Better way needed to disseminate fire information
We have three large wildfires burning in the area and if you are on social media the information can come fast and furious from a variety of sources. However, if you are not on social media getting all the accurate information can be difficult.
With the Red Canyon Fire specifically, when evacuation orders have been issued, people can get those on websites and the Watch Duty App but to see a map a link takes you to a Facebook Page. That’s great for those of us with Facebook accounts, not great for those without. Years ago Facebook would allow nonusers to see some public content but those days are gone now.
We have become a society dependent on social media to share breaking news or news in general. Yours truly is at fault as well. I will post breaking news on our Facebook page and occasionally X (formerly Twitter) and forget or just do not take the extra time to post on our website.
After listening to multiple people’s frustrations with the lack of information on the “information highway” I will make a more concerted effort to share our breaking news across all platforms.
So how do we help get information out for these fires so you do not have to have a Facebook account, well the state actually had the solution during the Elk Fire last year, but it appears it was used for that fire only. They established a website so all pertinent information, no matter what agency was providing the information, would be posted on that site.
There needs to be a Wyoming Fire Page, someone, of course, to manage that page, and a place where every incident management team, fire department, emergency management, public health, National Weather Service, BLM, Forest Service, organizations providing donation efforts could post information.
If there are multiple fires, which there are currently — three major ones in the Big Horn Basin with the Red Canyon Fire impacting Hot Springs, Fremont and Washakie counties, Spring Creek Fire in Washakie County and Sleeper Ranch Fire in Park County — then you people can go to the website dedicated to wildland fires only, go to a drop down menu or a link for their fire and all relevant information is at their fingertips, whether it be maps, logistics, how to help, shelters and more. Agencies can provide the same information on their social media platforms but the information originates with the website first.
Perhaps this is something that the governor’s office and/or state forester’s office could look into before the next fire season.
A centralized website would help even those on social media so they did not have to chase down multiple Facebook pages for information.
Of course, once the site is up there needs to be a multifaceted campaign to get the word out. That can include social media but should be shared through many other media as well.
In the meantime, check out the Watch Duty App for fire information, it is a great resource. It can also be found at the website, https://app.watchduty.org.
Also, do not forget to sign up for CodeRed for emergency notifications. Both Washakie and Hot Springs counties have CodeRed for emergency notifications. More information on CodeRed can be found online at codered.crisis24.com, http://www.washakiecountywy.gov or hscounty.com or contact our Washakie County Emergency Management Office at 347-307-347-3331
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Related to the wildland fires, again our communities have done themselves proud in both Washakie and Hot Springs counties by supporting the fire department with meals, snacks, cards and more.
We do want to say thank you to all the firefighters for all their hard work in fighting the fires in the Big Horn Basin and across the country during this fire season.
In addition to fighting wildland fires, we cannot forget the local departments that keep resources here to fight fires such and the Osterlund’s garage last Friday. The firefighters were able to contain the fire to the garage and keep the couple’s home safe.
Thank you for all you do to keep us safe. We hope you stay safe on every call.