County advances Emergency Operations Plan, seeks better wildfire sensors and radios after Lee Fire

Rio Blanco County emergency manager Rich updated the Board of Commissioners on the county's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and wildfire preparedness at the April 28 meeting.

Rich said the EOP has grown into a large, state-required document tied to the hazard mitigation plan and continuity-of-operations; he is working to streamline the primary plan to roughly 75 pages and assemble actionable appendices and checklists for departments. He outlined immediate plans to train Road & Bridge staff (ICS courses) and to develop Community Animal Rescue Team protocols and an election safety plan for events at county facilities.

Commissioners and staff discussed post-Lee Fire risks, including runoff, flood damage and the need for better observation infrastructure. The National Weather Service (Grand Junction) toured burn areas and has expressed interest in stationing targeted radio sensors to capture localized rainfall and provide early warnings; BLM sensors and private partners already supply some data. Commissioners also discussed satellite and infrared detection technologies and a camera video of an advancing fire shown at a Club 20 presentation.

Road-and-bridge staff reported submitted billing packets for reimbursement totaling approximately $143,498.63 and were told processing times can vary. Rich said he will pursue coordinated trainings and work with regional partners and grant writers for mitigation and safety-plan funding.