Current Event: Evacuation Orders

Current Event: Evacuation Orders Though hurricanes have had a devastating impact on the United States over the past months, another disaster type that has been causing problems across several states is wildfires. One of the most recent wildfires that is still occurring is in southwest Colorado. The wildfire started on June 1st and the cause is currently unknown, but the extreme drought that is heavily affecting the southwest region of the country could have been a factor. Though the fire has been burning for about a week, there has not been any reported damage or destructing of structures because of it. Firefighters are still working diligently to contain the fire that is burning miles or terrain, but other precautionary measures are being taken. On June 8th, evacuations orders were made for another 300 homes, which would allow firefighters to try and get a better advance on the blaze. To help with these evacuations, police in the area are helping escort vehicles out of the area. Additionally, the residents of the 300 homes that were a part of the evacuation order had till 4:00 PM on June 8th …show more content…
As we have discussed in class, evacuations, however, can be difficult to plan and execute. The evacuation orders come from the Executive Powers of State and can be initiated at the various levels of government including the governor of the state or the major of the city. One of the most challenging aspects about evacuations is deciding whether or not evacuation orders should be initiated. Two important elements that should be considered when determining the necessity of an evacuation are substantial, potential injury, loss of life, or damage is imminent. In the case of the Colorado fire, the evacuation orders were being given to protect the lives of residents in the area and to possible prevent damage from the structures in the