Red Cross urges caution for Coloradans returning home after wildfire evacuations

Red Cross urges caution for Coloradans returning home after wildfire evacuations

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) -Residents returning home after wildfire evacuations this summer should remain cautious even after orders are lifted, according to the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross says residents should not return home until authorities have officially allowed it. Once back, they advise watching for fallen trees, downed power lines, and other debris left by the fire.

Officials also say residents should be prepared for potential power outages and discard any food that may have spoiled.

Re-evacuation possible

Christie Caster, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Western Colorado, said the threat of another evacuation does not end when residents return home.

“Wildfires are very unpredictable, so it’s hard to know,” Caster said. “If you do go back home, the chance of an evacuation happening again is absolutely possible. With winds and stuff, you really don’t know how that fire is going to react. And so I think, you know, it’s important to kind of know that might be a possibility.”

Caster added that residents may have little time to act if a second evacuation order is issued.

“You are usually not going to have a lot of time if that evacuation comes,” she said. “So, it’s great to just be ready to go because when the authorities come and ask to evacuate, it’s for a reason. And so, it’s good to listen and be able to get out quickly.”

The Red Cross also urges residents to continue monitoring local conditions and emergency alerts in order to stay informed if another evacuation becomes necessary.

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