wildfire burning through forest

Wildfire Resources for Homeowners in Evergreen, CO & Surrounding Areas

This page provides a handy list and description of the best resources for wildfire preparedness, mitigation, and assistance for homeowners and business owners in and around Evergreen, Colorado.

Destructive wildfires are a fact of life in the Colorado Front Range and especially in the area around Evergreen and Conifer (according to the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce, this is one of the 10 areas most at risk of wildfire damage in the USA).

The frequency and intensity of wildfires are increasing (see our article for details on why that is and how it affects you), not only in our area but across much of the state. That means the chances of being affected by a forest fire are significant – and growing.

Besides the fact that it’s common-sense preventive maintenance, more insurance companies are now mandating that you take fire mitigation steps before they’ll insure your property.

Below are some of the best local resources to help you:

  • plan for, set up, and pay for fire mitigation on your property,
  • understand how the local community is preparing for wildfire hazards,
  • learn how to adapt to living with wildfire risk,
  • minimize the risk of fire, including following fire restrictions or bans,
  • Jefferson County’s slash collection program to rid your property of combustible debris, and
  • emergency contact information and alerts

Resources on the LAM Website

Income Tax Subtraction for Wildfire Mitigation Measures

If your property is located in a wildland-urban interface area, you may qualify to receive a federal tax subtraction of between 50% and 100% for the costs of wildfire mitigation work. This applies to income tax years 2009 through 2024. In 2020, the 100% subtraction amount was extended beyond the original expiration date of 2019. For qualifications and limitations under the Wildfire Mitigation Measures Subtraction, please visit the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Evergreen Fire Protection District Community Wildfire Protection Plan

This strategic plan, developed in 2007, identifies specific wildland fire hazards and risks facing communities and neighborhoods, and provides prioritized mitigation recommendations that are designed to reduce those hazards and risks. The local community or neighborhood is responsible for implementing the action items but you’ll find plenty of useful advice and actions you can take yourself to lower fire risk.

Firewise USA™

Firewise USA™ is a national recognition program that provides instructional resources to inform people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action to reduce their wildfire risk.

Evergreen Fire Rescue (EFR) Wildfire Resources

EFR provides links to a number of information resources to help you minimize wildfire risk and to help EFR protect the Evergreen community from the threat of a wildfire disaster.

Before doing any burning, even if it’s just a backyard barbeque, check whether there are any fire restrictions or bans in effect.

Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce Wildfire Preparedness

The Evergreen Chamber has an extremely helpful webpage with local wildfire preparedness resources. It includes information about the resources that are available to you, evacuation plans and tips, state and local government wildfire programs, and much more. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Jefferson County Fire Info

Removing slash (natural debris, such as branches, pine needles, and prunings) and creating a defensible space around your home, is the first line of defense against wildfires. You can hire a tree service (like LAM Tree Service) to remove it as part of a fire mitigation project, or you can remove it yourself. Jefferson County offers a slash collection program – you can see the slash collection schedule online.

To best stay informed before, during and after a disaster (such as a wildfire) you should monitor a number of information sources, including systems such as local emergency services websites (see below), warning sirens, SMS/text alert systems, local/national media outlets, and local government sources.

Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management

Jefferson CodeRED Alerts – click to sign up for text, SMS, email or mobile alert systems in case evacuation is needed

Office: 303-271-4900

24 Hr Contact: 303-277-0211