Living in the Wildland-Urban Interface
Wildfire preparedness
Practical steps that improve the ability of homes and the neighborhood to withstand wildfire.
Interactive local wildfire resource
Explore planning units, community ambassadors, home preparedness, mitigation, and related Elk Creek and Inter-Canyon guidance.
Open the interactive wildfire resource0–5 feet
Immediate zone
Keep this area free of combustible debris and materials. Clear roofs, gutters, decks, and the base of exterior walls.
5–30 feet
Intermediate zone
Space vegetation, prune lower branches, maintain grasses, and interrupt continuous fuels.
30–100 feet
Extended zone
Thin overcrowded trees and reduce fuel pathways while maintaining a healthy mountain landscape.
Prepare before smoke is in the air
Defensible space is ongoing maintenance rather than a one-time project. Homeowners should also maintain evacuation plans, register for emergency alerts, keep addresses visible, and prepare people and pets to leave quickly.