commercial and residential devastation from the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire?
A new report created by the Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) Coalition may have an answer. Titled, "Lessons from Waldo Canyon," the FAC analysis provides information about specific vulnerabilities leading to the destruction of nearly 350 homes in Colorado Springs, Colorado in June, 2012. In addition to reviewing the circumstances surrounding the wildfire, the FAC Coalition offers guidance to communities situated in wildfire-prone areas about how to reduce wildfire damage.
"Property insurers are extremely concerned about wildfire, particularly with current severe drought conditions in the western United States," says Julie Rochman, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) president and CEO. "The useful post-disaster field research findings in the Waldo Canyon report provide critical insights for property owners."
Among other mitigation practices, the FAC Coalition recommends creating and maintaining effective defensible space around homes and businesses and using ignition-resistant construction techniques. To access the full report and the organization's complete list of recommendations, click here.
Though there is room for improvement from a loss control standpoint, experts are quick to point out measures already in place that proved effective in one of Colorado's most horrific disasters to date:
"The damage would have been worse in Colorado Springs if not for the mitigation practices used in this area, including programs to reduce flammable vegetation surrounding the community and instituting a program that facilitated installation of Class A roof coverings when wood-shake roof coverings were replaced," explains Dr. Steve Quarles, IBHS senior scientist and wildfire expert.
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