Laserfiche WebLink
Anoka County Multi-Jurisdictional <br />All Hazards Mitigation Plan <br /> 103 <br /> <br />service injury. Due to the natural environment of the airport property these large-scale fires will <br />occur in the future and the continual development of the properties surrounding this natural <br />environment, results in a higher potential for property loss. <br /> <br />The City of Columbus also reports frequent grass fires that occur regularly during non-snow <br />months throughout the City resulting in the loss of property and with the potential loss of life. <br />The likelihood of occurrence is moderate and the impact is moderate. <br /> <br />In Linwood Township, grass and peat fires occur occasionally. The most recent major event <br />occurred on October 19, 2000. A major grass fire reached the swamps and lasted for seven <br />days. Four homes were lost, many more homes were damaged, and several outbuildings were <br />lost. One fire truck was lost. Major roads were closed. Many citizens and animals were <br />evacuated. Power outages lasted for several days. Over 57 fire agencies responded over the <br />period of seven days. The likelihood of occurrence is moderate and the impact is moderate. <br /> <br />While we have not experienced the massive wildfires of the west, the potential exists, <br />particularly if drought conditions are present. The probability of future wildfire events is <br />moderate, and all areas of Anoka County are at equal risk for wildfires. A detailed list of Wild- <br />land fires is included in Appendix A. <br /> <br /> <br />4.3.2 Manmade Hazards <br />In considering manmade hazards, the Anoka County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee <br />decided to concentrate its analysis and future mitigation efforts on events presently affecting <br />Anoka County, and on those events that would result in major emergencies or disasters, such <br />as hazardous materials incidents and dam failure. <br /> <br />Hazards that would result in smaller, isolated events (such as arson or civil unrest) or those that <br />would be difficult to mitigate (such as hostage situation or enemy attack) were not considered <br />for further study under this Plan. Additionally, those hazards that are being addressed through <br />concurrent planning efforts, and those that are the result of other hazards being addressed were <br />not considered for further study under this Plan. It is r ecommended that these manmade <br />hazards become more fully incorporated during future Plan updates and enhancements. <br /> <br /> <br />4.3.2.1 Hazardous Materials Incident <br />Hazardous materials (hazmat) incidents are likely to affect many communities. Every city has <br />multiple facilities that produce, store, or use some form of hazardous materials. Every water <br />treatment plant has chlorine on site to rid the water of bacterial contaminants. Almost every <br />county has a farmer's Co-Op, which stores significant quantities of pesticides and fertilizers. <br />Hazardous materials are transported down many roads every day. Propane trucks serve the <br />rural populations, and natural gas, used by both rural and urban citizens, must be treated as a <br />dangerous hazard when a leak occurs. In addition, every home has some hazardous materials <br />present in the form of cleaners, batteries, bleach, paint, and gasoline. <br /> <br />Hazardous materials incidents typically take three forms: fixed facility incidents, transportation <br />incidents/pipeline incidents and radiological incidents. It is reasonably possible to identify and <br />prepare for a fixed site incident, as laws require those facilities to notify state and local <br />authorities about what is being used or produced. Transportation and pipeline incidents are <br />much harder to prepare for, as the material involved and the incident location are not known <br />until the accident actually happens.