After the Fire
what to do after a fire
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Pre-Fire Resources
Fire and Flood Resources Menu
Fires in our Backyard
Many forests in Colorado are densely packed with dead and dying trees and an overloaded understory of woody debris and vegetation. When these forests burn, the fires are intense and spread rapidly across our steep, rugged terrain. The aftermath often leaves large sections of upper watersheds devoid of vegetation, unable to absorb rainfall. Subsequent rains can cause post-fire floods, carrying debris and threatening life, property, and infrastructure. Recovery is slow, impacting landowners, communities, agriculture, recreation, and wildlife habitats. Local response and timely intervention, supported by federal, state, county, and nonprofit resources, are crucial for mitigating fire’s negative impacts and speeding up the healing process. Safety during and after the fire, education, and preparedness are essential defenses.
Post-Fire Recovery Playbook
Provided by a coalition of agencies, water providers, and organizations in Colorado, contains resources to help communities respond post-fire.
After the Fire Toolkit
Provided by the Washington Post-Wildfire Committee, contains resources to help communities respond post-fire.
Staying Informed
InciWeb Incident Information
Interagency all-risk incident information management system. Maps all fires.
National Weather Service
Forecast and alerts from NOAA.
EPA Air Now
Provides up to date information on local air quality.
iALERT
Providing tailored weather and emergency alert notification services via email, text, and socials.
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
A network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather info directly from the nearest NWS office.
Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio*
Health and Wellbeing after a Disaster
Staying safe after a Wildfire
Wildfire safety information from the American Red Cross.
Coping with Disaster
Understanding, recognizing signs, and easing stress from Ready.com.
Helping Children Cope with Disaster
A partnership between the American Red Cross and FEMA.
Recovering Emotionally from Disaster
From the American Psychological Association.
Colorado Crisis Services
Reach out for free, confidential, 24/7 support.
(844) 493-TALK (8255) OR Text TALK to 38255
Returning to your Property
Addressing the Impacts of Wildfire on Water Resources
Learn how and why flood risks increase after fires.
Assessing your Homesite after a Wildfire
From the CSU Extension.
Emergency Water Supplies & Treatment
From the CSU Extension.
Use of Wells and Septic Systems Following a WIldfire
From the CSU Extension
Protecting your Property
Strategies for Protecting your Property
From Boulder County after the Fourmile Canyon Fire.
Modified Crib Walls
Learn how to reduce the risk of mud slides and debris flows following wildfire.
HESCO® Flood Barriers*
Products that provide solutions to emergency flood protection.
Sandbagging
Using sandbags as a temporary wall can help divert mud and flood waters away from buildings.
How to Build a Sandbag Wall
Learn how to build an effective sandbag wall from our friends at the Coalition for the Upper South Platte and El Paso County.
Watch Now
Understanding Flooding after Fires
Fema
Learn how and why flood risks increase after fires.
BAER Teams
Learn how the Burned Area Emergency Response program addresses post-fire emergency stabilization to reduce the risk of flooding.
Flood After Fire Factsheet
Provided by the National Flood Insurance Program.
Understanding Burn Severity
Parsons et al, Oct 2010. Field Guide for Mapping Post-Fire Soil Burn Severity. RMRS-GTR-243
Colorado Geological Survey
Learn how to reduce the risk of mud slides and debris flows following wildfire.
Fire & Flood Insurance
Flood Insurance
Is flood insurance right for you?
National Flood Insurance Program
A public-private partnership designed to help provide indurance to reduce the socio-economic impact of floods.
Wildfire Insurance 101
An overview provided by Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
CO Step-by-step insurance claim guide
Provided by the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.
Creating a Home Inventory Guide
Provided by United Policyholders.
Insurance Claim Tips for Partial Loss Fires
Provided by United Policyholders
Insurance Tips for Coloradans Impacts by Wildfire
Provided by the Colorado Division of Insurance.
Sample Insurance Claim Letters and Documents
Provided by United Policyholders.
Financial Resources
Disaster Losses and Related Tax Rules
Provided by Rural Tax Education.
Weather-Related Sales of Livestock
Provided by Rural Tax Education.
Properties Destroyed by Natural Disaster
Video provided by the Colorado Division of Taxation.
Wildfire Relief
Provided by the American Red Cross.
Disaster Assistance Programs
Provided by the Farm Service Agency.
Emergency Watershed Protection Program
Provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Grants and Funding Assistance
Provided by the Colorado State Forest Service
Build an Emergency Kit
*Please note that inclusion on this list does not indicate a recommendation by ARWC or any of our partners.