Fire is capricious. It can find the weak link in your home’s fire protection scheme and gain the upper hand because of a small, overlooked or seemingly inconsequential factor. While you may not be able to accomplish all measures listed on this page (and there are no guarantees), each will increase your home’s, and possibly your family’s, safety and survival during a wildfire. 

Start with the easiest and least expensive actions. Begin your work closest to your house and move outward. Keep working on the more difficult items until you have completed your entire project.

Firefighters from the Red, White & Blue provide free voluntary defensible inspection of your property. Following the National Standard of Firewise, our staff provides you with information on making your property more resilient against fire.  Creating defensible space makes your home easier for firefighters to defend during a wildfire that is threatening homes and neighborhoods.  To request a free inspection, please email us or call us at 970-453-2474.

Defensible Space Descriptions  & Firewise Checklist

“Zone 1” “Immediate Zone” (0-5’) 

Goal - the goal of this space is to be mostly noncombustible. The purpose of this zone is to prevent direct flame contact with the structure and give embers a place to land and cool off.  

 Landscape - 

• Noncombustible ground cover - NO MULCH    

• Any grasses within 5’ should be kept under 4’’ 

• Any planters should be irrigated and not touching the structure  

• No trees should be overhanging roof 

• No evergreen trees (Pine, spruce, fir)  

Structure -  

• Screen Vents with ⅛” metal screen  

• Clean out gutters and roof valley annually  

• Maintain 6” between the ground or deck and the first piece of combustible siding  

• No firewood storage 

“Zone 2” “Intermediate Zone” (5-30’) 

Goal - This zone is designed to give an approaching fire less fuel, which will help reduce its intensity as it gets nearer to your home or any structures.  

Landscape -  

• Grasses are maintained at 4”- 6”  

• Space trees or clusters of trees by 10’-12’ of crown spacing  

• Remove ladder fuels (Shrubs or smaller vegetation under trees)  

• Prune trees 6’ - 10’ off the ground 

• No Junipers (native or ornamental) within 50’ of any structure  

• Remove any dead, down or diseased trees or shrubs  

• No firewood storage  

“Zone 3” “Extended Zone” (30-100’)  

Goal - This zone focuses on mitigation that keeps fire on the ground, but it’s also a space to make choices that can improve a forest's health. Healthy forests include trees of multiple ages, sizes, and species, where adequate growth and spacing is maintained over time.  

If the distance of 100 feet to the edge of Zone 3 stretches past your property lines, it’s encouraged to work with adjoining property owners to complete an appropriate defensible space. If your house is on steep slopes or has certain topographic factors, this zone may be extended.  

Landscape -  

• Create a “Park like Feel”  

• If you trip over it or poke your eye out, remove it  

• Limit ladder fuels by limbing trees and removing ground fuels  

• Clump trees with 10-15’ of between clumps  

• Firewood storage is permitted in this zone