By Christina Lakish.
As we transition into cooler weather and prepare for winter, we hope that your household is warm and well for the holidays.
We’d like to take this opportunity to offer some reminders of winter and indoor fire safety tips:
- Make sure space heaters are a safe distance from flammable materials.
- Be cautious when tending and lighting wood-burning stoves. Ensure that the materials
immediately surrounding the stove are not combustible, including flooring. - Read safety specifications on extension cords. Incorrect use of extension cords can
result in overheating and cause fires. - Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every room of your home and check
them monthly. Change the batteries annually, even if tests work properly. - Ensure that gas appliances are properly installed and vented to avoid carbon monoxide
poisoning.
It is important to remember that, even though the weather isn’t as warm, and we get the occasional snowfall, that wildfire season does not really end anymore. Climate change, and prolonged drought conditions mean that we are still at significant risk for wildfire even in the winter. Please continue to be cautious with ignition sources both indoors and outdoors.
The Association has put in place a ban on outdoor burning in the Chalets, Grants, and Mobile Home Estates, due to these ongoing dangerous conditions. Please do not conduct any outdoor open burning activities. Contained fires (such as barbeques, grills, kivas, outdoor fireplaces, etc.) are okay so long as 3 forms of extinguishment are immediately available such as fire extinguishers, water source or shovels. The Baca Grande Fire Department is revising the burn site permitting process and inspection protocols in the meantime, and when the burn ban is lifted, we will make permits available to members.
Please call the Baca Grande Association offices for further information. (719)256-4171.
We are pleased to announce that the Baca Grande Property Owners Association Firewise status has exceeded the requirements for funding spent on wildfire prevention activities. The Firewise Committee is working on public education and outreach efforts. The Firewise Committee and the Association would like to invite you to a double feature film screening of “Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire” on Saturday, Dec 16, 3 p.m. After this powerful film, we will lighten the mood with a showing of Elf. Bring your favorite chair, blanket, and movie-watching accessories and we hope to see you there.
We wish you all a joyous holiday season, no matter how you celebrate. Stay warm and stay safe.