Aspen using cutting-edge technologies to bolster wildfire preparedness, evacuation plans

Worst-case scenario: Evacuating Aspen could take more than 14 hours at capacity.

Aspen Assistant Police Chief Bill Linn, highlighting evacuation planning during a Monday Aspen City Council work session, presented this estimate using an artificial intelligence-powered traffic analysis system called Ladris. 

“This prediction shows a very much worst-case scenario when the town is very full,” Linn explained. “Obviously, that is not an ideal situation. However, this is just one prediction using the software.”

---

---

To address these challenges, Aspen is leveraging cutting-edge technologies like Ladris, Genasys, and Pano. Ladris provides emergency evacuation models, while Genasys enhances these plans by breaking down evacuation zones and providing detailed data on vehicle and population counts. 

“Genasys provides evacuation zone designs and can help us reduce those evacuation timelines,” Linn said. “The intention is to increase evacuation efficiency by prioritizing those at greatest risk.” 

---

---

Pano’s AI wildfire detection cameras add another layer of security, capable of identifying fires within seconds. 

Aspen Fire Deputy Chief Jake Andersen emphasized their critical role. 

“These cameras tell us fire behavior, rate of spread, values at risk, and so forth,” he said. “That can cut 20 to 30 minutes off our ordering time for aircraft.”

Aspen was the first city in Colorado to install Pano cameras, initially funded by a private donation. The network has since expanded to eight cameras stretching to Glenwood Springs.

“That software helped us create greater zones, not just around Aspen, but around the county,” Andersen said. “Ladris shows an evacuation model for passenger vehicle traffic, and Genasys refines it with detailed AI data.”

Aspen Fire also offers community outreach with home and neighborhood wildfire mitigation assessments, accessible on its website. These evaluations consider factors like roofing materials, vegetation proximity, and accessibility to help homeowners understand and improve their wildfire preparedness. 

“There is a map at aspenfire.com where people can see what a house is rated for wildfire,” Andersen explained. “It gives homeowners information on whether their house is looking OK or needs improvements.” 

In addition to community outreach, Aspen prioritizes public education, partnering with Pitkin County and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office on emergency readiness events. These include sessions on assembling go-kits, family communication strategies, and caregiver-specific evacuation needs.

Pitkin County Emergency Manager Chris Breitbach emphasized the importance of acting early. 

“Yes, it’s inconvenient to leave early, but things can get much more inconvenient the longer you wait,” he said. “If you feel you need to leave now, you need to leave now.” 

City Council member Ward Hauenstein echoed this sentiment. 

“The best time to evacuate is when you see the first sign of smoke and not to wait until everyone else is on the road,” Hauenstein said.

Looking ahead, Aspen’s leaders are considering measures to enhance safety. 

Council member Sam Rose urged action to address vulnerabilities. 

“If the city needs to harden homes or build a second bridge, we need to know,” Rose said. 

Andersen agreed, advocating for improved evacuation routes and fire-resistant urban planning. 

“As the manager of operations of the fire department, I absolutely want a better fire evacuation route out of town,” he said. “There are situations where a 14-hour evacuation would not work, and we have to give people other options.”

The city expects an updated wildfire preparation and evacuation plan will be released sometime next year.