A wildfire burning in a forested area with smoke and flames, a car on the road, and trees in the background.

Protecting Your Home from Wildfires in Grand County

1. Create Defensible Space:

  • Zone 1 (0-30 feet from structures):

    • Thin out continuous tree and brush cover to ensure tree crowns are at least 10 to 12 feet apart.

    • Remove dead limbs, leaves, and other ground litter.

    • Stack firewood uphill and at least 15 feet from your home.

    • Maintain a greenbelt using grass, flower gardens, or ornamental shrubbery; alternatively, use rock or other non-combustible materials.

    • Mow dry grasses to a height of 2 inches or less.

    • Prune branches from trees to a height of 10 feet above the ground and remove ladder fuels like shrubs and small trees beneath large trees.

    • Trim branches that extend over your roof and those within 15 feet of a chimney.

    • Clean roofs and gutters of pine needles and debris.

  • Zone 2 (30-100 feet from structures):

    • Reduce the density of the forest by thinning trees to decrease fire hazard and improve forest health.

For detailed guidelines, refer to the Grand County Wildland Fire Mitigation page. (co.grand.co.us)

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2. Fire-Resistant Landscaping:

  • Choose fire-resistant plants that grow close to the ground, have low sap or resin content, and are easily maintained.

  • Avoid planting trees under or near electrical lines.

  • Work with neighbors to clear common areas between houses and prune areas of heavy vegetation.

More information is available in the Grand County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. (winterparkhighlands.org)

3. Utilize Local Resources:

  • Grand County Wildfire Council (GCWC): Offers education and mitigation programs, including community chipping days and cost-share reimbursement programs. (bewildfireready.org)

  • Grand County Division of Natural Resources (DNR): Provides information on creating defensible space and mitigating wildland fire risks. (co.grand.co.us)

4. Stay Informed:

  • Regularly check for fire restrictions and updates from local authorities.

  • Participate in community meetings and stay engaged with local fire protection districts.

By implementing these measures and utilizing available resources, you can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage to your property in Grand County.