Every year, thousands of wildfires burn across Colorado, threatening lives, homes, and the places we love most. And while wildfires are a natural part of our landscape, their frequency, intensity, and cost are increasing — fueled by a warming climate, long-term drought, and a growing number of people living in high-risk areas.
Today, nearly 2.9 million Coloradans — just under half the state’s population — live in what’s called the wildland-urban interface (WUI). That’s where homes, businesses, and roads meet fire-prone vegetation. As Colorado’s population continues to grow — projected to increase by 41–70% by 2050 — more people than ever will be at risk. Without bold action, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources predicts the cost of wildfire suppression and damage to property could reach $440 million annually by mid-century.
But here’s the good news: we can do something about it. And it starts at home.
Get to Know Your Wildfire Risk
Thanks to the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), it’s easy to understand your local wildfire risk and learn how to prepare. The Colorado Wildfire Risk Viewer is an interactive online tool that shows wildfire risk in your area and offers practical guidance on how to protect your home and property. It includes local fire history, community resources, and tips for homeowners — empowering you to take action before it’s too late.
Living With Fire Means Planning Ahead
Wildfires are inevitable in Colorado. But devastation doesn’t have to be.
Firefighters work hard to protect lives and property, but they can’t do it alone — especially when fire conditions are too dangerous. That’s why individual responsibility is key. Taking steps now to reduce your home’s vulnerability can make the difference between destruction and survival.
The most effective way to do this? Focus on the Home Ignition Zone.
What Is the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ)?
The Home Ignition Zone includes your home and the area around it — and it’s where science shows that preparation has the greatest impact.
There are two main factors that determine whether a home will survive a wildfire:
- Structure Ignitability: How likely is your home to catch fire from embers, heat, or flames?
- Defensible Space: How much flammable material surrounds your home?
By reducing these risks, you increase the chances that your home will survive a wildfire — and improve firefighter safety, too.
Start with the First 5 Feet
The area within 5 feet of your home is the most critical. Embers can fly for miles ahead of a wildfire — and they often land in places like:
- Wood mulch near siding
- Flammable plants under windows
- Debris in gutters or under decks
Simple changes like replacing wood chips with gravel, installing metal mesh to block ember entry, or removing dead vegetation can have an outsized impact.
Think of it as creating a “defensive moat” around your home. What you do really matters — and every step counts.
Take Action. Live Wildfire Ready.
Wildfire mitigation is not a one-time task — it’s an ongoing responsibility.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Use the Colorado Wildfire Risk Viewer to assess your risk.
- Create and maintain defensible space zones around your home.
- Prepare your family with a wildfire emergency plan.
- Join local community wildfire preparedness events and fire mitigation programs.
- Talk to your neighbors — fire doesn’t stop at property lines.