As Spain faces 20 major wildfires this August, reduced investment in prevention has come under scrutiny. Prevention spans education, controlled burns, clearing, grazing, and smart tech. In this episode we interview Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Dryad Networks, and Thomas Watteyne, Research Director at Inria, and explore the different smart solutions that can help prevent fires from growing and spreading. Watch the full episode on: kurrant.com/originals/preven… #AI #wildfires #smartcities #IoT #sensors #drones #satellites @Pano_AI , @ALERTCalifornia , @ALERTWestCams , @N5SensorsInc , @MoragaOrindaFD , @ADI_News , @zonehaven

Dear Members of the Colorado Springs City Council, Westside Watch strongly opposes the ADU Ordinance intended to comply with HB24-1152 which we testified against in the last legislative session as part of a statewide coalition of neighborhoods. Colorado Springs, as a home rule city, has the authority to reject this state-mandated policy. Enacting it would be a gross dereliction of duty, prioritizing developer profits over the safety and welfare of our residents. The so-called “housing crisis” being used to justify this ordinance is a farce. We are not underbuilt; we are overbuilt. Vacancy rates for multi-family units (MFUs) in downtown Colorado Springs are at 24.7% (YTD average for January-November 2024), with a citywide rate of 12.7%, signaling an oversupply of housing. Rental and sales inventory continues to climb as businesses close, making the housing surplus even more evident. Developers are seeking to profit from building 300-square-foot homes priced at $300,000, despite a lack of demand, pushing unsustainable inventory levels higher. With stagnant population growth (just 2,410 new residents in 2024) and declining fertility rates, Colorado Springs cannot support this kind of reckless overdevelopment. These games for developers must stop. This ordinance is not about solving a housing crisis; it is about creating a new revenue stream for developers at the expense of public safety and long-term sustainability. The fire risks and evacuation challenges in Colorado Springs cannot be overstated. In blue-sky conditions, evacuation times for our city already exceed 8.5 hours—an unacceptable figure in wildfire-prone areas. To densify housing and add further strain to our evacuation infrastructure is nothing short of irresponsible. The ADU Ordinance, combined with the lifting of occupancy limits, allows for density increases of unknown factors. Even if we conservatively estimate a doubling (2X) of current population densities in certain desirable areas, what would that do to the already-untenable 8.5-hour evacuation times we face today? How much longer would it take to evacuate every home and address in the event of an emergency? Fire Chief Randy Royal has the authority to say no to increased density in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). He needs to demand evacuation modeling to show the real impact of these decisions. This is not rocket science, and in fact, Colorado Springs has done this modeling before in 2010. It’s time to mandate evacuation modeling and reporting of times and impact on development to meet today’s challenges. Evacuation modeling does not stop development—it saves lives. It helps prevent catastrophic outcomes like we have witnessed in the Paradise Camp Fire, the Lahaina fire, and now the Los Angeles fires. In the Palisades Fire, residents were trapped in gridlocked traffic on narrow roads. Cars backed up for miles, water supplies ran out, and people were forced to abandon their vehicles and run for their lives. Tragically, 24 lives and counting have been lost in the LA fires, despite evacuation alerts and zoned plans. As you consider to further densify already non-survivable evacuation routes, consider these: From the Paradise Camp Fire, "I ran to the car in front of me, and it was my best friend. Her car was melting. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't save her." From the Pacific Palisades Fire telling residents to run for their lives: Police officer: "Get out of your car if you want to live." (What do elderly people on walkers do?) A friend of Westside Watch co-founder, Dana Duggan, reports his family's Pacific Palisades estate that burned to the ground was not notified - no alerts came. The citizens were on their own, and it was a disaster. LA uses Zonehaven which is terrific in normal conditions, but the widespread failures and strain on communications in these dire fires is a repeated theme. People need their maps with multiple routes identified, their times and the impact to development to those times. These tragedies will happen here in Colorado Springs. Allowing further housing densification in areas already struggling with insufficient egress would make a deadly scenario inevitable. Have we learned nothing from these devastating losses? Westside Watch urges you to stand firm against this ordinance and assert our rights as a home rule city and fight the law in the courts demanding sanity when it comes to mandating dangerous densification that traps people. Colorado Springs cannot afford to gamble with lives or the future of our community. Egress is all that matters in dire fires. Lives depend on it. Evacuation modeling is a lifesaving tool, not a roadblock to progress. Continuing to trap citizens in unsafe conditions is political malpractice. Reject this ordinance and prioritize public safety above all else. Sincerely, Westside Watch Board of Directors -- westsidewatch.org

Despite the cold weather conditions locally, the devastating fires in Southern California have provided a harsh reminder that we all need to remain ready for wildfire throughout the year, not only in the warmer months. There are actions you can take throughout the year to increase your level of personal preparedness for a wildfire and increase wildfire resiliency in the Fremont community, regardless of where you live or the type of dwelling you reside in. Here are a few key wildfire preparedness tips to keep in mind: Make a Wildfire Action Plan Creating a well-thought-out Wildfire Action Plan is important for every family, regardless of where you live. Customize your plan to address specific family needs and situations, ensuring everyone is prepared long before a wildfire begins. Your Wildfire Action Plan should include: · Meeting point: A preselected meeting location outside high-risk areas to determine who has evacuated from the affected area. · Several escape routes: Multiple escape routes, known to everyone in your household. Practice these routes often so your loved ones know where to go. · Animal arrangements: Specific arrangements for pets and larger animals like horses and other livestock. · Communication plan: A family communication strategy names someone outside of the area to be the main point of contact for all family members in case you get separated or have difficulty with phone connectivity. To download a free Wildfire Action Plan for your household, visit CAL FIRE's Wildfire is Coming. Are You Ready? Create a Wildfire Action Plan: readyforwildfire.org/prepare… Prepare an Emergency ‘Go Bag’ Make an Emergency ‘Go Bag’, or an emergency supply kit for each person in your family long before any wildfire or disaster. Make sure it’s accessible for quick evacuation and prepare for the possibility of being away from home for an extended period of time. Each ‘Go Bag’ should be easy to locate and carry. Use backpacks to store items like basic necessities and copies of personal documents. For food and water, consider a wheeled tub or mobile container that allows for easier transport. Keep your bag light enough to carry or for comfortable lifting into a vehicle. Items to consider for your Emergency ‘Go Bag’ include: · A 3-day supply, at minimum, of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person · A map with at least two evacuation routes · Necessary prescriptions or medications · A change of comfortable clothes and extra eyeglasses/contact lenses · Extra car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks · A first aid kit and sanitation supplies · A flashlight and battery-powered radio with extra batteries · Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, housing records, legal paperwork, etc.) · Pet food and water Always have sturdy shoes and a flashlight near your bed, ready for sudden night or early morning evacuations. Review Your Insurance Coverage When is the last time you reviewed your insurance policy? Do you know what damage is covered by your insurance when a disaster strikes? It’s important to make a practice of reviewing your home and/or business insurance policies on a regular basis to ensure you have the right coverage to meet your needs. Here are essential insurance tips to think about as you develop your Wildfire Action Plan: Complete an Insurance Check-Up: · Contact your insurance agent for an annual policy checkup · Update your policy after completing home improvements · Ensure your policy includes key coverages like extended replacement cost, annual inflation adjustment, increased living expenses coverage, and building code coverage · Verify the accuracy of your home’s details in your policy, such as square footage and home finishes · Consider purchasing renters insurance if you’re renting · Keep homeowners insurance active, even if your home is paid off · Add coverage to your auto policy for post-wildfire vehicle replacement Create a Home Inventory: · Use your cellphone to record video of each room and garage for a home inventory · Describe items in detail, including in drawers and closets · Record purchase details of large appliances and furniture · Note expensive or special items (jewelry, collections, etc.) · Photograph or save receipts for big purchases · Store your inventory list offsite or in the cloud Sign up for Emergency Alerts Wildfires can move quickly and may require City or other emergency officials share critical updates with you. Ensure that you and your loved ones have registered to receive local text, email, and/or phone updates via: · Nixle Alerts from the Fremont Fire Department and @FremontPD by texting your zip code to 888777 · AC Alert emergency notifications in Alameda County by visiting alamedacountyca.gov/emergenc… · Genasys Protect (formerly known as Zonehaven) is an emergency communications platform with standardized evacuation zones established for all of Fremont, the entire County of Alameda, and many communities throughout the state. Take a moment to become familiar with your evacuation zone by visiting protect.genasys.com/searchto locate your zone. Wildfire won’t wait! The steps you take to prepare, prevent, and minimize damage of wildfires now, the better off you and your loved ones will be. To review additional emergency preparedness tips, visit fremont.gov/residents/emerge… If you’re someone who is Ready for Wildfire and would like to learn more about helping your neighbors during a disaster and participating in an upcoming Community Emergency Response Team training in @Fremont_CA, please visit fremont.gov/government/depar… for more info.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings Issued in Los Angeles Los Angeles County officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for the following 15 zones due to dangerous conditions: LOS-Q0767 (Los Angeles proper) MAL-C111-A and MAL-C111-B (Malibu coastal/canyon areas) RMB-U030-A (Rambla Pacifico region in Malibu) SSM-U010-A and SSM-U010-B (Santa Monica foothills/hillsides) TOP-U001 through TOP-U009 (Topanga Canyon areas) Residents in these zones are urged to leave immediately for their safety. In addition, evacuation warnings have been announced for the following 19 zones, advising residents to be ready to go at a moment’s notice: CAL-C405 through CAL-C415 (Calabasas and surrounding hills) DRY-U026 (Dry Canyon/Cold Creek area near Malibu–Calabasas border) MAL-C111-A and MAL-C112 (Malibu coastal/mountain areas) MTN-U028 (Interior Santa Monica Mountains) RMB-U030-A and RMB-U030-B (Rambla Pacifico, Malibu hills) RRC-U027 (Red Rock Canyon/Old Topanga region) SDP-U029 (Sepulveda Pass and surrounding neighborhoods) Evacuation Center For anyone affected, an evacuation center has been set up at: Westwood Recreation Center 1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90025 This shelter provides resources, temporary relief, and official assistance for displaced residents. Important Reminders Zone codes (e.g., MAL, TOP, CAL) represent specific geographic areas used by local emergency services (often via tools like Zonehaven). Boundaries can change quickly based on real-time conditions; follow all official updates for the latest instructions. If you are under a mandatory evacuation order, leave now. If you are in a warning zone, stay prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen. For more information and real-time updates, monitor official LA County channels and local emergency management websites. Stay safe and heed the guidance of first responders.

KNOW YOUR ZONE! The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, want to remind everyone about the GENASYS PROTECT (formerly Zonehaven). With the recent occurrence of wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes and potential for any emergency where evacuation warnings or orders become necessary, knowing your zone and how to use the zone map beforehand is an easy step to increase your emergency preparedness. This evacuation platform is designed to keep residents informed by providing real-time information about any significant emergencies where evacuation warnings or orders could occur. Locate your zone today by visiting protect.genasys.com See the flyer for more details and instructions on how to locate your zone. You can also download the GENASYS PROTECT mobile app (IOS and Android), and "follow" your zone to receive an alert if the status of your zone changes.

#HillsFIRE [UPDATE]: EVACUATION ORDER IN PLACE: Zonehaven RVC 1283 North of Falcon View Lane South of Juniper Flats Road East of Alicante Drive West of Minton Road Care and reception center: Tahquitz High School 4425 Titan Trail San Jacinto, CA Search Zone 1283 at this link: protect.genasys.com/fullscre…

Thank you to @Sonoma_Tech, @UCBerkeley, CloudFire Inc., @FehrAndPeers, & Zonehaven for your incredible work on this project!

Know your Zone #ZoneHaven. Visit northcountyfire.gov for more safety information.

Can you input her address into Zonehaven? ImYou’ll also see the code for the zone where she lives - it is how the counties/sheriffs issue evacuation alerts and watches snd warnings.

Understand what an Evacuation Warning for Storm Events means! #BePrepared #SMCAlert @GenasysInc @SSFFire @CAgovernor @ListosCA @zonehaven

We're using Genasys Protect, previously known as Zonehaven, to keep communities informed & safe during emergencies including evacuations & other hazards. Visit protect.genasys.com or download the mobile app to gather accurate, location-specific information during emergencies.

If you’re here, come see me 😀@CAL_FIRE @SMFDinfo @LACOFD @centralmarinfd @CALFIRERRU @zonehaven @GenasysInc

Sign up to ZoneHaven to receive alerts #ZoneHaven. Visit northcountyfire.org for more safety information.

Siskiyou County continues enhancing its emergency preparedness with Genasys Protect, formally called Zonehaven. This allows real-time access to evacuation maps via ZoneHaven.#CALFIRESKU2023

Join ZoneHaven for emergency updates #ZoneHaven. Visit northcountyfire.org for more safety information.

🚀 Exciting news! Camp Verde is teaming up with Zonehaven for smarter evacuations in Yavapai County. 🏞️ Enhanced safety and coordination during emergencies are on the horizon! 🌟 #EmergencyPreparedness #CommunityEfforts 🚨🔗

Updated evacuation information: The 3-5 acres #CreekFire 1070 Block of Clayton Creek Rd, #LowerLake, #LakeCounty #CA Air attack reports the fire has slowed significantly, still about 5-7 acres. Most of the heat present on the fire is within the black (already burned areas) with some air tankers being put on a load and hold at their respective air bases Evacuation Orders LOW-169 Evacuation Warnings LOW-160 LOW-161 LOW-167 Evacuation Notes Genasys (formerly ZoneHaven): protect.genasys.com/ This map is already set to this location protect.genasys.com/search?z… Thanks to Nick Russell @watchdutyapp share.watchduty.org/i/12174 Lake County Fire and Law broadcastify.com/webPlayer/3… 🇺🇸🔥

Stay informed during an emergency Register for AC Alert to subscribe to receive important notifications during an emergency. Visit Genasys Protect (formerly Zonehaven Aware) to know your zone and evacuation status during emergencies. Learn more: bit.ly/2XfG177

CAL FIRE SKU is on Linktree - a one stop location for CAL FIRE & Siskiyou County information. Scan the QR code below or visit linktr.ee/calfiresku to get information on Zonehaven, Alert California, Siskiyou County OES & Sheriff's Office, road conditions, & more! Check it out!

8.16 1735 #highwayfire in #NevadaCounty @NevCoSheriff has an incident page. If you have a phone/tablet the Genasys (Zonehaven) app seems to be working ok as well. (Computer interface is glitchy big time today)