Wildfires are an inherent part of Colorado's natural landscape, but they pose significant threats to homes, especially those situated in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). Homeowners can significantly improve their property's chances of withstanding a wildfire by assessing and mitigating risks within the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ). The HIZ encompasses the home itself and the surrounding area. Understanding its components is crucial for effective wildfire preparedness. 

The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) is divided into three critical areas:

✔ Immediate Zone (0-5 feet): The area closest to your home, where fire-resistant materials and debris removal are most crucial.

✔ Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet): A defensible space buffer where fuels should be reduced and fire spread minimized.

✔ Extended Zone (30-100 feet): The outer zone designed to disrupt fire's path before it reaches your home. 

Use the checklist below to systematically evaluate and improve each zone.

The most important zone—homes that ignite in this area are unlikely to survive. Click here for the Home Retrofit Guide for more information on building materials.   

⬜ Roofing: Ensure your roof has a Class A fire rating for maximum fire resistance.

⬜ Gutters & Roof Debris: Regularly clean leaves, pine needles, and debris from the roof, gutters, and decks. 

⬜ Vent Protection: Install 1/8-inch metal mesh screens on attic, eave, roof, and foundation vents to prevent ember entry. 

⬜ Siding Clearance: Maintain at least 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the start of home siding. 

⬜ Mulch & Landscaping: Avoid wood mulch, junipers, and flammable plants directly next to the house. Use gravel or stone instead. 

⬜ Fencing: Replace combustible wood fencing within 5 feet of the home with non-combustible materials. 

⬜ Outdoor Furniture & Storage: Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials out of this zone.

This zone serves as a buffer between the house and surrounding vegetation. 

⬜ Grass & Weed Control: Keep grass mowed to 4 inches or less to reduce fire intensity. 

⬜ Dead Vegetation & Debris: Clear fallen leaves, needles, and other flammable material regularly. 

⬜ Tree Branches: Remove any branches that hang over the roof or chimney to prevent fire from spreading. 

⬜ Tree Spacing: Space trees at least 10 feet apart to prevent fire from jumping between them. 

⬜ Shrub Removal: Remove small trees or shrubs growing under taller trees to prevent fire from climbing upward. 

⬜ Slash Disposal: Dispose of tree and shrub trimmings by chipping, hauling away, or burning (if permitted). 

⬜ Firewood Storage: Keep firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet away from structures. 

⬜ Landscaping Materials: Use non-combustible materials like gravel instead of wood chips.

The goal in this zone is to slow fire spread and reduce flame height.

⬜ Firewood & Propane Tank Safety: Store firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet from your home and keep vegetation clear around them. 

⬜ Tree Thinning: Space trees so that their crowns do not touch to reduce fire spread. 

⬜ Firebreaks: Create gravel paths, driveways, or stone walls to break up fire progression. 

⬜ Emergency Access: Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance along driveways for fire trucks.

⬜ Upgrade to fire-resistant roofing, siding, and decks. 

⬜ Install ember-resistant vents and screen all openings. 

⬜ Use metal or fire-resistant doors for garages and sheds. 

⬜ Seal any gaps or openings where embers could enter. 

⬜ Store firewood and combustible materials away from the house.

At Blue Sky Fire Mitigation, we specialize in assessing and reducing wildfire risks for homeowners in the Conifer and Evergreen areas. Our team of experienced wildland firefighters applies firsthand fire behavior knowledge to implement effective, science-backed mitigation strategies.

Our Services Include:

• Fire Mitigation
• Tree removal
• Home Hardening
• Home Wildfire Assessment Plans 
• Defensible space planning, implementation, and permitting
• Insurance Compliance
• Fire-resistant landscaping guidance
• Ongoing maintenance and monitoring

Contact Blue Sky Fire Mitigation today to schedule an assessment and protect your home from wildfire threats!