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Summit County fire departments alert residents about wildfire drills next week

Summit County firefighters will conduct wildfire-response drills in three neighborhoods around the community next week to sharpen their preparation for summer.

The drills will take place in the Gold Hill neighborhood between Breckenridge and Frisco on Monday, in the Pebble Creek neighborhood north of Silverthorne on Thursday and in the Bill’s Ranch neighborhood near Frisco on Friday.

Residents will see firefighting equipment and firefighters in wildfire gear doing training and should use caution when driving near them. The agencies don’t anticipate delays or obstructions to normal traffic.



Fire crews may use artificial smoke to simulate a wildfire, and residents may be contacted as if they were being evacuated, but residents should not call 911.

Firefighters will observe all traffic laws during the drills and will not use sirens and flashing lights on their vehicles.



The exercises will be jointly conducted by the county’s three fire departments ­— Copper Mountain Fire Department, Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue and Red, White and Blue Fire Protection District — and the High Country Training Center.

The annual wildfire drills, which also will enlist the participation of U.S. Forest Service firefighters and Summit County Communications dispatchers, are a good opportunity for fire crews to refresh their skills and renew their familiarity with residential subdivisions as wildfire season begins.

The drills also are a good reminder to residents to clear vegetation and flammable materials away from their homes, prepare evacuation kits and discuss emergency planning with their families.

If you have any questions about being adequately prepared for a wildfire, please contact your local fire department for a free review.


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