Preparing for Rocky Mountains Wildfires – How to Prepare for Business and Homeowners

Wildfire Risk is Rising in the Rockies – But Preparation is Possible

The Rocky Mountains are seeing longer, more destructive wildfire seasons due to hotter temperatures, prolonged droughts, and an increase in human-caused ignitions. Wildfire seasons are now 78 days longer than they were in the 1970s, and Colorado’s six largest wildfires have all occurred since 2018. Now, Colorado has the highest number of homes at risk (321,294) in 2024.

HomesData source: CoreLogic®, a property data and analytics company.

Key wildfire facts for the Rockies:

• Fire seasons have expanded by nearly three months due to climate change. (U.S. Forest Service)

• More than 80% of Colorado wildfires are caused by human activity. (Insurance Information Institute)

• Colorado has warmed about 2.5°F since 1900, increasing fire risk. (NOAA)

• Bark beetle infestations have left millions of dead trees, fueling fires. (U.S. Forest Service) 

With wildfires now threatening suburban neighborhoods and business districts, it’s time to rethink wildfire preparedness. You don’t have to live in the mountains to be at risk—urban areas are affected too.

Easy Wildfire Protection for Homeowners & Businesses

For homeowners and businesses in busy neighborhoods, wildfire safety doesn’t require major changes—small actions can make a huge difference.

🏡 Quick & Easy Actions for Homeowners

• Clear Debris Around Your Home – Dry leaves, pine needles, and dead plants in gutters, roofs, and yards can catch fire from embers. A quick cleanup can make a big difference. (Firewise USA)

• Keep Flammable Items Away from Your Home – Move woodpiles, propane tanks, and outdoor furniture at least 5 feet from your house during fire season.

• Close Vents & Windows on Smoky or High-Risk Days – Embers can travel miles ahead of a wildfire. Keeping windows and attic vents closed prevents them from entering your home.

• Swap Mulch for Gravel Near Structures – Mulch catches fire easily. Replacing it with gravel or non-combustible materials near buildings can help stop fire spread.

• Know Your Neighborhood’s Fire Risk & Alerts – Sign up for local emergency alerts and know multiple evacuation routes in case of a fire emergency. (Source: Ready.gov - https://www.ready.gov/wildfires)

🏢 Wildfire Safety for Businesses

🔥 Secure Outdoor Spaces

• Keep trash bins and dumpsters closed and away from buildings.

• Trim trees near buildings so branches don’t touch roofs or windows.

• If you have an outdoor seating area or patio, consider metal furniture instead of plastic or wood.

💼 Have a Business Continuity Plan

• Back up important documents and data to the cloud.

• Have an employee wildfire evacuation plan with meeting points.

• Check your insurance policy to ensure it covers wildfire damage. (Source: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety - https://ibhs.org/)

🚪 Make Your Building Ember-Resistant

• Install metal mesh screens (1/8 inch or smaller) over vents to prevent embers from entering.

• Seal gaps in roofs, eaves, and walls where embers could sneak in.

• Keep emergency lighting and backup power in case of outages.

📢 Stay Connected & Communicate

• Post fire safety signs for employees and customers.

• Follow local fire department updates on social media.

• Have a text alert system to notify employees in case of an evacuation.

Wildfires are a growing risk—but small, smart changes can protect homes, businesses, and communities. Start preparing today!