Manitou Springs– As the threat of wildfire looms over Manitou Springs, city officials and residents are joining forces to address fire risk and implement mitigation strategies. The city’s proactive approach, alongside community involvement, is crucial in creating a more fire-adaptive and resilient community.
City-Led Fire Mitigation Efforts
Manitou Springs, working with the Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Fire Departments, has ramped up fire mitigation projects across the city’s open spaces. These efforts include recent fire mitigation at Deer Valley Nature Park and along Bluff Avenue, with more initiatives planned for 2025.
One of the most notable programs is the Neighborhood Chipper Days, spearheaded by the Parks and Recreation Department’s Forestry Division. From April through July, seven neighborhood zones took part in chipping brush piles, resulting in 175 cubic yards of woody biomass being recycled. In total, city staff spent 278 hours working on this initiative, which not only reduced fire hazards but encouraged residents to maintain safer properties.
The city has bolstered its capabilities with two large chippers and one smaller one. While one chipper was recently purchased by the city, the other was provided by the Colorado Springs Fire Department. The addition of this equipment has allowed for greater efficiency in tackling multiple projects simultaneously. For instance, during the Team Rubicon Fire Mitigation Project, one chipper removed 25 cubic yards of brush along Bluff Avenue while another was stationed at Deer Valley Nature Park, where 30 cubic yards of brush were chipped.
Meanwhile, the Manitou Springs Fire Department (MSFD) has focused its mitigation efforts on the city’s reservoir, the sole water source for the community. Over 100 acres near the reservoir have been mitigated to reduce the risk of wildfire, a critical step in protecting the city’s water supply.
Mitigation around the reservoir is complex due to its location on U.S. Forest Service land, where current permits do not allow wildfire management. However, the city is working on a cooperative agreement with the Forest Service to conduct joint fire protection and prevention activities, including prescribed burns and fuel management.
This work has been supported by the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP). Over the last two years, the city invested $87,936 into these efforts, with a state grant through CUSP covering 48% of the total project cost of $169,108.
The MSFD also upgraded its fleet by ordering a Mini-Pumper engine. This agile vehicle is well-suited for the city’s narrow and winding hillside roads, improving the department’s ability to quickly respond to emergencies.
Tools and Resources for Residents
The city’s efforts are complemented by educational resources provided by the MSFD. These include:
- Fire Safety Mailers: Sent to residents and businesses, these offer tips on reducing fire risk.
- Property Assessments: Available upon request, these one-on-one assessments provide personalized advice on mitigating fire hazards.
- Wildfire Mitigation Site Assessment Dashboard: A tool that allows residents to assess firerisks on their properties. The dashboard also encourages community collaboration to create safer neighborhoods. Visit the tool here: https://www.manitouspringsco.gov/503/SiteAssessment—IntroductionRisk-Map.
The MSFD collaborates with regional committees and agencies, including the Colorado Springs Wildland Fire Mitigation Committee and the Pikes Peak Regional Wildland Fire Preparedness Committee, to monitor fuel moisture levels and manage ongoing fire mitigation projects.
Manitou Springs has also partnered with state and federal agencies to treat over 7,000 acres of forest in the watershed. These efforts not only improve water supply sustainability but also enhance fire resilience.
How Residents Can Help
While the city continues to address public lands, residents play a key role in reducing wildfire risk on private property. The MSFD encourages the following measures:
- Clear flammable vegetation: Trim grass, shrubs, and trees, and remove dead vegetation from around your home. Create a defensible space of at least 30 feet.
- Remove debris regularly: Clean leaves and pine needles from roofs, gutters, and around structures.
- Consider fire-resistant landscaping: Plant fire-resistant species with guidance from local experts.
- Maintain firebreaks: Clear vegetation to slow or stop the spread of fire.
- Use Chipper Days: Dispose of large branches and brush safely through the city’s chipping services.
- Be a good neighbor: Work with others to ensure the community is fire prepared.
- Stay informed: Utilize the Wildfire Mitigation Site Assessment Dashboard and attend community meetings on fire safety.
- Have an emergency plan: Prepare a wildfire evacuation plan and ensure all family members know what to do. Additional resources are available here:
https://www.manitouspringsco.gov/501/Wildfire-Mitigation-Site-Assessment.
Looking Ahead
Manitou Springs has faced challenges securing federal grants due to land ownership requirements. Despite this, the city continues to strengthen partnerships with local landowners and businesses to work on projects that benefit the region. Looking forward, the city is updating its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), which will guide future fire mitigation efforts and help secure grants. This comprehensive plan, set for completion as part of the 2025 budget, is being developed in partnership with regional experts and citizens.
As wildfire risks grow, coordinated efforts between the city and residents are crucial. By working together, Manitou Springs can continue to build a fire-adaptive community, ready to face the challenges of future wildfire seasons.
For more information on how to create a fire-safe property or to learn about upcoming mitigation efforts, visit the City’s website at, https://www.manitouspringsco.gov/501/Wildfire-Mitigation-Site-Assessment, or contact the Fire Department directly at (719) 685-1444.
Together, we can protect Manitou Springs from the dangers of wildfire and preserve the safety of our homes and environment for years to come
