Colorado Facing High Fire Warnings: To begin with, I want to ensure everyone that we do NOT currently have fires threatening any of our managed homes. But we want to be ready for that possibility.
Drought
We’ve had an extremely dry winter, so we're already seeing high fire danger on a regular basis. In fact, we've had more fires than I can count just within the past 2 months - some of which have destroyed property. Yesterday alone, there were at least 8 fires in our area and the worst one is still burning last night with 0% containment and at least 10 buildings damaged. Fortunately, this fire was South of even our furthest South properties but it's become increasingly clear that we are likely in for a rough fire season. In fact, many are suggesting that this will be the worst fire season on record since 2012/2013.
Preparing your Property
Owners
Those of you that had property in Colorado Springs during that time will recall the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires. After going through those, we want to be as proactive as possible. I'm planning on reaching out to a Fire Mitigation company to look into what they may be able to provide to our interested clients for defensible space. If you are an owner and would potentially be interested in having a fire mitigation company assess your property, please email Matt at: matt@all-seasons.com. I'm hoping to be in contact with a company by early next week, and if I have a list of owners that are potentially interested in this service, perhaps we can get discounted rates or at least get our bulk of properties addressed ASAP. I am concerned that these companies are already booking up.
Tenants
If you are a tenant, we're sure you have heard that El Paso County is now under Stage II Fire Restrictions. This is of no surprise with the regular fires we are seeing in our area. Please ensure you are not doing ANY outdoor burning to include but not limited to outdoor cooking, fire pits, etc... Smoking is prohibited inside all our properties but please use extreme caution when smoking outdoors and always dispose of cigarette butts properly and only after fully extinguishing. Additionally, if you have not already done so, please ensure you rake up debris/leaves around your home (if you are responsible for the yard work). If yard services are included in your rent and you notice need for yard clean up, please let us know so we can ensure the property is on the landscaper's radar as well.
Notifications
We're hoping we do not experience further catastrophic fires that affect our managed properties. However, if we do, please be sure to keep an eye out for emails from All Seasons, and postings on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (click on these links to follow us). I'm hoping we won't see a major catastrophic fire like we have in the past but I wanted to ensure all of you are aware how we would communicate in those instances. First, you can expect an email alert to give the details we're aware of. Then, if you’re an owner and your property is affected, you will receive another email letting you know. If you are an affected tenant, we will contact you ASAP and ensure you have evacuated,
Water Restrictions
Because of the drought, we will probably see water restrictions this summer. We’ll keep you informed, and do all we can to ensure the yards are not suffering. Again, we will send more details when we learn of any restrictions.
In Closing
If you are an owner, please let me know if you are interested in having a Fire Mitigation/Defensible Space company assess your property. I would highly recommend it if your managed property is located near the mountains and/or grassland. I know some of you have not seen your property, so please don't hesitate to ask for my opinion, which I will give based on the location of your home. Sincerely, Matt Rogers, RMP President/Designated Broker All Seasons, LLC, CRMC (719) 387-4144 matt@all-seasons.com "Southern Colorado's ONLY Certified Residential Management Company!"
