Whether you’re new to our state or a long-time resident, it’s important to know, that Colorado faces a “new normal” when it comes to wildfire. Ongoing dry and warmer temperatures elevate wildfire risk for Coloradans, and wildfires now occur year-round in the state. To encourage more residents to prepare for wildfire, Douglas County is joining other organizations in Colorado in a campaign called Live Wildfire Ready.
The campaign will help everyone, especially those who live in the wildland-urban interface, understand their wildfire risk and what they can do to mitigate that risk to their life, home and property.
Just under half of all Coloradans live in the wildland-urban interface and are at risk of wildfire, so people need to take action and be prepared for wildfire.
Practical Actions to Reduce Wildfire Risk
There are simple, practical, low-cost actions you can take to prepare your home and property for wildfire, including:
- Regularly clear leaves, pine needles and other debris from your deck, roof and gutters.
- Rake and remove pine needles and leaves 5 feet from your home.
- Store firewood at least 30 feet from your home, preferably uphill, and never on or under your deck.
- Move items under your deck or porch to a storage area.
- Prune branches hanging over your roof and within 10 feet of your chimney.
- Remove flammable material within 6 vertical inches of your home’s siding.
- Mow grasses to 4 inches or less within 30 feet of your home.
- Clear brush, shrubs and other plants within 10 feet of propane tanks and gas meters.
- Screen attic, roof, eaves and foundation vents and wall-in areas below decks and stilt foundations with 1/8-inch metal mesh.
Douglas County offers services, including free slash-mulch and yard waste disposal, to help with these efforts.
In addition to preparing your home, living wildfire ready means being ready to evacuate during a fire:
- Make an evacuation plan with Ready, Set, Go! for people and pets. This includes signing up for Douglas County’s Access and Functional Needs Registry if you think you may need evacuation assistance.
- Prepare a go-bag and disaster supplies kit with Ready, Set, Go!
- Sign up for CodeRED emergency notifications.
- Ensure home address signs are visible from the street.
- Identify at least two ways out of your neighborhood and a safe place for you to go.
- Practice evacuating your home with your family and pets.
- Create a family emergency communication plan.
For more info about wildfire mitigation and the tools and resources available to all Douglas County residents, visit our webpage.