Have you heard of fire mitigation before? It might sound like a big, fancy term, but it’s actually really important, especially if you live along the Front Range where wildfires are second nature.
Fire mitigation is all about taking steps to reduce the risk of a fire starting and spreading. This can involve things like clearing away dry brush and other vegetation that can easily catch fire, trimming trees so that they don’t touch power lines or other potential ignition sources, and making sure that your home and property are as fire-resistant as possible.
So why is fire mitigation so important? Well, for one thing, wildfires can be incredibly destructive. They can destroy homes, businesses, and entire communities (like we saw up in Superior and Louisville, Colorado in 2021) and they can be very difficult to put out. But even if a wildfire doesn’t reach your property, it can still have a big impact. Smoke and ash can damage your home and belongings, and the stress and uncertainty of being evacuated can be extremely stressful.
The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of being impacted by a wildfire. Here are a few tips:
- Keep your property well-maintained. This means clearing away any dead or dry vegetation, trimming trees, and keeping your lawn mowed.
- Make sure your home is as fire-resistant as possible. This might involve things like installing fire-resistant roofing materials, replacing any old or damaged siding, and making sure that your windows are double-paned.
- Have a plan in place in case of a wildfire. This might involve things like packing a “go bag” with important documents and supplies, designating a meeting spot for your family, and making sure that you have a way to receive emergency alerts and updates.
- Consider working with a professional fire mitigation company. These companies can help you identify potential fire risks on your property and provide recommendations for how to mitigate those risks.
Though there are no insurance discounts right now for making your home “wildfire ready,” California recently passed a law where they will be the first state in the nation to require insurance companies to give discounts based on wildfire mitigation. So maybe Colorado will be next?
If you haven’t already, take some time to learn more about fire mitigation and what you can do to keep yourself and your family safe.
