Today, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), in coordination with the City of Colorado Springs, launched a new action driven wildfire preparedness campaign called “Ready, Set, Go!”
Wildfire danger is a year-round risk in Colorado Springs, and recent unseasonably warm temperatures have further emphasized the need for early and consistent preparedness.
What “Ready, Set, Go!” means
“Ready, Set, Go!” is a nationally recognized, easy 3-step plan that helps communities prepare, stay aware, and act when it comes to wildfires.
- Ready: Prepare Early - Get ready now, wildfire can strike at any time.
- Set: Extreme Threat - Conditions are changing, be ready to leave fast.
- Go! Evacuate Now - Early action saves lives.
The campaign’s messaging is specifically tailored to the risks and needs of the Colorado Springs community to ensure it is easy to read, remember, and act upon especially during fast moving emergencies.
“The uncomfortable truth we face is that conditions in our region are once again ripe for the next Waldo Canyon or Black Forest–type wildfire. And the difference between tragedy and survival will depend on how ready and prepared we are today,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “That’s why we are launching the Ready, Set, Go campaign; to help families understand the simple but critical steps they can take now to prepare. When residents are ready, our entire community becomes stronger, safer, and more resilient.”
Over the last decade wildfire behavior has changed significantly due to shifting weather patterns and geographic conditions. Colorado Springs has seen a significant increase in Red Flag Warnings, underscoring the urgency of improved community readiness.
“In Colorado Springs we are all too familiar with how wildfire can impact our city. When we look at this winter, the conditions we’re seeing are even drier than the winters leading up to the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires,” said Fire Chief Randy Royal. “With the continued record high temperatures and lack of meaningful moisture, it is no secret our community is at a heightened risk this year. I don’t say this to alarm anyone, I say this because being prepared has never been more important. Your firefighters are ready, but we need our community to stay ready with us.”
As the city continues to grow, it is increasingly important for residents to understand evacuation procedures and the critical actions first responders need them to take during a wildfire.
“During a wildfire evacuation, every minute matters. When our officers are in neighborhoods asking residents to leave, evacuation orders have already been issued, and conditions are dangerous,” said Police Chief Adrian Vasquez. “Our top priority is protecting lives. By being prepared and following evacuation orders quickly, as well as the direction of CSPD officers helping carry them out, lives will be saved.”
CSFD and the City encourage all residents to take time now to review the Ready, Set, Go! steps and make a plan before wildfire threatens our community. Resources, preparedness guides, and additional information can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/ReadySetGo. By working together and staying prepared, Colorado Springs can reduce wildfire risk, strengthen community resilience, and ensure a faster, safer response when every second counts.
More information and a full media kit can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/ReadySetGo.