Wildfire Preparedness: 6 Simple Steps to Save Your Home

If you live in Colorado's Front Range, wildfire season isn't something you watch on television — it's something you prepare for.

Hot, dry summers and wind-prone terrain render our region especially vulnerable. The good news? There's a lot you can do as a homeowner to reduce risk and protect your property — without needing to redesign your entire landscape.

Here are 6 simple, high-impact steps to boost your home's wildfire readiness today.

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1. Build Defensible Space Around Your House

Defensible space is your initial defense in Colorado. It's the area around your house where flammable vegetation has been cleared or reduced to slow fire spread.

Break it up into three zones:

• Zone 1 (0–5 feet): Clear this area of anything that will burn — no mulch, dead leaves, or stacks of firewood. Gravel, pavers, or non-flammable ground cover should be used here.

• Zone 2 (5–30 feet): Trim trees so branches won't touch. Keep grass neat by frequently mowing it, and removing ladder fuels (smaller bushes or lower branches that will drive the fire upward).

• Zone 3 (30–100+ feet): Trim underbrush, space trees, and enjoy good (fire-free) landscaping.

Pro Tip: Take one annual walk-around in early spring to search for new growth or litter.

2. Clean Gutters and Roof Debris

Leaves, pine needles, and twigs in your gutters or on your roof are essentially kindling during fire season.

✅ Do this at least twice a year — and more often if you’re near trees.

✅ Install metal mesh gutter guards to minimize buildup.

✅ Examine roof valleys and behind chimneys, where leaves tend to collect.

3. Seal Vents and Gaps

Embers — not flames — are the leading reason homes ignite during wildfires. They can creep in through vents or tiny openings and burn insulation or attic material.

• Put 1/8-inch metal mesh screens on attic, crawl space, and soffit vents.

• Seal gaps and cracks in siding, roofing, and foundations with fire-rated caulking.

• Use ember-resistant vent covers where available.

4. Choose Fire-Resistant Materials

If you’re updating your exterior or deck, choose materials that reduce your risk:

• Roofing: Asphalt shingles, metal, slate, or tile are safer than wood shakes.

  
  

• Siding: Fiber cement, stucco, or metal are far more fire-resistant than untreated wood.

  
  

• Decking: Use composite or ignition-resistant wood alternatives like Trex or TimberTech.

Even replacing just a few elements can drastically improve your home’s resilience.

5. Have an Emergency Plan (and Go Bag)

Evacuations from wildfire can be sudden. Prepare now:

• Create a family evacuation plan with more than one evacuation route.

• Keep a go bag ready with:

• Key documents

• Medications

• Chargers

• Food/water

• Pet supplies

• Back up key data and photos to the cloud or portable drive.

Bonus step: Sign up for emergency alerts in your county (visit your local sheriff or emergency management website).

6. Negotiate With Your Insurance Company

This is one thing most homeowners overlook — but it's necessary.

• Make sure your policy is for replacement cost, not market value.

• Record valuables and take a home inventory at least twice a year (videos and photos are ideal).

• Ask about discounts on fire-resistant upgrades like vent screens or Class A roofing.

Colorado is a high-risk state. If your policy hasn't been revised in the last 12 months, now's the time.

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Final Thoughts

You don't need to live deep in the backcountry to be at risk. Wildfires in recent years have burned into suburban developments across Boulder, Jefferson, and Larimer counties. Preparing now — before the heat and winds of summer — can make a big difference.

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Need Help Preparing Your Home?

From vent replacements to siding work, to debris removal, Alpine Home Repairs is prepared to help homeowners along Colorado's Front Range prepare their homes for the wildfire season.

Alpine Home Repairs