Wildfire preparedness is a year‑round priority for Colorado homeowners and communities.
With forests and foothills close to many towns and suburbs, taking practical steps now reduces risk, protects property, and helps first responders do their job when fires occur.
Create and maintain defensible space
Defensible space is the buffer around a home that slows the spread of wildfire and gives firefighters room to work. Start by removing dead vegetation and pruning tree branches that overhang roofs or come close to windows. Keep grasses short and replace flammable mulch with rock or noncombustible ground cover in the zone right next to the foundation. Space trees and shrubs so they can’t act as a continuous ladder for fire to reach the canopy.
Harden the structure
Small construction upgrades make a big difference. A Class A roof or other fire‑resistant roofing materials reduce ignition risk from wind‑blown embers. Replace wooden decking or protect it with ember‑resistant coverings.
Install ember‑resistant vents and screen soffits and eaves to prevent embers from entering attic spaces. Use fire‑resistant siding where practical and make sure vents, flashing, and gaps around utilities are sealed.
Plan for evacuation and safety
An evacuation plan should cover multiple routes, a family meeting spot, and arrangements for pets and livestock. Keep a “go bag” with documents, medications, cash, chargers, and a basic emergency supply kit in an easy‑to‑grab place. Photograph or video interiors and valuables for insurance records and keep digital copies off‑site.
Sign up for county or municipal emergency alerts and follow official social channels for real‑time information.
Landscape with fire‑resistant plants
Choose plants with low resin and moisture content and maintain them well. Native grasses and certain perennials can be good choices if kept trimmed and watered appropriately. Avoid planting dense rows of shrubs next to the house and limit use of highly flammable species near structures. Regular maintenance—pruning, mowing, and removing dead material—is as important as initial planting choices.
Work together as a neighborhood
Community action multiplies individual efforts.
Organize chipping days to remove slash and limbs, coordinate fuel breaks, and support community fuel mitigation projects. Consider joining or starting a local Firewise USA or similar community wildfire mitigation program to access technical guidance and potential grant funding. Communicating with neighbors about evacuation plans and driveway signage improves safety and emergency response.
Support landscape‑scale mitigation
Prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, and restoration of forest health reduce dangerous buildups of fuel across the landscape.
These projects often involve partnerships among landowners, municipal agencies, and state forestry services. Supporting scientifically guided treatments helps protect watersheds, wildlife habitat, and the long‑term resilience of the landscape.
Check insurance and legal preparations
Review homeowner insurance to understand wildfire coverage, deductibles, and any post‑loss requirements. Keep important documents and contact numbers accessible and ensure property records reflect recent upgrades or hardening efforts.
Taking even a few of these steps strengthens your property and community against wildfire.
Start with a walk around your home to identify the easiest, highest‑impact actions—clearing gutters, moving combustible items away from the house, and creating a short-term evacuation kit—and build from there. Local fire departments and your state forestry service offer guidance, inspections, and program information to help homeowners act effectively.
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