“John Benson” <chief@nullbouldermountainfire.org>
Date: Nov 11, 2014 9:54 AM
Subject: Road closure info and why we do it

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE FAR AND  WIDE

Last night saw the first winter road closure of the year. For those of you living and commuting on Lee Hill Road, you know the season is upon us.

First, thank you for the THANK YOU’S we have received this morning. That means a lot to our volunteers.  There were a few out there last night that were very unhappy and unfortunately my personnel go the brunt of the anger. DO NOT take it out on the responders on scene, they were taking orders from me. I was the one seeing first hand what was going on and what needed to be done. I would welcome open talks with anyone who feels upset about closing the road. I am always up for a good cup of coffee and conversation. When I arrived on scene, just past the horse pasture (Lee Hill Saddle) I could already start to see tail lights and flashers ahead. I knew that we had a problem already. I gave the order to close the road  because it was to dangerous to open up traffic with cars cross ways in the road.

I also want to thank those individuals who helped get stranded motorists going again, this was a big help. You know who you are. OUTSTANDING sense of community pride.

Please understand that when one of our units arrive on scene, here is what they are doing;
1.  Assessing the situation on a larger scale, (Priority is to make sure the scene does not get any worse, these conditions hurt and kill motorists and emergency responders alike).
2.  Determining if we have injuries,
3.  Determining can we start to weave our way through the traffic to get a better picture,
4.  Starting to order resources for road closures, sand trucks, wreckers, law enforcement and other resources,
5. Listening and talking on the radio, listening to the traveling motorists and trying to explain that we don’t know when the road will be open,
6.  Looking at the best viable option for getting motorists on their way.

“LIFE SAFETY IS ALWAYS THE NUMBER ONE OBJECTIVE AND PRIORITY”

There are going to be short and abrupt conversations at times. It’s not that we don’t like anyone or care, it is quit the opposite, we are there because we do care. My personnel are the ones’ standing out in the cold for long periods of time, so getting the road open, is a top priority to keep my personnel protected as well. BE PATIENT, WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO GET THINGS RUNNING AGAIN.
It does not help when you have automobiles that are not suited for winter weather, bald tires, bad batteries, leaving vehicles sideways in the road without any information on who owns the vehicle, lack of winter driving skills.

Here are a few tips that will hopefully make your winter travels safer.

a. Check your tires, make sure that they have enough tread to get you where you want to go. If your tires are bald, time to buy new ones, aggressive winter snow tires, studded snow tires will make a world of difference.
b. Buy a set of chains or cables for your vehicle.  A good auto store or dealership will tell you exactly what you need. Learn to put those on. My command truck was chained in the front and in 4-low, so that I could get around.
c. Take a trip to your favorite mechanic, and have them check your vehicle to make sure you are ready for winter driving.
d. Make sure your battery is up to the cold weather. Remember cold weather has a tendency to zap battery strength.
e. It’s winter conditions, make sure you have the appropriate clothing. I saw some last night with non-winter wear, this will cause you hypothermia in not time at all.
f. Carry weight in the back of your vehicle, especially those with all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, this will help give traction.
g. Carry winter gear that consists of water, some food, blankets, gloves, hats, good warm boots etc. You never know how long it will take to get moving again.
h.Carry sand, kitty litter etc, that will help you get traction, you would be amazed that just a little sand will get you going again.
i. Carry a small shovel, this will help dig you the snow out from the tires and can also get you some sand or dirt from the side of the road.
j. Have patience, I know it is hard sometimes. I will be the first to admit, my patience gets taxed some times, as it did last night.
k. If you leave your vehicle, at least leave a contact name and phone number so emergency responders can get a hold of you. Like last night when we have cars parked sideways and don’t know who they belong to, there is a real good chance they will be towed, to reduce the likelihood of further crashes and problems.

Please understand, that when we close the road, we are not the ones that caused the problem, but are trying diligently to open it back up. Remember our members are volunteer and are trying to help the community. If you know of friends, who do not live in our fire district, send this to them as well. I know we have a lot of commuters who live beyond our district borders and are trying to get home as well. Last night most east-west corridors were shut down to accidents.

 Please be safe out there.

John Benson,  Fire Chief
Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District
1905 Linden Drive Boulder, CO 80304
303-440-0235
chief@nullbouldermountainfire.org