Wildfires will happen. Together, we can lessen the risk and destruction.

Douglas County offers tips and resources as part of Wildfire Preparedness Month in May

You’ve seen the destructive power of wind-blown wildfires – here in Colorado and across our nation. Fires are the No. 1 natural hazard in Douglas County, a risk we’re always working to mitigate. How can you help? Be Prepared. Be Proactive. Be Partners.

As part of Wildfire Preparedness Month, get to know the tools and resources available to help you mitigate the risk of a wildfire spreading to your home.

Practical Actions to Reduce Wildfire Risk
There are simple, practical, low-cost steps you can take to better protect your home and property from wildfire, including:

Regularly clear leaves, pine needles and other debris from your deck, roof and gutters.
Rake and remove pine needles and leaves 5 feet from your home.
Store firewood at least 30 feet from your home, preferably uphill, and never on or under your deck.
Move items under your deck or porch to a storage area.
Prune branches hanging over your roof and within 10 feet of your chimney.
Create and maintain a 5-foot noncombustible zone around structures or remove combustible material within 5 feet of structures.
Mow grasses to 4 inches or less within 30 feet of your home.
Clear brush, shrubs and other plants within 10 feet of propane tanks and gas meters.
Screen attic, roof, eaves and foundation vents and wall-in areas below decks and stilt foundations with 1/8-inch metal mesh.

Douglas County offers services, including free slash-mulch and yard waste disposal, to help with these efforts.

In addition to preparing your home, being proactive and prepared means being ready to evacuate during a fire:

Make an evacuation plan with Ready, Set, Go! for people and pets. This includes signing up for Douglas County’s Access and Functional Needs Registry if you think you may need evacuation assistance.
Prepare a go-bag and disaster supplies kit with Ready, Set, Go!
Sign up for CodeRED emergency notifications.
Ensure home address signs are visible from the street.
Identify at least two ways out of your neighborhood and a safe place for you to go.
Practice evacuating your home with your family and pets.
Create a family emergency communication plan.

For more info about your role in wildfire mitigation and to learn about Douglas County’s efforts, visit our webpage.

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Wildfires will happen. Together, we can lessen the risk and destruction.

Your County. Your News. Get it first.