What is Fire Mitigation and Why is it Important?

What is Fire Mitigation and Why is it Important?

 Living in Colorado sometimes means living through dry spells and high risk of fire danger.  Stretches without rain and snow, combined with high winds that come off the mountains cause conditions ripe for wildfire. And while burn restrictions and fire warnings may be the norm for residents, we want to make sure that everyone is aware of the dangers of wildfires—and how we can all work to keep our property and livelihood safe through fire mitigation.

 

Fire mitigation has become a critical part of life in Colorado, especially for residents in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, as memories of the Black Forest fire (2013) and Waldo Canyon fire (2012) are fresh in our minds. Combined, more than 33,000 acres were devastated, 833 homes were destroyed, and four people were killed. Both of these fires took place in El Paso County, and are considered the most destructive fires in Colorado’s history. However, increased efforts by county and city officials are not enough to ensure that your property is more protected against wildfires, and it is your reponsibility to take action, especially if you live in Black Forest, the western foothills, or up in Monument.

 

What is fire mitigation? Fire mitigation is a series of steps that you can take to reduce the risk of a wildfire consuming your property. It includes assessing the risks around your property, recognizing the wildfire dangers and your responsibility in mitigating them, thereby creating a defensible space. It involves how and where you store materials around your property, considering the health of your trees to determine the need for trimming or removal, as well as designating 3 zones of protection (0-30’, 30-100’, 100’+) in your defensible space.

 

We at Fisk Lawnscapes would love to come out to give you a FREE ASSESSMENT on your property! Additionally, you may also be eligible for a $2500 FEDERAL TAX CREDIT for fire mitigation measures taken this year!

 

Let us help keep you safe by assessing your property and clearing out risks!

 

Stay tuned for more information over the next couple weeks regarding creating a defensible space around your house, as well as an assessment checklist, helpful links, and more!
2023-05-15T02:45:17+00:00 Fire Mitigation|