Before the Fire

Fires in our Backyard

Living in Colorado, we cherish the rugged natural beauty of the mountains. Wildfires, though often feared, play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the Southern Rockies’ ecosystems. Fire helps clear dead material, control insects and diseases, open cones, release seeds, and create a diverse wildlife habitat. It also prevents the accumulation of fuels that can lead to more intense, destructive fires. However, when fires are suppressed, these fuels build up, resulting in hotter fires that damage trees, soil, and infrastructure, delaying regeneration and causing erosion. With increasing numbers of people living in and downstream of these fire-adapted forests, it’s vital for landowners and communities to prepare for wildfires and promote fire-resilient landscapes around homes and infrastructure.