CRESTONE — Daniel Johnson, a seasoned wildland firefighter with over 50  years of experience, shared his insights regarding the Palisades Fire in California at the Baca Grande POA offices in Saguache County on March 15. 

His presentation, titled "The LA Fires and What We Should Learn From Them," was a detailed account of his work on the Palisades Fire, which ignited on Jan. 7. Despite the blaze's 24-day rampage and the tragic loss of 12 lives, it was finally contained on Jan. 31, as reported by Cal Fire.  

Johnson leads the Saguache County Firewise Program, which works with homeowners in forested areas to improve their survivability in the event of a wildfire. 

During his presentation, Johnson showed numerous slides of the fire and also provided practical advice on how to implement fire zones around their homes. This information empowered the audience to take proactive steps to make their homes more resistant to a wildfire. 

The event was made possible through the joint efforts of the Crestone Volunteer Fire Department and the Baca Grande POA Firewise program, which sponsored the event, demonstrating the community's shared commitment to wildfire preparedness. 

The Saguache County Firewise team provides free wildfire risk assessments and completes hazard mitigation projects for Saguache County residents. To schedule an assessment, call 719-480-9764. The county website also has information at www.saguachecounty.gov/saguache-county-firewise-program.