Wildfire Mitigation
Landowner resources
Why Mitigate
Defensible Space
Protecting your Property from Wildfire
Living in the upper Arkansas basin offers stunning scenery, unparalleled access to nature, and abundant recreational opportunities. However, this beautiful environment comes with challenges, including the potential for wildfires. As a landowner in the upper basin, taking proactive steps including creating defensible space protects not only your home but also contributes to the safety and resilience of the entire community.
Learn how ARWC can help
Why Wildfire Mitigation?
- According to Lake County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and Chaffee County’s CWPP, poor forest health and lack of community wildfire preparedness are critical concerns for health and safety in the Upper Arkansas Valley.
- The vast majority of Lake County residents live in areas of significant wildfire risk.
- As a landowner in the WUI, it is your responsibility to protect your property from wildfire
- Wildfire mitigation including the creation of defensible space and home hardening can increase the likelihood your home survives a wildfire
- Slash removal (the clearing of dead or dangerous woody materials) on individual private property is one the quickest, easiest, and most cost effective ways that our community can build resilience; all it takes is a few hours of your time.
How to Create Defensible Space
Create effective defensible space around your home by following these guidelines from Colorado State Forest Service:
- Zone 1 (0-5 feet from the home) is the area nearest the home and other structures. It requires the most vigilant work to reduce wildfire hazards.
- Zone 2 (5-30 feet from the home) is the area transitioning away from the home where fuels should be reduced.
- Zone 3 (30-100 feet from the home) is the area farthest from the home. It extends 100 feet from the home on relatively flat ground.
Credit: Colorado State Forest Service