How To Prepare For The Inevitable Fire Risk Right Now In Colorado

As temperatures continues to rise as we trudge into summer, the threat of wildfires increases significantly. Red flag warnings are starting to go up in certain areas of the state, and those will only increase as hot, dry air — in addition to some breezy conditions — start to take hold the further we get into summer. This is nothing new for Coloradans.

For homeowners in high-risk areas, preparation is key to protecting life and property. Here’s what you need to know about high fire danger and how to get ready.

What Coloradans Need to Know About Fire Season in Colorado

First, it's important you understand the fire risk specific to your own house. Keeping an eye on the forecast and keeping dialed into the news out of Denver and up here in Northern Colorado, knowing what's happening out there is obviously key to preparation.

And if you think your home is safe based on living in the city as opposed to the mountains, obviously just a few years ago we learned that's not entirely accurate. I actually have a friend who lived in one of those neighborhoods down in Superior that was mostly burned to the ground and to this day, windy days are tense for her and her neighbors.

Creating a defensible space around your home is crucial. This involves clearing vegetation and other flammable materials within at least 30 feet of your house. Trimming trees, removing dead plants and cutting your grass regularly are important this time of year especially.

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Plan for Fire in Colorado

Scary as it may seem, having an evacuation plan is vital. Identify multiple routes out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place for your family. Keep an emergency kit ready, including essentials like water, food, medications, important documents, and a battery-powered radio. Practice your evacuation plan regularly so everyone knows what to do should that day (hopefully never) come.

Install and maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home. Ensure that your address is clearly visible from the road for easy identification by emergency responders.

We hope for the best every year, obviously, but history usually shows us each year that when the temperatures go up and the rain gauges go down, some number of wildfires are inevitable around here. The better prepared we all are, the better off we'll all be!