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Wildfire mitigation is complex and varies by region, property type, and risk factors. No single standard covers every scenario. Our goal is to provide homeowners and businesses in wildfire-prone areas with general guidelines that reflect both national standards and Colorado-specific considerations. The best resource is not this checklist, but to reach out to one of the many community-focused organizations available here: Get Accessed or to reach out to local wildfire authorities.

Our checklist is a compilation of best practices drawn from multiple trusted sources, including:

  • NFPA Firewise USA®

  • IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Standards

  • Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS)

  • Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC)

Please note, recommendations can change and we are not the authority on wildfire prevention and preparation. Always follow guidance from your local wildfire authorities, align with local regulations, and adopt science-based practices proven to reduce ignition risk.

Wildfire Prepare Checklist for Home Hardening and Defensible Space

A. Home Hardening (Building Envelope Upgrades)

Roof

  • Install/maintain a Class A fire-rated roof (metal, asphalt fiberglass shingles).
  • Regularly inspect and clear roof, eaves, and skylights of debris (needles, leaves).
  • Seal leading roof edges and intersections with non-combustible flashing.

Eaves, Soffits, and Vents

  • Box in eaves and enclose soffits with non-combustible material.
  • Install ember-resistant vents with metal screening (openings ≤ 1/8 inch).

Gutters

  • Use non-combustible gutters (metal preferred); install metal drip edge to cover fascia.
  • Keep gutters clear of debris.

Siding & Wall Bases

  • Upgrade siding to ignition-resistant materials (fiber cement, stucco, metal).
  • Retrofit vulnerable areas with at least 6 inches of non-combustible material at base and roofline intersections.

Windows & Doors

  • Install double-paned, tempered glass windows.
  • Use ignition-resistant frames and shutters.
  • Ensure garage doors are properly sealed with weather stripping.

Decks & Fences

  • Replace wood decks with fire-rated composite or ignition-resistant materials.
  • Enclose decks less than 4 feet above ground with non-combustible material.
  • Remove all combustibles from on/under decks.
  • Use non-combustible fencing within 5 feet of the home.

Accessory Structures

  • Ensure sheds and other structures within 30 feet are mitigated or relocated.

C. Emergency Access & Preparedness

  • Ensure driveway has 24 feet horizontal and 13.5 feet vertical clearance for emergency vehicles.
  • Install address signs with 3-inch reflective lettering on non-combustible material, visible from the road.
  • Maintain multiple ingress/egress routes if possible; pre-identify rendezvous locations.

B. Defensible Space (Vegetation Management)

Zone 0 (0–5 ft: Immediate Ember-Resistant Zone)

  • Create a 5-foot non-combustible buffer around the home and attachments.
  • Use gravel, rock, or hardscape—no wood mulch or flammable plants.

Zone 1 (5–30 ft: Lean, Clean, Green Zone)

  • Remove surface fuels (needles, mulch, overgrown grass).
  • Mow grass to less than 6 inches.
  • Remove junipers, cedar hedges, and other volatile ornamentals.
  • Maintain proper crown spacing between trees/shrubs.
  • Prune trees and remove ladder fuels.

Zone 2 (30–100 ft: Reduced Fuel Zone)

  • Thin trees and shrubs for adequate crown spacing.
  • Prune trees and remove ladder fuels.
  • Maintain healthy forest ecosystem (consult specialists for forest health issues).

Combustible Storage

  • Store firewood, lumber, hay bales, and other combustibles at least 30 feet from the home.
  • Relocate propane tanks at least 30 feet from the home and mitigate surroundings.

Minimum Defensible Space

  • Maintain at least 100 feet of defensible space (may increase based on slope/topography).

D. General Wildfire Preparedness

  • Review insurance coverage for full replacement value to current code.
  • Complete a home/business inventory (photos, video) and store off-site.
  • Prepare an evacuation kit (“go bag”) and plan for pets/livestock.
  • Register for emergency notifications (e.g., Genasys, local alert systems).
  • Stay informed on fire restrictions and active wildfires (e.g., westslopefireinfo.com).

References & Resources

For more detailed guidance, official recommendations and other resources on being wildfire prepared:

· NFPA Firewise USA® – Community-based wildfire risk reduction programs and homeowner resources

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA

· IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Standards– Science-based home hardening and defensible space guidelines

https://wildfireprepared.org

· Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS)– Statewide technical assistance and Home Ignition Zone guidance

https://csfs.colostate.edu/wildfire-mitigation/

· Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) – Wildfire mitigation programs and resources

https://dfpc.colorado.gov/

https://www.genasys.com or check your county’s emergency management site

· Local Emergency Notifications– Register for alerts and evacuation notices

· Wildfire Information & Restrictions– Stay updated on active fires and fire bans

https://westslopefireinfo.com

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