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Wildfire Risk Management

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Along the Front Range, it's important to keep wildfire safety in mind throughout the year. This shared responsibility is a priority for a safe and prepared community.

Are you concerned about your property's wildfire risk? Wildfire risk reduction is an ongoing process, not a one-time activity. Conditions around the home change over time due to vegetation growth, weather patterns, and property use. Maintaining a safer Home Ignition Zone requires consistent upkeep, seasonal attention, and continued action by the property owner. Small, consistent improvements—especially within the first few feet of the structure—have been shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of home ignition during a wildfire.

A variety of resources below are also available to help homeowners mitigate risk on their own property.

Open space management 

The Metro District's key goals for managing our natural resources are the health of the resource and public safety. We incorporate several strategies – and collaborate with our community partners – to implement sustainable stewardship.

During drier years or after devastating national fires, residents may wonder why more of the open space isn't mowed regularly to prevent a fire. There are more than 2,600 acres of native grass areas within the Metro District's open space, and repeatedly mowing entire open space areas is not a realistic or effective tactic for fire prevention.

  • In actuality, mowing tall grasses does not remove the fire fuel load, and cut, dry grasses on the ground may result in a hotter fire.
  • Tall, actively growing grasses act as "water reservoirs" and stay greener longer through the growing season compared to mowed areas.  
  • Healthy native plants help to out-compete non-native plants that can create altered and extremely dangerous wildfires.
  • Our short grass prairie environment provides a healthy native habitat for plants and wildlife and helps reduce erosion.

The Metro District does complete routine trail and fence line mows several times each growing season. Doing so creates firebreaks that act as barriers to slow or stop wildfire spread. Additionally, the Metro District will mow non-native plant communities and selectively apply herbicide to manage weed growth. Homeowners may mow or weed whip between their open space fence line and the outer edge of the Metro District's 6-foot mow line. If you choose to mow this space, mow decks should be raised to their maximum height. Mowing beyond the Metro District mow line is prohibited.

For other questions about Metro District property, please contact Scott Nelson, open space supervisor, at snelson@highlandsranch.org or 720-240-5924.

Home ignition zone: Start with the home

The most effective wildfire mitigation begins with the home itself and the immediate zone (0–5 feet) surrounding the structure. These actions focus on reducing ignition potential from embers and radiant heating, two of the leading causes of home loss during wildfire.

  1. Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles that could ignite from embers.
  2. Replace or repair loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to reduce the risk of ember intrusion.
  3. Install 1/8-inch metal mesh screening over all vents (including eaves and attic vents) to reduce ember entry.
  4. Clear debris from exterior vents and ensure all openings are properly screened.
  5. Repair or replace damaged window screens and any broken or missing window panes.
  6. Enclose or screen areas below decks and patios with noncombustible or fine metal mesh to prevent the accumulation of combustible debris.
  7. Remove all combustible materials within the first 0–5 feet of the home, including mulch, flammable vegetation, leaves, pine needles, and firewood.
  8. Do not store combustible materials underneath decks or porches.

 

Smoke alarms

Working smoke alarms are a critical component of home safety and provide early warning in the event of a fire, including those caused by wildfire ember intrusion or structure ignition.

While the Home ignition zone focuses on reducing the likelihood of a home igniting, smoke alarms help ensure occupants are alerted quickly if a fire does occur. Early detection significantly increases the ability to respond safely and evacuate if needed.

Residents should:

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside sleeping areas
  • Test alarms monthly
  • Replace batteries as needed or use sealed 10-year units
  • Replace alarms according to manufacturer recommendations

 

Additional homeowner resources