Wildfire resilience is a shared community responsibility. While improvements to individual homes and properties are important, working together with neighbors can help address risks that extend beyond property lines.

You don't need to organize a major project to make a difference. Start a conversation, identify opportunities to work together and keep building on that progress.

Start a Conversation With Your Neighbors

Talking with neighbors about wildfire preparedness is a great first step toward building a more resilient neighborhood.

You don't need to be a wildfire expert to start the conversation. Sharing what you've learned, discussing projects you've completed or exploring city resources together can help others understand where to begin.

Consider starting with:

  • A smile or appropriate greeting for the relationship you have with your neighbor.
  • A desire to have a conversation rather than disappointment or criticism about their wildfire resilient work (or lack thereof)
  • A "get to know you" conversation before diving into tougher topics.

Keep conversations supportive and focused on practical solutions. Every property and household has different needs, resources and priorities. The way you start the conversation with your neighbor or community is likely the way it will end, so keep it positive and encouraging.

"Did you know that the city will assess the wildfire risk specific to your home for free?"

Where to take the conversation: Provide them the information about the Detailed Home Assessment with Boulder Fire-Rescue and ways in which you have engaged with the DHA.

"I noticed you have pets! They are too cute! Have you thought about who might help you evacuate them if you are at work and there is an emergency?"

Where to take the conversation: Share what your plan is (if you have a pet) or offer assistance to evacuate pets in the case of an emergency.

"I've been thinking about what I'd do if we had to evacuate our neighborhood. Have you thought about where you'd go?"

Where to take the conversation: Discuss evacuation routes, alternative ways out of the neighborhood and where you might go if you had to leave quickly.

"I've been working on a few things around my house to reduce wildfire risk. Have you looked into any projects for yours?"

Where to take the conversation: Share what you've learned, talk about simple improvements and consider working on a project together.

"I noticed our fence connects to both houses. I've been learning about how fences can contribute to wildfire risk. Would you be interested in looking at some options together?"

Where to take the conversation: Discuss maintenance, noncombustible materials and whether coordinating improvements could make the work easier or more affordable.

"I was thinking about how we'd get out of the neighborhood if there was a wildfire. Do you know which roads you'd take?"

Where to take the conversation: Talk about different ways out of the neighborhood, what to do if a road is closed and how to follow official evacuation instructions.

"I realized I don't have your number, and it might be good for us to be able to reach each other if something happens. Would you want to exchange contact information?"

Where to take the conversation: Exchange phone numbers, talk about how to check on each other and consider connecting with a few other neighbors to build a small emergency support network.

"I'm planning to spend a few hours cleaning up leaves and dead vegetation around my house this weekend. Would anyone want to make it a neighborhood cleanup?"

Where to take the conversation: Pick a date, identify manageable projects and coordinate supplies or yard waste disposal.

"I'm doing some yard cleanup this weekend and have extra time. Would it be helpful if I gave you a hand with anything?"

Where to take the conversation: Find out what help is wanted, agree on appropriate tasks and respect the neighbor's preferences and property.

"I found some information from the city about wildfire risk and things homeowners can do. Would you like me to send it to you?"

Where to take the conversation: Share the Wildfire Home Hardening Hub or information about Detailed Home Assessments. Let neighbors decide what is useful for them.

"I've been looking into some wildfire mitigation projects. Do you think other neighbors might be interested in coordinating supplies or getting contractor estimates together?"

Where to take the conversation: Identify shared interests, compare project needs and explore whether coordinated work could reduce costs.

Consider Dropping a Note off for the Neighbor

View conversation card

Take Action Together

Working with neighbors can make wildfire mitigation projects more manageable and help address shared vulnerabilities.

Consider organizing a neighborhood project such as:

  • Community cleanup day: Work together to remove leaves, dead vegetation and other combustible debris from properties and shared spaces, with permission from property owners.
  • Shared fence line improvements: Talk with adjacent property owners about maintaining fence lines and reducing combustible materials where fences connect to homes.
  • Neighborhood landscaping projects: Explore fire-resilient landscaping improvements in shared areas, with appropriate approvals.
  • Group learning opportunities: Share city wildfire preparedness resources or encourage neighbors to learn about Detailed Home Assessments.

Start with a manageable project, make sure everyone understands their role and respect individual property boundaries.

Even small efforts can help build stronger connections and encourage ongoing wildfire preparedness.

Ideas for Taking Action Together

Organize a Neighborhood Wildfire Cleanup Day

Bring neighbors together to complete simple maintenance projects that can help reduce wildfire risk.

  1. Start Small

    Invite a few neighbors and choose a date that works for your group.

  2. Choose Manageable Projects

    Focus on raking leaves, removing dead vegetation and clearing debris from areas around homes.

  3. Coordinate Supplies

    Ask participants to bring gloves, rakes, yard waste bags and other appropriate tools.

  4. Plan for Debris Disposal

    Identify how collected vegetation and yard waste will be removed

  5. Keep Everyone Safe

    Choose age-appropriate tasks, respect property boundaries and leave hazardous work to qualified professionals.

  6. Make It a Regular Activity

    Consider organizing seasonal cleanups to maintain progress

Work Together on Shared Wildfire Risks

Some wildfire vulnerabilities affect more than one property. Coordinating with neighbors can help address shared fences, vegetation and other potential risks.

  1. Identify Shared Concerns

    Look for combustible fences, overgrown vegetation or accumulated debris along property boundaries.

  2. Talk With Affected Neighbors

    Discuss concerns and possible improvements before making changes

  3. Agree on Responsibilities

    Determine who owns the affected property or structure and who will coordinate any work.

  4. Explore Solutions Together

    Consider shared maintenance schedules, noncombustible fencing materials or coordinated landscaping improvements.

  5. Plan for Costs

    Discuss whether sharing equipment, hiring a contractor together or coordinating work could make projects more manageable.

  6. Establish a plan to keep shared areas clear over time.

Help a Neighbor Get Started With Wildfire Preparedness

Offering practical support can help neighbors who may face challenges completing wildfire mitigation projects on their own.

  1. Start a Conversation

    Ask whether your neighbor is interested in wildfire preparedness or could use assistance with a project.

  2. Listen to Their Needs

    Some neighbors may need help with physical tasks, transportation, supplies or finding information.

  3. Choose a Manageable and Sustainable Activity

    Offer to help rake leaves, remove small yard debris or complete another appropriate maintenance task.

  4. Respect Their Choices

    Always get permission before entering someone's property or making changes.

  5. Share Resources

    Direct neighbors to the city's wildfire preparedness information and home assessment program.

  6. Stay Connected

    Check in periodically and consider making wildfire preparedness a recurring neighborhood activity.

Ready To Make Improvements at Home?

Take action to protect your home

What's your next step?

Wildfire preparedness looks different for everyone. Explore more ways to reduce your risk and build resilience.