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We are working to make the community safer and stronger by preparing for wildfire and reducing risk.

While Boulder is a beautiful place to live, work and play, the same natural lands that make it special also put the community at significant risk for wildfires. Fire is a necessary part of the evolution of forests and grassland. Strategic and coordinated mitigation can help us honor its role while preventing devastation to our community.

In November 2022, Boulder voters approved a new Climate Action Plan tax that included $1.5 million to support a more holistic and collaborative approach to this life-safety issue.

This gives us a valuable opportunity to shape a new generation of wildfire resilience in our community.

Protecting your home from wildfire doesnt just help you, it helps the whole community

Making your home more resilient benefits the whole community!

The detailed home assessment (DHA) is a free personal assessment of your home that is conducted by Boulder Fire-Rescue. Each DHA is done by a specialist and has the purpose of assisting homeowners in understanding their wildfire resilience risk at their residence. This free program is made up of a 2 hour walk through of your home and property as well as a specific report provided on risk reduction tactics you can take on your home.

Sign up for an assessment

What is the city doing to improve wildfire resilience?

Wildfire preparedness is not something only fire departments do. At the City of Boulder creating a resilient community for wildfires includes interdepartmental work as well as regional work.

Boulder Fire-Rescue Wildland Division, Open Space and Mountain Parks, Climate Initiatives, and Parks and Recreation with the City of Boulder all play a role in creating a more resilient community.

Please look through the links below to learn more about the work that the city is doing in the wildfire resilience space.

Being wildfire ready is a shared responsibility. Join us!

Improvements in safety also require the participation and engagement of our community. Individuals can take personal action in order to decrease their risk and improve outcomes during wildfires. The work you can do to prepare your homes, families and neighborhoods for a wildfire event can make a significant difference during an emergency.

Please browse the links below to learn more about how you can create a more resilient home and community.

How to Prepare for Wildfires

Sign up for BOCO Emergency Alerts

  • BOCO Alerts will send you customized alerts for specific destinations (that you choose) to your method of communication. Sign up for emergency alerts
  • Receive text alerts by texting BOCOinfo to the number 888777. The request only needs to be made once. The service is free, except for any data usage charges that might apply.

Create a Plan

Create your Grab List

  • Create a list of sentimental and life-saving items (like medications, durable medical equipment, etc) and their locations that you would need to take with you during an evacuation.
  • Keep your grab list in a spot that’s easily accessible – this then serves as a focusing tool for you during an evacuation as you gather items.
  • Plan ahead with neighbors and friends for how you would get items/pets, etc. out if you were not home.
  • Learn more at Boulder ODM

During a wildfire

Follow alert guidance!

  • Do not wait to be advised to leave if you feel your safety is compromised. If advised to leave your home/area, please do so immedietly.

  • Understand these alert severity levels:

    • Advisory: Used to share information about an emergency situation that is likely to impact communities.
    • Warning: Used to prepare you to take action, or take immediate action if you need extra time to mobilize.
    • Order: Used when you need to take immediate action due to an imminent life threat.

  • Understand the following guidance:
    • Evacuation: A directive to leave the area immediately.
    • All Clear: Follow-up information issued after officials have determined the hazard no longer presents a threat to the community.

    (Other alerts for general emergency preparedness - find more information on our Emergency Preparedness webpage)
    • Climb to higher ground – A directive to move to a location nearby that is higher than your current position.
    • Shelter in Place – A directive to remain indoors until the situation is resolved.
    • Missing/Endangered Person – Information about a missing or endangered person that is shared to increase community awareness.

Evacuation Routes and Destination

  • Get to safety using one of the routes you’ve pre-determined, or as directed by law enforcement (which may be off the beaten path).
  • Go to the evacuation location you’ve pre-determined in your personal/household preparedness plan. (can link to https://boulderodm.gov/preparedness/planning/evacuation/)
  • Leave as soon as you feel like you need to. You do not need to wait for an official alert to move yourself/your family to safety elsewhere when there is an event occurring.

Grab List

  • Bring the items in your grab list.

Regional Resilience

We actively collaborate with other agencies in the region, county, state, and more to improve our wildfire resilience. We are grateful for our partners and regionally coordinated efforts to keep our community wildfire ready. Wildfire resilience truly is a shared responsibility.