Fire Mitigation

Because trees and shrubs continue to grow, trees drop their leaves and needles, plants die and new plants sprout up, defensible space requires annual maintenance. In Colorado, this danger is increased because of the sun's intensity, the wind and the dryness of our environment.

As a homeowner, you can help prepare your house for the threat of wildfires by performing the following mitigation activities annually.

• 1. Thin trees and brush
• 2. Dispose of slash and debris from thinning
• 3. Remove dead limbs, leaves and other litter
• 4. Stack firewood away from your home
• 5. Mow dry grass and weeds
• 6. Prune branches 6 feet above the ground
• 7. Trim branches away from the roof
• 8. Clean roof and gutters
• 9. Reduce the density of the surrounding forest