Wildfire awareness is a way of life in Northwest Colorado. Chances are, you’ve heard the term Firewise. If not, consider this your friendly heads-up.

Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk and protect what matters most.

The good news? Firewise landscaping doesn’t mean paving over your yard or giving up on beauty. It’s about smart design, fire-resistant plants, and consistent maintenance.

Thanks to expert guidance from local groups like the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) and the Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council (RCWMC), we have the tools to stay safer and still enjoy our landscapes.

Zone In on Defensible Space
CSFS recommends dividing your yard into three zones:

• Zone 1 (0–5 feet): Keep it lean, green, and clean. Avoid wood mulch, dense shrubs, and firewood stacks near the home. Use gravel, stone, or irrigated ground cover.
• Zone 2 (5–30 feet): Space out trees and shrubs. Prune branches at least 10 feet off the ground and thin tree canopies to reduce fire spread.
• Zone 3 (30–100 feet): Mow grasses short, reduce brush, and remove ladder fuels like low branches. If your home is on a slope, expand these zones downhill, fire moves faster uphill.

Flame-Resistant and Fabulous
Firewise plants are typically low in oils and sap. Local favorites include:

• Wildflowers: Rocky Mountain Penstemon, Yarrow, Blanket Flower, Columbine
• Shrubs: Serviceberry, Chokecherry, Snowberry
• Trees: Rocky Mountain Maple, Western Mountain Ash, Aspen

Skip the “pre-lit campfires” like juniper, pinyon pine, Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, Austrian pine, and blue spruce. These beautiful but flammable trees are best admired from afar, not planted near your porch.

While most pines aren’t ideal near homes, Ponderosa and Limber pine can be safer choices when planted in outer zones and well maintained.

Fuel Reduction Is So Hot Right Now
A crunchy yard is a risky yard. Stay fire-savvy with regular maintenance:

• Clear dead leaves, branches, and pine needles, especially from roofs and gutters.
• Store firewood at least 15 feet from buildings, ideally uphill.
• Water wisely. Hydrated plants are less likely to ignite.

Safety with Style
Being Firewise doesn’t mean sacrificing charm. Stone paths, native blooms, and fire-resistant trees can create a safe and stunning landscape. So, kick the kindling to the curb, show off your fire-smart flair, and plant with purpose. Your property and your local firefighters will thank you.

Sarah Storm is a Master Gardener in Steamboat Springs and a proud Firewise advocate.

Got Firewise questions?
The CSU Routt County Extension Office and Master Gardener Help Desk can help.
Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., May through September
Contact: (970) 879-0825 | rcextension@co.routt.co.us