Colorado Wildfire Expert Offers Preparedness Tips, Suggests Hardening Homes [INTERVIEW]

Pat Durland called in from Black Forest, Colorado to Lubbock's First News Friday (July 17) discussing wildfires and wildfire safety tips.

Durland has more than a 40-year history dealing with wildfires. Black Forest is the site of Colorado's worst wildfire in the state's history back in June of 2013.

Durland suggested that the most important thing people can do is prepare.

"With all of the natural elements we deal with -- tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods -- the wildfire is the one that responds best to what we call pre-event mitigation," said Durland. "That's largely stuff homeowners can do around their house by hardening their home. Treating their landscape and keeping it lean, clean and green around the house."

If people were to get trapped in their home during a wildfire, hardening their homes could be a lifesaver. Otherwise, it is best not to wait too long to get out of the area of a wildfire.

"Life is important. The rest of it is just stuff," said Durland.

Listen to the entire interview with Pat Durland in the video above.

Tune in to Lubbock’s First News with Tom Collins and Laura Mac each weekday morning from 6 to 8:30 a.m. on News/Talk 790 KFYO or online at KFYO.com.