For Immediate Release | May 21, 2019

Wildridge Wildland Fire Evacuation Training Exercise
Wednesday, May 22^nd

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (I.P.A.W.S), a cell phone text messaging system will be tested – Minimal community impact

Avon, CO – The Wildridge Wildland Fire Evacuation Training will take place on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 starting at 9:30 a.m. until approximately 12:00 p.m. The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (I.P.A.W.S.) will be tested. I.P.A.W.S. is a cellular phone text messaging system that reaches all cellular phones regardless of subscription in a specified area. In addition, reverse 9-1-1 and EC Alert notifications systems will be tested.

This is a training exercise and will not require evacuation or road closures. Expect to see police activity and door to door knocking in certain areas of Wildridge during this training. Officials recommend the public practice thinking about what they would need to evacuate in an emergency. The drill is a joint exercise between the Avon Police Department, Avon Public Works Department, Avon Transit/ Mobility Department, Eagle River Fire Protection District, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Vail Public Safety Communications Center, Eagle County Paramedic Services, Eagle County Human Services, Vail Mountain Rescue and Eagle County Emergency Management.

Thank you for your time and patience as this important training exercise is conducted. For more information on what you can do in the event of a wildland fire, please visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhsem/wildfire.