Trail Talk #2

Wildfire Preparedness: Simple Steps Every Mountain Homeowner Should Take

Like many of you, we've spent the past couple of days watching the Green Ridge Fire and Fishhook Fire with concern. Wildfires have come uncomfortably close to home, serving as an important reminder that living in the mountains comes with incredible beauty—and a little extra responsibility.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are now in place throughout Routt County. While we all hope for cooler temperatures and much-needed rain, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is as prepared as possible. Fortunately, wildfire preparedness doesn't have to be overwhelming. A few simple steps can go a long way toward protecting your home and your loved ones.

Start with Defensible Space

One of the most effective things you can do is create defensible space around your home. The goal is to reduce the amount of fuel a wildfire has as it approaches your property.

Some easy ways to get started include:

• Remove dead trees, branches, pine needles, and leaves from around your home.
• Keep grass mowed and trim shrubs regularly.
• Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your house during fire season.
• Prune tree branches so they don't extend over your roof or touch one another.
• Move combustible items like patio cushions, welcome mats, and propane tanks away from structures when fire danger is high.
  
  

Don't Forget Your Home

Many homes ignite not from a wall of flames, but from wind-blown embers.

Take a few minutes to:

• Clean leaves and pine needles out of gutters and off your roof.
• Check that vents are screened to keep embers from entering attics and crawl spaces.
• Repair loose shingles or siding.
• Make sure your address is clearly visible from the road so emergency responders can easily find your home.
  
  

Be Ready Before You Need To Be

If an evacuation order is issued, you'll want to be ready to leave quickly.

Consider keeping:

• Important documents in one easy-to-grab location.
• A small emergency kit with medications, chargers, flashlights, and basic supplies.
• Photos or videos of your home's contents for insurance purposes.
• Vehicles fueled up during periods of high fire danger.

Even spending thirty minutes preparing today can make a stressful situation much easier if you ever need to leave.

Final Thoughts

One of the things we love most about living in Steamboat is being surrounded by forests, open space, and incredible public lands. Protecting those places is something we all share. Taking a few proactive steps now can help protect your property while also making our entire community more resilient. We hope everyone stays safe this summer, and we're incredibly grateful for the firefighters, emergency responders, and public land managers working tirelessly to protect our community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much defensible space should I have around my home?

Colorado generally recommends creating defensible space in zones extending up to 100 feet from your home when possible, though every property is different.

Should I remove all of the trees on my property?

No. Healthy, well-spaced trees are valuable. The goal is to reduce fuel by removing dead vegetation, trimming lower branches, and creating separation between trees.

How often should I clean my gutters?

During fire season, it's a good idea to check them regularly, especially after wind events that can fill them with dry leaves and pine needles.

Where can I learn more about fire mitigation?

The Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council and local fire protection districts offer excellent resources, property assessments, and recommendations specific to our area.

— Barkley