
How To Protect Your Home From Colorado’s Wildfire Season
Wildfire season in Colorado can be a scary time of year. In 2024, wildfires burned simultaneously in Mesa, Delta, and Montrose counties, resulting in many residents asking what else they could do to protect their homes from May to September.
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Western Slope residents know that protecting their homes from wildfires means thinking ahead and being proactive. Keep reading to learn more about defending your home against wildfires, and how to reduce the risk to your property.

Creating Defensible Space Outside
According to Colorado'sWildfireReady.org, homeowners should imagine the space surrounding a home split into three defendable zones:
- Red Zone (0–5 feet from the house): Get rid of all the little flammable vegetation and combustible materials like wood mulch. Nothing that can easily catch fire should be “unchecked” in the red zone.
- Orange Zone (5–30 feet from the house): Keep the grass cut, and the trees trimmed in the yellow zone. Think about spacing shrubs and trees farther apart so fires cannot easily spread.
- Yellow Zone (30–100 feet from the house): Clear any thin trees or vegetation you can live without from the yellow zone. Deadwood or debris in these areas should be removed.
Preparing Fire Resistant Homes
Newly constructed homes offer a lot more fire protection than in years past. Options for fire-resistant materials include metal and tile roofing. Homes are built with tempered glass for windows and fire-rated siding.
Once your home is built clean the gutters and decks regularly. Leaves and debris can lead to trouble. Walk the property regularly and watch for tree branches that get too close to chimneys. Be sure to keep all firewood and propane tanks a safe distance from your house. Learn even more tips for living wildfire-ready from the US Forest Service here.
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Extra Outdoor Fire Protection
Some homes can keep vegetation moist with an irrigation system. Exterior sprinkler systems are also available to wet a roof or landscape when it is hot and dry. Click here to see some impressive smart sprinkler demos from FrontlineWildfire.com Staying informed about local burn bans and fire restrictions during wildfire season is important.
It is also important to know the evacuation routes in your neighborhood. Create a plan with your family, and make sure everyone has our station app for the latest updates for Western Colorado.
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