Wildfire Partners, a Boulder County government program, released two new YouTube videos this summer to encourage homeowners to take simple, cost-effective steps to protect their property from wildfires. The program, which is funded by a wildfire mitigation tax approved in 2022, also recently announced a $500 rebate for multi-family households and communities for removing highly flammable juniper vegetation.
The two videos will guide homeowners to install fire-resistant materials like metal flashing around the base of the home’s exterior and to create a non-combustible zone around the perimeter of the house.
“These videos empower residents with practical, do-it-yourself actions they can take right now,” said Jim Webster, Wildfire Partners program manager. “Whether you’re just getting started or looking to go the extra mile with your mitigation, these steps can make a real difference in protecting your home.”
Wood, vinyl, pressboard, and wood-plastic composite are common combustible siding materials that should be partially replaced or overlaid with non-combustible material for the bottom six inches.
The second video advises homeowners to remove all vegetation and roots within five feet of the house or other structures the homeowner wishes to protect from potential wildfire damage. Homeowners are instructed to remove all soil down to “bare mineral soil” and to make sure all roots are removed and/or killed. A weed barrier should be applied with at least two inches of noncombustible material such as ¾” crushed stone (recommended), flagstone, brick, or concrete.
Wildfire Partners warns that this work is physically demanding, so hiring a contractor is a good idea for those who are unable or unwilling to handle the physical demands of completing the project themselves.
The videos go into more detail about how to complete these fire mitigation steps for long-term protection of houses and other structures. For more information, residents are encouraged to contact Katie Palubicki, Wildfire Partners outreach coordinator, at 303-441-1233 or [email protected].
