Wildfire Safety
Practical steps to help protect your home, your family, and our community.
Living in the mountains of Teller County means living with wildfire risk. A few preparations make a real difference. Here's where to start.
Watch: Teller County Wildfire Safety Forum
A replay of our February 28 Wildfire Safety Forum, sponsored by Braver Angels, the Teller County Democrats, and the Teller County Republicans.
Commissioner Stone, state forestry officials, and local fire chiefs delivered a clear message: the time to act on mitigation is now — not when smoke is in the air.
Watch the replay to learn what you need to do, what resources are available, and how neighbors are already helping neighbors get it done.
Create defensible space
- Clear dead leaves, needles, and debris from your roof and gutters.
- Keep the first 5 feet around your home free of flammable plants and mulch.
- Trim trees and remove "ladder fuels" within 30 feet.
- Thin and space vegetation out to 100 feet where you can.
Harden your home
- Screen vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers.
- Keep roofs, decks, and under-deck areas clear of debris.
- Move firewood, propane, and flammables away from the house.
- Consider Class A roofing and ember-resistant materials.
Be ready to leave
- Sign up for county emergency alerts and watch for warnings.
- Pack a go-bag: medications, documents, water, and chargers.
- Know at least two ways out of your neighborhood.
- Agree on a family plan and a meeting point in advance.
Trusted resources
- Ready.gov — Wildfires: how to prepare, evacuate, and recover.
- Colorado State Forest Service: defensible space and forest management guidance.
- NFPA Firewise USA: home hardening and community wildfire safety.
- Teller County Office of Emergency Management: local preparedness and response — call 719-686-7990.
- Sign up for Teller County emergency alerts: get warnings and evacuation notices straight to your phone.
This page is a starting point, not official emergency guidance. In a fire emergency, call 911 and follow the instructions of local authorities.
