Understand your risk. Take action. Build resilience.

Wildfire risk is part of living in Boulder, but there are steps you can take to help protect your home and neighborhood and because wildfire resilience is a shared community responsibility, we all have a role to play.

The Wildfire Home Hardening Hub brings together the information, tools and resources you need to understand your wildfire risk and make practical improvements.

Whether you're just getting started, looking for projects that fit your budget or ready to work with your neighbors, this Hub can help you identify your next step.

Wildfire preparedness isn't a one-time checklist. It's an ongoing effort that builds on small actions, informed decisions and continued improvements over time.

Top 5 Actions You Can Take Right Now

Not sure where to start? These five actions can help you begin reducing wildfire risk and preparing for an emergency.

Some take only a few minutes, while others require ongoing maintenance. You don't have to complete everything at once.

Start with one action, build on your progress and keep going. Wildfire preparedness is an ongoing effort, not a one-time checklist.

So let's get into it...

Get a Detailed Home Assessment

Learn where your home may be vulnerable to wildfire and which improvements to prioritize.

  1. Visit the city's Wildfire Detailed Home Assessment webpage.

    Visit the DHA webpage.

  2. Review the program information and request an assessment if eligible.
  3. Use your assessment recommendations to identify projects you can complete now and improvements to plan for later.
  4. Revisit your recommendations as you make improvements to your property.

Create a 5-Foot Noncombustible Zone

Reduce the materials that could ignite immediately next to your home by creating and maintaining a noncombustible area within the first five feet.

  1. Measure five feet from your home

    Include areas next to exterior walls, attached decks and other connected structures.

  2. Remove combustible materials

    Clear wood mulch, dry vegetation, leaves, firewood and other flammable items.

  3. Choose noncombustible landscaping

    Consider gravel, stone, pavers or other appropriate materials.

  4. Check vulnerable areas

    Pay particular attention to spaces beneath windows, near doors and where decks or fences connect to your home

  5. Maintain the area

    Regularly remove leaves, weeds and other combustible materials that accumulate.

Remove Leaves, Pine Needles, and Debris

Regularly clear combustible debris from around your home to reduce materials that could ignite from windblown embers.

Safety note: Hire a professional for roof or gutter work you cannot complete safely.

  1. Check your roof and gutters

    Look for accumulated leaves, pine needles and other debris.

  2. Clear around your home

    Remove debris from the first five feet around exterior walls.

  3. Inspect decks and stairs

    Clean between deck boards, underneath decks and around stairs.

  4. Check corners and landscaping

    Pay attention to places where wind deposits leaves and other materials

  5. Repeat regularly

    Make debris removal part of your routine home maintenance, especially after windy weather.

6-inch Home Base Clearance

Maintain at least 6 inches of vertical noncombustible material at the bottom of exterior walls, doors, and posts.

  1. Measure

    Measure 6 inches up from the ground or walking surface along your exterior walls, door frames, and support posts.

  2. Clear dirt and debris

    Clear away any dirt, debris, mulch, or plants in the 6 inch base strip.

  3. Choose noncombustible material

    Select fire-resilient or more resilient materials that can withstand direct flam and/or heat.

  4. Apply noncombustible material

    Using weather resilient caulk, glue, nails, or other materials, install and secure the 6-inch paneling.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Make sure you can receive important emergency information when wildfire or another emergency threatens your area.

Important: Emergency alerts are one tool for staying informed. If you see signs of immediate danger, take appropriate action rather than waiting for an alert.

  1. Register for emergency alerts at bocoalert.gov

    Go to bocoalert.gov and register the locations you would like updates on.

  2. Sign up for informational notifications

    Text BOCOInfo to 888777 for county wide notifications or text CitySafe to 888777 for specific City of Boulder notifications.

  3. Download the Reachwell App for multi-lingual alerts

    Download Reachwell App.

  4. Check your notification settings

    Make sure your information and alert preferences are current.

  5. Keep your information updated

    Review your registration whenever your phone number or other contact information changes.

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City Wildfire Ready Information

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