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Community Wildfire Protection: Increasing Water Resources

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Communities need to assess their ability to protect the residents and homes in their area in the event of a wildfire. One way to reduce the risk of wildfire impact in a community is to have immediate access to water for firefighters to use. Water is critical to fire suppression, whether it’s a structure fire, or a wildland fire. Winter Park Highlands HOA has achieved this goal by installing cisterns strategically throughout their community.

Many years ago, the founding members of the board of Winter Park Highlands had the foresight to build a pond to provide water to their local fire departments in the event of a fire. This process included working closely with the water authorities and was simpler to accomplish when there was more land in the community than homes. This pond can also be used for helicopter dipping. This was a great first step in allowing firefighters to fight a house fire, but the pond’s proximity to the overall community was insufficient and additional capacity was needed as the community continued to develop.


As more homes were built, the community recognized the need for adequate, additional water resources to increase the survivability of homes in the neighborhood. Cisterns would provide the right water resource for increased fire protection. The cisterns in Winter Park Highlands are large underground chambers that hold water and are connected to hydrants. They provide a consistent water supply without worry of potential freezing. Another benefit of cisterns is that they eliminate the requirement for using existing natural water resources (e.g., ponds, streams, lakes, wells), which may require obtaining water rights.


Community leaders consulted with the fire chief responsible for Winter Park Highlands about the ideal positioning of water resources, considering the placement of existing homes and the narrow, winding roads throughout the community. Winter Park Highland HOA members funded these projects with a combination of additional HOA dues and grant funding.


Winter Park Highlands has now installed a network of four cisterns over the last decade, and they have learned some valuable lessons about these projects. Therefore, they recommend the following steps:

  • Consult with the Fire Department and Road & Bridge for initial assessments and periodically during the project
  • Contract with a project manager for the entire project
  • Ensure that the site you choose is accessible from the highway
  • Find a reputable and qualified contractor/ excavator with cistern installation experience
  • Find a cistern supplier who can deliver the tank in the desired timeline
  • Discuss potential insurance benefits with insurance providers to gain additional engagement within the community
  • Reach out to Grand County Wildfire Council for information on potential grant assistance

Insurance organizations want to see 30,000 gallons to consider it a qualified water supply (250 gallons minimum for 2 hours). Most insurance companies also look for an established water supply within 1000 feet of the home and 5 miles from the nearest fire station to qualify for the best rates.


Winter Park Highlands has reduced its wildfire risk and the risk of surrounding communities by having multiple cisterns and a pond strategically located throughout the community. This provides firefighters with more immediate access to water should a fire occur. If you would like to explore options for your community, please reach out to your local fire department.


Winter Park Highlands is also a Firewise community. Becoming Firewise includes education and mitigation efforts throughout the community to further reduce wildfire risk. Another important step in wildfire risk reduction is reducing the combustible fuels around individual homes, such as removing shrubs, thinning trees, and moving firewood further from the home.


If you are interested in learning more but are not sure where to begin, the Grand County Wildfire Council and our fire district partners offer free wildfire risk assessments for homes and communities where you will learn about your home's and community’s specific wildfire vulnerabilities. Please reach out to your local fire district or get in touch with Grand County Wildfire Council.

 

Bob Colosimo, Firewise Resident Leader, Winter Park Highlands
Sue Hagerty, Education Committee Co-Chair, Grand County Wildfire Council