Briefing from the Office of Emergency Management

Summary

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) provided a briefing on Denver's catastrophic risk overview, focusing on low-probability, high-consequence hazards. Key risks identified include urban conflagration (wildfire), particularly in NE Denver and near DEN airport, due to climate change and proximity to open space, similar to the Marshall Fire. Dam failure, with Cherry Creek Dam identified as the highest risk among Denver's 8 high-hazard dams, poses a threat of significant critical infrastructure damage and loss of life. Hazardous materials releases from fixed facilities, highways, rail, and pipelines are concentrated along the I-25 and Santa Fe corridors, involving substances like ammonia and chlorine. The briefing also covered Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) managed by Xcel, which could impact critical infrastructure. OEM is developing a mass evacuation plan, with a draft expected early 2026 and a tabletop exercise (TTX) mid-2026, supported by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Parsons Engineering. Alert and warning systems are being enhanced with annual tests, public awareness campaigns, focus groups, and an evacuation area mapping tool.

Citizen Impact

This briefing highlights critical safety risks to Denver residents, including potential wildfires, dam failures, and hazardous material releases. Residents in NE Denver, near DEN airport, and along I-25/Santa Fe corridors are identified as being at higher risk. The ongoing development of a mass evacuation plan and improved alert systems aim to enhance public safety and preparedness for these catastrophic events.

Confidence

high