Wildfires are becoming increasingly common, and communities everywhere are learning to adapt. Fortunately, wildfire experts, scientists and industry leaders have identified key mitigation measures that help prevent homes from igniting. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: Where do I start? Wildfire Partners is here to guide you with resources and rebates to shape your mitigation strategy.
Start at Your Structure and The First Five Feet
As you begin your mitigation strategy, it’s important to start at your structure. Studies show that your home exterior and the first 5 feet surrounding your home are the most critical areas for protection.
Image of the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Mitigation measures to address in these areas can include:
- Protect home base: During a wildfire, embers can shower your home’s siding and accumulate at the base. When flames burn against combustible siding, the home is likely to ignite.
- What can you do? Retrofit the bottom six or more inches of your siding with a noncombustible material. Watch our DIY video to learn how you can take this action yourself!
- Screen your vents: Embers can be sucked into your home via vent openings.
- What can you do? Screen vents using 1/8” inch metal screening or replace them with wildfire resilient vents.
- NOTE: Some vents exhaust the home’s furnace or radon system and should not be modified. If in doubt, consult a professional.
- Caulk holes: Embers may lodge or penetrate into walls if there are holes or gaps on your structure.
- What can you do? Regularly inspect the exterior of your home, including siding, foundations, and trim. Caulk or patch all holes, gaps, and other areas.
Home Hardening Rebates
Wildfire Partners offers rebates of up to $500 for several high-impact projects, including:
- Cut the Clutter: Remove combustibles under decks or near structures.
- The First Five Feet: Clear combustibles and install noncombustible surfaces.
- Protect Home Base: Retrofit the bottom 6 inches of siding with noncombustible material.
- Vents for Defense: Install 1/8” inch metal mesh screening or wildfire-resilient vents.
- Fences are Fuses: Replace 3-5 feet of wooden fencing fixed to your home with noncombustible fencing.
- Junk Your Junipers: Remove all junipers within 5 feet of your home – they are highly flammable.
Move Outward
After focusing on your structure and the first five feet surrounding your home, you’re ready to expand your mitigation efforts outward! Mitigation between 5 to 100 feet from your home includes the management of vegetation, whether your home is located in a forest or an ornamentally landscaped suburban neighborhood. Though fuel in the form of vegetation will always exist, proper management creates healthier landscapes and reduces wildfire risk.
Forestry Projects with Wildfire Partners
Want to recruit the knowledge of a forestry expert? By participating in a Wildfire Partners Home Assessment, you gain access to a mitigation specialist who advises on forestry projects for your property and financial aid through our forestry financial award.
You’re Ready to Start!
By starting at your home and working outward, you’ll make your property more defensible and gain real peace of mind.
Ready to get started? Wildfire Partners provides tools, resources and expert guidance for Boulder County residents. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay updated on new programs, opportunities, and mitigation tips.
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