The 7th Annual Eagle County Public Safety Awards will be held on Oct. 29 at Donovan Pavilion for award winners and their families, followed by a virtual celebration for all citizens from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1. Initiated by the Rotary Clubs of Eagle County after 9/11 to recognize area public safety heroes, this event will recognize outstanding emergency responders, medical professionals and community leaders. This year is especially meaningful due to the extra demands and risk of COVID-19 and the life-threatening wildfires.
The Vail Fire Department went virtual this year to promote National Fire Prevention Week which took place Oct. 4-10. Unable to host the annual open house format at the West Vail Fire Station or do their regular classroom visits due to the pandemic, firefighters were featured in safety videos to emphasize this year’s theme, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.”
Only a few weeks remain for free curbside chipping services provided by Vail Fire and Emergency Services before coming to an end for the season. The chipping is available through Thursday, Oct. 15 to assist with defensible space on private property.
Police Chief Dwight Henninger and Fire Chief Mark Novak are hosting a timely conversation around Vail’s Emergency Evacuation Plan, reasons the town may need to be evacuated and how to personally prepare for an evacuation as well as address community concerns and questions.
Use these resources for updated status reports on nearby wildfires, smoke and traffic impacts, and local fire restrictions.
Wednesday's update on the Grizzly Creek Fire from the National Incident Management Team and U.S. Forest Service.
Vail's police and fire chiefs discuss the importance of planning ahead for an evacuation, especially during this hot and dry summer. Don't wait for a pre-evacuation order, as there may not be time.
Vail Fire and Emergency Services is continuing to provide a free curbside chipping service to assist property owners with defensible space on private property. The service is available through Oct. 15 and includes chipping for branches, logs and small trees up to 15 inches in diameter. Slash must be stacked neatly in piles no larger than 5’ x 5’ x 5’ per pile. Property owners are not limited to the number of piles they can have chipped. Slash pick up will occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer. Property owners are asked to avoid piling slash in the roadway or public right of way.
Fire officials from across the region are asking everyone to be mindful of the heightened risk for wildfire in the area. With the Grizzly Creek Fire burning in nearby Garfield County, the pending implementation of Stage 2 fire restrictions across Eagle County and the likelihood of Red Flag Fire Weather Warnings, Vail Fire Chief Mark Novak is encouraging personal preparedness during this time of heightened risk.
The Vail Police Department and Vail Fire and Emergency Services have added an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), more commonly known as a drone, as a new public safety tool.
The Town of Vail is hosting a public meeting from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at Donovan Pavilion to discuss recommended changes to loading and delivery regulations in Vail Village. Business owners, delivery companies, residents and anyone else impacted by the loading and delivery policies are encouraged to attend the discussion. All social distancing guidelines will be in place for those attending in person. For those unable to attend, please email comments to Police Cmdr. Ryan Kenney at rkenney@vailgov.com.
UPDATE: Conditions for tonight's 10-minute fireworks show have been cleared by fire authorities barring any weather event. Vail America Days™ organizers are ready to welcome guests and residents for the modified Fourth of July holiday which includes carefully scripted patriotic exhibits and an abbreviated fireworks display, weather permitting. Those who gather in Vail and throughout the county are being asked to adhere to the new Eagle County public health order emphasizing social distancing, use of face coverings, frequent hand washing, staying home if you’re sick and getting tested if you have symptoms.
With Fourth of July celebrations nearing, Vail Fire and Emergency Services and the Town of Vail are asking everyone to be aware that there are a number of important safety considerations that must be followed. Within the Town of Vail as well as on BLM lands and on the White River National Forest, the use of personal fireworks is strictly prohibited.
UPDATE: New Eagle County Public Health Order is effective July 3 The Town of Vail is pleased to present this year’s Vail America Days™ and while it has been responsibly and safely reimagined, there is plenty of patriotic spirit and reason to celebrate as shops, galleries, hotels, bars and restaurants are open for the summer in a unique and safe manner. Vail’s 4th of July parade has been modified and will feature patriotic exhibits embracing this year’s theme, "Stronger Together." An abbreviated fireworks display (conditions permitting) will take place to enjoy while socially distanced from your accomodation, home or car.
Environmental sustainability efforts have been identified as Vail’s highest priorities for action according to respondents who took part in the Town of Vail community survey which was circulated during the spring. The survey findings were presented to the Town Council on June 16 by the research firm RRC Associates which also included an overview of department and service ratings as well as comments associated with the public health crisis.