HomeMy WebLinkAbout20141650.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE 2014 ANNUAL WILDFIRE OPERATING PLAN AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR
TO SIGN
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with the 2014 Annual Wildfire Operating Plan
among the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County
Commissioners of Weld County, between the Weld County Sheriff's Office, Weld County Fire
Chief's Association, the Federal Land Management Agency (USFS, Pawnee National
Grasslands/Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest), and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention
and Control, commencing upon full execution of said plan, with further terms and conditions being
as stated, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said plan, a copy of
which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the 2014 Annual Wildfire Operating Plan among the County of Weld, State
of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, between the
Weld County Sheriff's Office, Weld County Fire Chief's Association, the Federal Land
Management Agency (USFS, Pawnee National Grasslands/Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest),
and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to
sign said plan.
CCU SO 60-0
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2014-1650
EM0016
SO0035
2014 ANNUAL WILDFIRE OPERATING PLAN
PAGE 2
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 2nd day of June, A.D., 2014.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST: CC�� EXCUSED
C/,al & ri. beh0:64, Douglas Rademacher„Chair
Weld County Clerk to the Board •BY: ,,�/�
Barbara Kirkmeyer, ro-Tem
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Sean P. Conway
APP ORM:
Mike Freem
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2014-1650
EM0016
SO0035
2014 WELD COUNTY
ANNUAL OPERATING PLAN
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Page 1 of 18 4.29.14
Contents
PREAMBLE 4
PURPOSE 4
AUTHORITIES 4
RECITALS 5
INTERAGENCY COOPERATION 5
Interagency Dispatch Centers 5
Interagency Resources 5
Standards 6
Agency Roles and Missions 6
PREPAREDNESS 7
Protection Planning 7
Protection Areas and Boundaries 7
Methods of Fire Protection and Suppression 8
Reciprocal (Mutual Aid) Fire Assistance 8
Acquisition of Services 8
Joint Projects and Project Plans 9
Public Use Restrictions 9
Burning Permits 9
Prescribed Fire (Planned Ignitions) and Fuels Management 9
Smoke Management 10
OPERATIONS 10
Fire Notifications 10
Boundary Line Fires 10
Response to Wildland Fire 10
Special Management Considerations 11
Decision Process 11
Cooperation 12
Communication 12
Cost efficiency 12
Delegation of Authority 12
Preservation of Evidence 13
STATE EMERGENCY FIRE FUND (EFF) 13
Page 2 of 18 4.29.14
USE AND REIMBURSEMENT OF INTERAGENCY FIRE RESOURCES 13
Cost Share Plan (Cost Share Methodologies) 13
Training 13
Communication Systems 14
Fire Weather Systems 14
Aviation Operations 14
Cost Recovery 15
GENERAL PROVISIONS 16
Personnel Policy 16
Modification 16
Annual Review 16
Duration of Plan 16
Previous Plans Superseded 16
SIGNATURES 17
WeIdCOUNTY SIGNATURES 17
COLORADO DIVISION OF FIRE PREVENTION & CONTROL SIGNATURE 17
FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY SIGNATURES 18
Page 3 of 18 4.29.14
PREAMBLE
This Annual Operating Plan is pursuant to the "Plan for Cooperative Wildfire Protection in Weld
County" dated April 30, 2004, also known as the State to County Plan. This AOP is also a
component of the Statewide AOP and the "Statewide Cooperative Wildland Fire and Stafford
Act Plan".
PURPOSE
This Annual Operating Plan is applicable to all signatories and will address how the signatories
will implement the State to County Plan. The County may create specific fire district AOP's or
Plans to further define the roles and responsibilities within the County. This plan is not intended
to force or suggest that any signatory operate outside of their legal authority, policies, mission or
business practices. This plan outlines common approaches in wildland fire management as well
as agency specific approaches
AUTHORITIES
• Colorado Statewide Cooperative Wildland Fire Management and Stafford Act
Response Plan Between:
o BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT— COLORADO Plan Number BLM-
MOU-CO-538
o NATIONAL PARK SERVICE — INTERMOUNTAIN REGION Plan Number
F1249110016
o BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS - SOUTHWEST REGION (no plan
number)
o UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE - MOUNTAIN
PRAIRIE REGION
o UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST
SERVICE — ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION Plan Number 11-FI-11020000-
017
• Agreement for Cooperative Wildfire Protection in Weld County, CSFS #109
Dated April 30, 2004
• Colorado Revised Statue, CRS 29-22.5-103, Wildland Fires — General Authority
and Responsibilities
• Colorado Revised Statue CRS 40-30-103 Liability of Railroad Company
Page 4 of 18 4.29.14
RECITALS
National Response Framework activities will be accomplished utilizing engaged partnerships,
tiered response, scalable, flexible and adaptable operational capabilities, unity of effort through
unified command and readiness to act. Situation and damage assessment information will be
transmitted through established fire suppression intelligence channels.
Jurisdictional agencies are responsible for all planning documents (i.e., land use, fire
management plans, mitigation plans) for a unit's wildland fire and fuels management
program per their agency's policy.
Jurisdictional agencies will provide the supervision and support including
operational oversight, direction and logistical support to incident management teams
as outlined in the delegation of authority.
INTERAGENCY COOPERATION
Interagency Dispatch Centers
The designated Interagency Dispatch Center for the Weld County area is, Fort Collins
Interagency Dispatch Center. (970) 295-6800. This center should be utilized for wildland fire
resource requests that cannot be met by the local dispatch center.
Interagency Resources
The USFS may maintain minimal firefighting resources within Weld County. The USFS does
maintain firefighting resources across the Front Range of Colorado that may be requested for
utilization in Weld County as needed. There is no guarantee that USFS resources will be
available.
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) does not have initial attack
DFPC may
responsibility within Weld County. However, y provide state resources under either
P Y
mutual aid or reimbursable conditions. The availability of state resources for firefighting will vary
and is not guaranteed.
Interagency resources must be requested through the Fort Collins Interagency Dispatch Center
(FTC).
FTC can:
• Provide tactical firefighting resources through the interagency mobilization system,
including Engines, Hand Crews and Incident Management Teams.
• Provide support resources including commercial and charter aircraft, heavy equipment,
lowboy transport, miscellaneous mechanized equipment, and fire supplies.
• Provide logistical support including food, lodging, transportation, and facilities.
Page 5 of 18 4.29.14
• Coordinate aircraft requests and tactical aviation resources: air patrol, helicopters, large
and single engine air tankers, temporary flight restrictions and air space closures.
• Provide interagency frequency and communications coordination and portable VHF
radio systems.
• Provide daily fire information reports & intelligence: National, regional, local situation
reports, resource availability.
• Provide prescribed fire support as needed.
• Provide support for private land fires as requested.
Standards
Signatory agencies to this plan will operate under the concepts defined in the Department of
Homeland Security's National Incident Management System (NIMS) and National Wildfire
Coordinating Group (NWCG) guidance.
The agency having jurisdiction has the overall responsibility for that incident. Under State
statute, the County Sheriff and the State may enter into a plan for the State to take management
responsibility.
The standard for wildland fire training and qualifications within Colorado is the NWCG 301-1.
State and Federal employees engaged in firefighting activities will meet the current NWCG
qualification standards at a minimum.
Signatories to this plan may not obligate nor encumber the finances of the other without express
written permission.
Agency Roles and Missions
Weld County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff is the fire warden of the county and is responsible for the planning, and coordination
of efforts to suppress wildfires occurring in the unincorporated area of the county outside the
boundaries of a fire protection district, or that exceed the capabilities of the fire protection district
to control or extinguish in accordance with the provisions of CRS sections 30-10-513.
Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest (ARF) and Pawnee National Grassland (PNG)
The ARF is responsible for all management activities on the Pawnee National Grassland. For
this plan, the primary role of the ARF is wildland fire management, where the protection of
human life is the overriding priority. Selling subsequent priorities will be based on the values to
be protected, human health and safety, and the cost of protection. The ARF can serve in a
support role during structural fire protection operations and may assist in exterior structure
protection measures where wildfires threaten improvements or where structure fires threaten
natural resources.
The USFS ARF maintains minimal firefighting resources within Weld County. The USFS ARF
does maintain firefighting resources in Larimer and Boulder Counties that may be requested for
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utilization in Weld County as needed on the PNG. USFS/ARF resources may also be available
on State, County and Private land, subject to reimbursement.
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
The DFPC is the lead state agency for wildfire. The DFPC will, upon request, aid, support, and
assist the Weld County Sheriff and/or federal agencies on wildland fires within Weld County.
Please note that on July 1, 2012, that all fire functions performed by the Colorado State Forest
Service, were migrated to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control as mandated by
Colorado HB12-1283. As such, all agreements and authorities held by the CSFS also
transferred at this time to DFPC. Any written agreements by and between any other entity and
the CSFS may still be considered to be in effect as written until updated, changed or withdrawn.
PREPAREDNESS
Protection Planning
DFPC—Operates in the role of ESF4 at the State level as outlined in the Colorado Emergency
Operating Plan
DFPC— Develops a Colorado State Preparedness Plan annually
DFPC — Maintains Cooperative Resource Rate Forms (CRRF), provides Cooperator access to
the Incident Qualification System (IQS) and the Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS)
DFPC— Maintains Cooperative Wildfire Plans with each County
DFPC—Assists with provision of wildland fire training to Counties and Cooperating Agencies
DFPC—Administers grants specific to wildland fire suppression
DFPC, USFS and the County— Update the AOP each year
County Sheriffs Office, Office of Emergency Management and the Fire Districts will coordinate
and provides for wildland fire suppression planning
County Sheriff— Enters into plans and AOP's with local fire districts as needed
County Office of Emergency Management will assists with the maintenance of records in ROSS
and WebEOC
Protection Areas and Boundaries
The area described by this plan include all lands within the jurisdictional boundaries of Weld
County, and includes Federal and State lands. A current map of fire protection district
boundaries and response zones will be kept in Weld County Regional Communications Center,
Weld County OEM, Weld County Sheriffs Office and Fort Collins Interagency Dispatch.
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Methods of Fire Protection and Suppression
Weld County has 25 Fire Protection Districts and 2 Municipal Fire Departments that provide
response to most areas of the county. The County does not maintain a regular firefighting force,
but has the ability to provide heavy equipment in support of suppression efforts.
Surrounding Counties have a similar capacity and often provide mutual aid resources to fires
within the county.
Reciprocal (Mutual Aid) Fire Assistance
Mutual aid is defined as assistance provided by a supporting agency or fire protection district at
no cost to the jurisdictional agency. Supporting agencies will voluntarily, or upon request, take
initial attack action in support of the jurisdictional agency. It shall be the responsibility of the
agency performing initial attack to notify jurisdictional agencies if those lands are involved or
threatened. The jurisdictional agency will not be required to reimburse the supporting agency for
costs incurred for the duration of the mutual aid period, unless other arrangements are agreed
upon per CRS 29-5-105 through 29-5-110
Generally, most fire agencies within Weld County have established mutual aid plans. With the
exception of USFS lands, the mutual aid period for wildland fires in Weld County will be twelve
(12) hours from the first notification of the fire to Weld County Communications and will end at
midnight (2400) on the first day. The mutual aid period may be extended or decreased by the
agency having jurisdiction to meet incident objectives. Any change to the mutual aid period must
be agreed upon by all participants at the incident. At the end of the mutual aid period, the
agency having jurisdiction may be responsible for any and all costs occurring after the period.
The Pawnee National Grasslands are not under the mutual aid agreement. All suppression
actions taken by the County or by Fire Departments on the PNG are reimbursable from the start
of the incident under the following conditions:
• The Incident Commander will notify Weld Communications or FTC.
• The IC or responding units will seek a signature from a USFS / PNG representative on a
Crew Time Report or any comparable Fire Department document to verify the response
and resources on scene.
Acquisition of Services
Signatories to this plan agree to utilize established ordering procedures for the acquisition of
services during a wildland fire. This may include the Interagency Dispatch System, or the State
EOC.
In some cases, services may be acquired locally. In such instances, the County will be
responsible for the acquisition and establishment of vendor financial documents. If ordered at
Page 8 of 18 4.29.14
the request of the State or USFS, the County may be reimbursed for the cost of the services
provided.
Joint Projects and Project Plans
Nothing in this plan shall prohibit agencies from entering into joint project plans. There are no
joint wildland fire project plans within Weld County currently for this plan cycle. Standard project
planning and written plans will be utilized when entering into joint projects.
Fire Prevention
Education efforts will be coordinated with partner agencies. Each cooperating agency may
release fire danger information as deemed necessary to enhance public awareness and safety
with regard to the current fire conditions. News releases will be coordinated between
cooperators to lend a unified approach to the current conditions when periods of High to
Extreme fire danger or when red flag warnings are issued. Weld OEM will send notification to
Fire Agencies when a Red Flag Warning is issued.
Public Use Restrictions
The purpose of fire restrictions and closures is to reduce the risk of human-caused fires during
high fire danger and/or burning conditions, and for the protection of human life and property.
Fire restrictions and closures are invoked on federal, state, county, and private lands under
federal, state and local laws. Public information about restrictions must be broad-based, clear
and coordinated.
When contemplating a closure to open burning or lifting of fire bans, all agencies or fire
departments will advise its cooperators of the situation and consider joint action(s) as needed.
In the case of any restrictions on burning or public movements because of extreme fire danger,
either by Governor's proclamation or by local issue, the County Sheriff will be responsible for
enforcement on all non-federal lands, and may assist on other lands at the request of the
appropriate agency.
Burning Permits
Local fire departments may require burn permits. Agricultural and ditch burns may be exempt
from such permitting.. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment issues
and manages burn permits in Weld County. Federal land management agencies are exempt
from these standards.
Prescribed Fire (Planned Ignitions) and Fuels Management
Senate Bill 13-083 directed the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to implement a
prescribed burn program in Colorado, including creating minimum standards for conducting
prescribed burns on any area in the state, except for prescribed burning conducted by an
agency of the federal government, pursuant to Section 24-33.5-1217. To be exempt from these
standards, other users of prescribed fire, including local governments and non-governmental
organizations must adopt or have already adopted guidelines or standards that are in
Page 9 of 18 4.29.14
substantial compliance with the intent of section 24-33.5-1217.5 for prescribed burning under
their control.
Agricultural and ditch burning are exempt from these rules.
Signatory agencies to this plan agree to abide by current laws, rules and standards when
performing prescribed fire activities. The agencies may assist each other in all aspects of
prescribed fire projects.
Smoke Management
The Colorado Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act (CRS 25-7-102) requires every
prescribed fire project to have a smoke permit. Due to changes in policy, procedures,
technology and State air quality standards, the smoke permitting process is subject to
change. For the most up-to-date process and policy refer to the Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division (CDPHE-APCD) website at:
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDPH E-AP/CBO N/1251594943171.
Agricultural and ditch burning are exempt from these rules.
OPERATIONS
Fire Notifications
Generally, reports of wildland fires within Weld County come from the public, through the 911
system into the Weld County Regional Communications Center. The communications center will
then notify the Weld County Sheriffs Office and the appropriate response authority.
For fires occurring on or near the Pawnee National Grasslands, the communication center will
dispatch the closest fire protection district, Weld County Sheriffs Office and, notify the Fort
Collins Interagency Dispatch Center.
The County Sheriffwill notify DFPC of any fire with the potential to escape initial attack
operations or that may require State assistance. This notification will be made through the
Denver CSP Dispatch Center(303) 279-8855.
Boundary Line Fires
When a fire occurs adjacent to, or on both sides of a protection boundary, or threatens another
jurisdiction„ the first arriving unit should establish command. The Jurisdictional authority will be
established as soon as practical.
Response to Wildland Fire
Fires within Weld County will initially be suppressed by the Fire Protection District or Fire
Department having jurisdictional authority. If the fire escapes initial attack, and, with
concurrence of the Fire Chief(or his/her designee) and the County Sheriff(or his/her designee),
the fire exceeds the ability of the local district to suppress; the fire may be transitioned to the
County Sheriff for control.
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If the fire, with concurrence of the County Sheriff(or his/her designee) and a Division of Fire
Prevention and Control, Fire Management Officer, is beyond the ability of the County to
suppress, may transition the fire in part or whole, to the state for management.
All agencies within Weld County will utilize the Incident Command System for wildland
firefighting operations.
Fires occurring on the Pawnee National Grasslands should be responded to by the closest,
most appropriate resource. Suppression actions should be initiated by the first agency to arrive
at the fire. The Incident Commander will ensure that the USFS is notified.
Fire agencies responding to fires within their own jurisdiction may follow their policies on
qualifications and Personal Protective Equipment. Fire Agencies responding outside of the
County in response to a fire managed by the State or Federal Government will comply with
NWCG standards on qualifications and Personal Protective Equipment.
Special Management Considerations
There are many active, oil and gas well sites within Weld County. While not usually at risk of
becoming involved from a grass fire, they do pose a potential health risk to responders. When
operating near these sites, it is advisable to request a representative from the oil or gas
company to provide technical assistance as needed.
Use of roads on federal lands presently closed to vehicular travel is hereby authorized to all
parties to this AOP, when said parties are on a fire detection, prevention, or suppression
mission. The Pawnee National Grassland or Fort Collins Dispatch should be notified of any
closed roads used during fire suppression.
Aerial application of fire retardant will be restricted within 300 feet distance of all lakes or
watersays (containing water) on Federal jurisdiction lands.
Repair and Rehabilitation
Repair of impacts caused by suppression actions is normally conducted during suppression
operations and is considered part of the suppression cost.
Rehabilitation of natural resources impacted by fire effects is the responsibility of the
jurisdictional agency. Rehabilitation of the fire area is not covered under suppression; it may be
authorized by the DFPC Line Officer only when part of the Incident Action Plan.
Decision Process
The USFS utilizes the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) on extended attack
fires to assist with guiding its fire management decisions for fires occurring on its lands. The
signatory agencies to this AOP agree to participate in the WFDSS process, when assisting with
fires occurring completely or partially on USFS lands.
For fires that are managed by the State, a documented decision process is required. The
WFDSS information may be utilized for jointly managed fires.
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Cooperation
All of the fire protection districts within Weld County should have current mutual aid plans in
place and have agreed to cooperate to the extent possible to bring rapid stabilization of wildland
fires occurring in, near, and around Weld County.
The County, the State and the USFS agree to cooperate to the extent possible to plan for and
respond to fire incidents within the County.
Communication
All parties agree that a common communications plan is essential during a wildland fire event.
As such, a common "Command" talk group will be established that all responders can operate
on, and that can be monitored by dispatch.
Separate "Tactical"talk groups should be established for each division of the fire. These need to
be accessible to all responders assigned to that division as well as the Incident Commander.
To accomplish this, a radio "bridge" may be required to link different radio systems together.
Communications with wildland fire aviation assets will occur on VHF channels as
outlined in the aviation section of this AOP.
Cost efficiency
It is a goal of all signatories to this AOP to provide cost efficient services. Agency administrators
will make every effort to ensure cost effectiveness during firefighting operations. However, cost
efficiencies will not take priority over firefighter or public safety. Additionally, the potential long
term financial impacts of the fire should be considered and balanced against the short term
costs savings of not ordering needed resources.
Delegation of Authority
Parties to this operational plan agree that in the event of a multijurisdictional wildland fire
which goes beyond the mutual aid period, a delegation of authority should be utilized by
agencies involved to establish Incident Command, objectives, strategies, and financial
considerations.
A written delegation of authority may be used whenever an agency, IMT or individual from
other than the jurisdictional authority assumes command of an incident. The delegated
individual or IMT has the authority and power to act on behalf of the jurisdictional agency, but
does not absolve the jurisdictional authority from any legally owed responsibility.
A delegation of authority should include the following items;
• Authority having jurisdiction who is delegating authority
• Agency or individual accepting authority
• Specific authorities delegated
• Specific limits to the authority
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• End terms of the authority
Preservation of Evidence
All parties agree to participate, to the extent legally possible, to assist each other in the
investigational process. This includes the preservation of evidence.
The USFS maintains its authority to investigate fires occurring on the PNG. The County Sheriff
agrees to work with the USFS as needed assist with any fire investigation on the PNG within
Weld County.
The State requires that any fire for which DFPC has assumed responsibility, the County Sheriff
shall conduct an investigation into the cause of said fire. All of the investigational materials will
be reviewed in cooperation with DFPC to include evidence, notes, interviews, and the final
investigation package. DFPC will not directly be responsible for criminal prosecution. This
remains the responsibility of the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction
STATE EMERGENCY FIRE FUND (EFF)
Weld County is not a participant in the State Emergency Fire Fund program.
USE AND REIMBURSEMENT OF INTERAGENCY FIRE RESOURCES
Cost Share Plan (Cost Share Methodologies)
Cost-share agreements should be prepared when an incident burns across or threatens
jurisdictional boundaries. The intent is to distribute the financial burden based on a method
agreed upon by a representative from each affected jurisdiction. A cost-share agreement
should be negotiated as soon as practical. The distribution of costs should be commensurate
with the values protected.
For fires where the State has taken management/financial responsibilities, the County will
maintain a reasonable minimum resource commitment as part of a cost share methodology. The
minimum commitment will be documented and will be on an incident by incident basis.
Training
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) will serve as the representative to
the Fort Collins Interagency Dispatch Zone Training Committee for County and Cooperator
agencies. This Training Committee uses input from all agencies with wildland fire
responsibilities including the County, Fire Protection Districts, and Volunteer Fire Departments
to determine the training needs for the zone.
The USFS and DFPC have the ability to assist with the provision of wildland fire training within
the County. The USFS and DFPC will assist agencies as available with requested trainings.
With the exception of custom courses designed for specific objectives, all training provided by
the USFS and DFPC will follow the current National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards as
Page 13 of 18 4.29.14
outlined in PMS 901-1 "Field Managers Course Guide". The costs for these courses will be
negotiated on a case by case basis.
USFS and DFPC will provide training to Weld County Regional Dispatch personnel on an
annual basis. This may include new information or a refresher course on communication with Ft
Collins Interagency Dispatch.
Communication Systems
For the purposes of conducting business authorized by this plan, all parties to this operating
plan agree that assisting agencies may use the jurisdictional agency's radio frequencies as
needed to conduct emergency communications on fires of the jurisdictional agency. No party to
this operating plan will use, or authorize others to use, another agency's radio frequencies for
routine day to day operations.
Weld County currently utilizes an 700/800Mhz Digital Trunked Radio System for its daily
operations and is part of FRCC. A State or County mutual aid talk group will be assigned by
Weld County Regional Communications Center for out of area resources responding within the
County.
VHF Radio frequencies will be needed for certain Federal and State resources. Generally, the
VFIRE frequencies will be available for this purpose. A radio bridge may need to be established
to ensure consistent incident communications.
Fire Weather Systems
Information on Fire Weather Stations, Fire Danger, Current Fire Situation, Current Fire
Restrictions, and other information can be seen at the FTC website:
http://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/dispatch centers/r2ftc/
Red Flag/Fire Weather Announcements - The National Weather Service in Boulder
periodically issues "FIRE WEATHER" watch and "RED FLAG" warning bulletins. Fire Weather
Forecast information can be seen at the National Weather Service's Fire Weather Index Page:
http://www.crh.noaa.qov/bou/awebphp/fireindx.php
Critical fire weather should be broadcast to all fire agencies within the County by Weld
County Regional Communications Center.. Incident Commanders should request a
"Spot Weather Forecast" for wildland fire incidents to ensure up to date information on
weather conditions.
Aviation Operations
Weld County and the Fire Districts and departments within the county may contract with local
aviation resources for fire suppression. The benefiting agency will be responsible for
establishing ordering, use, and reimbursement guidelines for the utilization of said aircraft.
Page 14 of 18 4.29.14
Other firefighting aircraft may be ordered through the Fort Collins Interagency Dispatch Center.
The requesting agency may be wholly responsible for any and all costs associated with such
resource.
Fire suppression aviation resources will be authorized by the Weld County Sheriff(or his/her
designee) and or the Weld County OEM Director. Authorized orders for aircraft will be sent to
the Weld County Regional Communications Center, who will then contact Fort Collins
Interagency Dispatch. A list of current personnel designated by the Sheriff to order aircraft will
be given to Fort Collins Interagency Dispatch.
Aircraft ordered from Fort Collins Interagency Dispatch will operate on VHF Radio frequencies
and not the DTRS. The incident MUST have VHF communications in place when ordering
aircraft.All Air-to-Ground communications will be on the assigned A-G frequency for North East
Colorado Air/Ground 9; 166.9125. Aircraft that cannot communicate with ground forces will
not engage in suppression operations.
National Guard helicopters with water buckets may be available for use. These resources
MUST be ordered through the State EOC process and may take several hours to mobilize.
These resources will utilize VHF radios for communications. The requesting agency may be
wholly responsible for any and all costs associated with National Guard resources.
The following information will be included in all aircraft requests:
✓ Incident Name
✓ Location (legal description and/or latitude and longitude)
✓ Jurisdiction
✓ Air Contact with air to air radio frequency
✓ Ground Contact with air to ground radio frequency
✓ any other aircraft in the area
✓ Weather conditions on the fire
Billing Procedures
The procedure for reimbursement through the USFS or State will occur via the Cooperative
Resource Rate Form (CREW). Billing may be made for equipment and/or personnel listed on
the CRRF with the corresponding documentation. Current procedures and forms can found at
the DFPC website http://dfs.state.co.us/
Wildfire Emergency Response Fund (WERF) is a mechanism for County and local agencies to
offset the costs of resources through State funds. Generally, aviation and handcrew resources
may be reimbursed, within guidelines, back to the benefiting agency. Current WERF guidelines
can be found at http://dfs.state.co.us
Cost Recovery
All signatories to this AOP reserve the right to purse reasonable cost recovery efforts for
equipment, personnel, and supplies utilized in response to a wildland fire that extends beyond
Page 15 of 18 4.29.14
the mutual aid period. This includes the facilities and administrative fee, also known as indirect
rate. This includes pursuing legal action against any party determined to be responsible for the
cause of the fire
GENERAL PROVISIONS
This AOP is the framework for cooperation between the State, Weld County and the Arapaho
Roosevelt National Forest/ Pawnee National Grassland. It does not supersede any other lawful
policy, rule, or procedure. This AOP may be utilized as part of the County's master emergency
operations plan. The County is encouraged to create AOP's, MOU's and Plans with their local
response agencies.
Personnel Policy
All government employees shall be employed at their regular salary rate. All non-
government employees will be paid at agency department/Office rates. If no agency
department rates have been set, then DFPC established rates will be used. These can
be found at the DFPC website http://dfs.state.co.us/
Modification
Changes may be made to this plan at anytime during the plan cycle as needed. These changes
must have the concurrence of all parties before being placed into the plan document.
Annual Review
This plan requires annual review and will require re-authorization by all parties prior to April 1.
Duration of Plan
This plan is to be considered in full effect upon the date of the signatures. This plan will remain
in effect until rescinded by the parties, or until April 1, 2015, whichever occurs first.
Previous Plans Superseded
Any and all previously dated Annual Operating Plans pertaining to wildland fire within Weld
County are hereby null and void upon the date of the signatures on this current plan.
Page 16 of 18 4.29.14
SIGNATURES
Authorized Representatives
WELD COUNTY SIGNATURES
gnature Date
hn B. Cooke County Sheriff
:lilted Name Title
�- ' JUN 02 2014-
Signature Date
B irhara Kirkmeyer County Commissioner
Printed Name Chair Pro-Tem Title
"--ig Date
Thomas Beach Weld County Fire Chiefs Association
COLORADO DIVI A4AFFIRE- PREVENTION & CONTROL SIGNATURE
CPO itt
ature Date
Wilson Branch Regional Fire Management Officer
Printed Name Title
Page 17 of 18 4.29.14
dioi lie /LSD
FEDERkUL O/MANAGE NT AGENCY SIGNATURES
ignature Date
Glenn Casamassa, Forest Supervisor
Printed Name Title
USFS, Arapaho Roosevelt NF and Pawnee National Grasslands
Federal Agency, Unit
Page 18 of 18 4.29.14
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