Mitigation Corner provides The Link readers with the latest in policy updates on FEMA mitigation programs as well as highlight innovative practices being undertaken across the six Region VIII states.
Mitigation Best Practice: Cedar Heights Saved during Waldo Canyon Fire
Colorado Springs has long recognized their wildfire risk, with a quarter of the population living in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Between 2005 and 2009, the Colorado Springs Fire Department used four FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation grants to reduce fuels (i.e. thin trees and clean up brush) across high risk areas. The projects proved their worth in 2012 when the Waldo Canyon Fire struck the city. Thanks in part to the mitigation work in a neighboring park, the Cedar Heights community of more than 250 homes was saved.
Ceder Heights Mitigation profile at LLIS.gov
Related Resources
- Fire Adapted Communities Mitigation Assessment Team Findings: Lessons Learned from Waldo Canyon
- Colorado Springs Fire Department Wildfire Mitigation Program
- Colorado Springs Waldo Canyon Fire Final After Action Report
- At Home in the Woods: Lessons Learned in the Wildland Urban Interface
- FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program
FEMA Mitigation Policy Updates:
- Minimum Design Standards for Hazard Mitigation Assistance Projects in Flood Hazard Areas (issued April 2014)
- Limits on Subsurface Uses of Hazard Mitigation Assistance Acquired Lands (issued May 2014)
- Eligibility of Flood Risk Reduction Projects under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs (issued June 2014)
- Frequently Asked Questions: Duplication of Programs and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance
For any questions regarding the implementation of the above policies in Region VIII, please contact mike.hillenburg@fema.dhs.gov
Did You Know?
According to an independent study by the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Council, for every $1 spent on mitigation activities, society saves an average of $4! Learn more about FEMA’s mitigation programs.