La Plata County Hosts 6th Annual Fire Ready Exercise and Expo

To bolster community resilience ahead of the 2026 wildfire season, the La Plata County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will host its 6th annual Fire Ready Exercise May 4 - 9. The week-long event provides a critical opportunity for county departments, regional partners, and residents to test emergency response systems and practice evacuation protocols before a real crisis occurs.

Throughout the week, OEM will conduct simulated fire scenarios in select neighborhoods. Residents in participating areas will have the opportunity to practice their evacuation readiness in real-time. With the potential for an active wildfire season on the horizon, officials emphasize that these drills are essential for identifying gaps in personal and systemic preparedness.

The county urges all residents and visitors to register for LPC Alerts!, the primary system used for receiving emergency notifications directly to mobile devices.

Sign up today: www.lpcgov.org/LPCAlerts

The week concludes with the Fire Ready Expo on Saturday, May 9. A free, family-friendly event held at the La Plata County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can participate in hands-on workshops and view demonstrations on:

• Home Hardening: Defensive techniques to protect structures.
• Firewise Landscaping: Managing vegetation to reduce fuel.
• Safety Skills: Chainsaw safety and animal emergency preparedness.

Residents can obtain their Rapid Evac Tag at the Expo by presenting a valid ID or a piece of mail confirming their address. Additionally, attendees can enter a drawing to win a professional-grade emergency Go-Kit.

At the Fire Ready Expo on Saturday, subject matter experts will host discussions on the following critical topics:

• 11 a.m. - 2026 Fire Season Outlook
• 12 p.m. - LPEA Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Procedures
• 1 p.m. - Wildfire Resiliency Building Codes

For more information on the Fire Ready Exercise or the Saturday Expo, please visit the La Plata County OEM website at www.lpcgov.org/emergency or follow the county's social media channels: Facebook and Instagram