Rio Grande County Emergency Management

03/27/2026

What is the Home Ignition Zone?

The concept of the home ignition zone was developed by retired USDA Forest Service fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s, following some breakthrough experimental research into how homes ignite due to the effects of radiant heat. The HIZ is divided into three zones.

Immediate, intermediate and extended zone.

Today we’re going more in depth on the immediate zone.

▪️Immediate Zone▪️

The home and the area 0-5’ from the furthest attached exterior point of the home; defined as a non-combustible area. Science tells us this is the most important zone to take immediate action on as it is the most vulnerable to embers. START WITH THE HOUSE ITSELF then move into the landscaping section of the Immediate Zone.

▪️Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers.

▪️Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember pe*******on.

▪️Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8 inch metal mesh screening.

▪️Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers.

▪️Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

▪️Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles – anything that can burn. Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.

Looking for more information today? Visit our website at https://www.southforkfirerescue.com/community-wildfire-protection-plan/

03/27/2026

The last several days we’ve been talking about the ignition zone. Today we will summarize it in the attached graphic.

Looking for more information? Visit our website at https://www.southforkfirerescue.com/community-wildfire-protection-plan/

03/19/2026

It's hot! It's dry! And the winds are going to increase on Saturday. PLEASE, avoid activities which could start a wildfire! With the super dry conditions, even light winds can cause rapid rates of fire spread. For Safety tips go to: weather.gov/safety/wildfire

03/05/2026

Thank you for the recognition 🙏

Emergency managers representing the San Luis Valley were honored in February during the annual conference in Loveland.

02/18/2026

❄WINTER TRAVEL ALERT ❄ | ROAD CLOSURE US 160 Wolf Creek Pass

⛔️ Wolf Creek Pass Closed ⛔️

⚠️UPDATE - 2:15 p.m. (2/18) - US 160 Wolf Creek Pass is CLOSED ⛔️due to hazardous winter driving conditions and safety concerns.

📲Check COtrip.org for road conditions, closures and updates.

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⚠ Today, noon to 1:30 p.m. - CLOSURE on Wolf Creek Pass for winter maintenance opertations.

Crews will perform safety-critical winter maintenance operations today (2/18/26) on Wolf Creek Pass, between Treasure Falls and the ski area (Mile Points 157 to 167). Beginning at noon, motorists can expect a lengthy closure for about one hour.

This 90-minute closure is approximate as the length may depend on various factors including successful snow removal operations and severity of avalanche danger.

📲Check COtrip.org for road conditions, closures and updates

02/16/2026

Strong winds will occur over all of the region Tuesday. Gusts of 65-70 mph across the San Luis Valley and eastern plains, and up to 75-80 mph for the higher elevations, are expected, producing areas of blowing dust, potential damage to trees and power lines, and difficult travel for high-profile vehicles. In addition, humidity values dropping down to 10% for much of area, coupled with very dry fuels, will mean broad areas of critical fire weather conditions. Stay tuned as Tuesday will be a very active day with forecast updates likely!

02/16/2026

The National Weather Service in Pueblo has issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from 11 AM this morning to 6 PM MST this evening.

02/09/2026

Prescribed Burn Planned at Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge,
Monday Feb. 9ᵗʰ – Friday Feb.13ᵗʰ

ALAMOSA, Colo. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) plans to conduct prescribed burn operations on the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge to improve wildlife habitat.
Professional fire personnel from the Service, along with additional state and federal agencies, will conduct fire operations and safety monitoring. Weather and circumstances permitting, prescribed burns will take place the week of February 9ᵗʰ - February 13ᵗʰ, 2026.

For up-to-date information, please check the refuge website https://fws.gov/refuge/monte-vista or contact Alamosa and Monte Vista Assistant Refuge Manager Dean Lee (719) 589-4021, or Fish and Wildlife Administrator Mike Oldham (719) 434-
4939.

02/03/2026

Come join us this Saturday!