Protect Your Property

Due to Colorado’s arid climate and fire-dependent forests, many homeowners and landowners may be particularly vulnerable to wildfires. There are a number of steps you can take to reduce this risk and improve your home’s chances of survival. Two of the most important factors are using fire-resistant building materials and creating defensible space around your property. While no single action can guarantee protection, taking preventative measures such as clearing vegetation and reducing fuels can make a meaningful difference.

Wildfire Defensible Zone

Defensible space is a critical component of home wildfire protection. It is the area surrounding a structure where vegetation and other fuels are managed to slow the spread of fire and reduce its intensity. Properly maintained defensible space not only helps protect your home from approaching wildfire, but also limits the potential for fire to spread outward from the structure. It provides firefighters with safer access to defend your property and increases the likelihood that your home will withstand a wildfire event. 

Red, White & Blue provides complimentary defensible space evaluations of your property. Following the National Standard of Firewise, our staff provides you with information on making your property more resilient against fire. To request a free evaluation, please email us or call us at (970)453-2474.

An illustration of a cabin surrounded by zones for fire safety, indicating distances from the structure in a forested area.
Zone 1 - "Immediate Zone" (0-5') 

Goal - The goal of this space is to be mostly noncombustible. The purpose of this zone is to prevent direct flame contact with the structure and give embers a place to land and cool off.  

 Landscape - 

  • Noncombustible ground cover - NO MULCH    
  • Any grasses within 5’ should be kept under 4’’ 
  • Any planters should be irrigated and not touching the structure  
  • No trees should be overhanging roof 
  • No evergreen trees (Pine, spruce, fir)  

Structure -  

  • Screen Vents with ⅛” metal screen  
  • Clean out gutters and roof valley annually  
  • Maintain 6” between the ground or deck and the first piece of combustible siding  
  • No firewood storage 
Zone 2 - "Intermediate Zone" (5-30') 

Goal - This zone is designed to give an approaching fire less fuel, which will help reduce its intensity as it gets nearer to your home or any structures.  

Landscape -  

  • Grasses are maintained at 4”- 6”  
  • Space trees or clusters of trees by 10’-12’ of crown spacing  
  • Remove ladder fuels (Shrubs or smaller vegetation under trees)  
  • Prune trees 6’ - 10’ off the ground 
  • No Junipers (native or ornamental) within 50’ of any structure  
  • Remove any dead, down or diseased trees or shrubs  
  • No firewood storage  
Zone 3 - "Extended Zone" (30-100') 

Goal - This zone focuses on mitigation that keeps fire on the ground, but it’s also a space to make choices that can improve a forest's health. Healthy forests include trees of multiple ages, sizes, and species, where adequate growth and spacing is maintained over time.  

If the distance of 100 feet to the edge of Zone 3 stretches past your property lines, it’s encouraged to work with adjoining property owners to complete an appropriate defensible space. If your house is on steep slopes or has certain topographic factors, this zone may be extended.  

Landscape -  

  • Create a “Park like Feel”  
  • If you trip over it or poke your eye out, remove it  
  • Limit ladder fuels by limbing trees and removing ground fuels  
  • Clump trees with 10-15’ between clumps  
  • Firewood storage is permitted in this zone 

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