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.

Read More: Homegrown Balloon Technology Used to Combat Colorado Wildfires

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.

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Creating Defensible Space Outside

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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

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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.

Read More: Colorado Has Three Dogs Aiding in Fighting Wildfires

Extra Outdoor Fire Protection

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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.

LOOK: Do Not Burn These 6 Things In Your Fireplace

If you plan on cozying up to a fire this winter, you might want to look this over.

Gallery Credit: Andi Ahne

MORE: Colorado's 20 Largest Wildfires of All Time

Colorado's 20 largest wildfires have all taken place since the year 2000.

UP NEXT: Building A Campfire in Colorado? Six Steps You Must Take

Nearly 85% of wildfires are caused by humans. Colorado is home to 24.5 million acres of forest land which means fire safety in our state must be given the highest priority by campers who wish to build a campfire. Check out the six essential steps for safely putting out a campfire according to the U.S. Forest Service below.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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