GOLDEN, Colo.—Jefferson County has adopted a new three-tiered alert system for informing residents of disasters that might require evacuations, following a fast-moving wildfire that damaged about two dozen homes and was blamed for three deaths last month.
In the early stages of the wildfire, some residents called 911 to report smoke but weren’t immediately told to leave.
Sheriff Ted Mink briefed residents at a town hall earlier this month on a recommendation for the new, escalating system of warnings officials could give.
A Level 1 evacuation would mean residents should get ready to leave and should monitor media outlets.
Level 2 means residents should leave as soon as possible.
Level 3 means residents should flee immediately and not stop to gather belongings.
