PEAK TO PEAK - When it comes to wildfire, there is a saying that is often shared among mountain residents: that it’s not a matter of IF you and your home will be impacted, but WHEN.

Since 2018, Colorado has experienced four of the five largest wildfires in the state’s history. What was once a fire season that ran May through September has become a fire year with no real relief.

Public land management agencies are doing what they can to manage risk on their lands, but what can private property owners do to proactively mitigate their homes and land for safety, insurance eligibility, and peace of mind?

Many of us have made our way to the Peak to Peak area to immerse ourselves in nature and take advantage of the proximity to public lands and the available recreation opportunities. While it’s an ideal setting to relax and explore, our drought-prone mountain environment—dense forest, steep terrain, and that gentle Nederland breeze—it is also highly favorable to wildfire.

For most, the rewards of mountain living outweigh the risks. But with budget cuts impacting firefighter staffing, it is up to us as community members to take responsibility for protecting our properties.

What can you do to protect your property? It all starts with the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ), the area within 100’ of your home, broken into three zones.

• Zone 1 (0-5 feet) – As the area closest to the home, this is where you want to begin. Remove any flammable vegetation and replace it with non-flammable material such as gravel, rock, or even concrete pavers around the perimeter of all structures, extending 3’ away from the structure. If you have a favorite tree within this zone, you should limb ladder fuels and make sure any branches are well clear of your chimney. Rake pine needles and other organic debris out to the 5’ perimeter and don’t store firewood in this area.

• Zone 2 (5-30 feet) – This transitional zone aims to reduce fuels that will in turn reduce the intensity of a fire approaching your home. Keep grass cut to 4” or less, space trees with at least 10’ between crowns, and trim ladder fuels to 6-10’ above the ground. If you have low-growing juniper in this area, go ahead and remove it. I’ve heard that firefighters absolutely hate this stuff.

• Zone 3 (30-100 feet) – This is where you can preserve the forested view that brought you to the mountains—just make it a healthy forest. This means a mix of tree species of varying size and age. You don’t want them crowding each other out—give them space to grow. It is always a good idea to tend to ladder fuels, even in Zone 3.

While you are at it, you should also assess any structures on your property. Consider upgrading to non-combustible building materials such as stucco, metal, or stone. A metal roof, double-pane windows, and fire-rated window shutters can also add a layer of protection.

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. There are community resources that can help you identify where you should focus your time and money.

For unincorporated Boulder County residents, Wildfire Partners (wildfirepartners.org) offers home assessments along with a certification if you complete the recommended mitigation.

In Gilpin County, Timberline Fire Protection District (timberlinefire.com) offers free HIZ property inspections.

The community sort yards in Nederland and Gilpin County accept slash at no charge, or you can investigate community chipping events if you prefer not to haul slash.

Living in the mountains means taking the good with the bad. Wildfire risk is just a fact of life in our community, but it's one we can actively prepare for. By taking steps to mitigate your property, starting with the Home Ignition Zone, you not only protect your home but also contribute to the safety and resilience of the entire neighborhood.

The tools, resources, and support are out there—now’s the time to act.