[EAS] Wildfires -- Colorado re-learning the lessons California learned

[Ira Wilner]

That was an extremely fast moving blaze, actually several were likely
sparked by high lines arcing in the high winds which then fanned the rapidly
spreading flames.  Aside from the awful drought conditions turning the whole
place into tinder, these fires are being triggered not by lightning but by
the transmission lines themselves!  I think its high time those lines were
converted into cryogenic underground feeders or proper safety sensors be
installed that will kill the lines upon detecting, among other things, high
winds.  The lines handle too much energy to respond fast enough from arcing!
Indeed, the switchyard can take many minutes to extinguish their switch
arcs!

--Ira

-----Original Message-----
From: EAS [mailto:eas-bounces at radiolists.net] On Behalf Of Sean Donelan
learned

35,000 people evacuated near Boulder Colorado due to wildfires.  No deaths 
reported yet.

No Wireless Emergency Alerts used to notify the public to evacuate in 
those two towns.

Instead, emergency managers posted messages on facebook or twitter, and 
local media. I expect we will re-learn the same lessons. Few members of 
the public follow their local emergency agency facebook accounts before an 
emergency.

Neighboring Summit County (not were the wildfires are) did send a WEA 
about planned local energy company rolling blackouts tonight due 
to damaged infrastructure from the wildfires.