Wildfires are no longer a rare or seasonal concern—they are a growing reality across Colorado. From the Front Range to the foothills and mountain communities, longer wildfire seasons, dry conditions, and high winds have increased the risk for homeowners, landlords, and business owners alike.
As wildfire activity increases in Colorado’s wildfire-prone areas, insurance companies are adjusting coverage options, underwriting guidelines, and premiums. Taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk can help protect your property, keep your insurance coverage in place, and potentially avoid costly premium increases.
Whether you own a home, rental property, or commercial building, wildfire preparedness is more important than ever.
Proven Ways to Lower Wildfire Risk in Colorado
Reducing wildfire risk not only helps protect lives and property, but it also plays a key role in maintaining insurability in high-risk areas. Here are several effective steps property owners can take:
Create Defensible Space Around Your Property
One of the most important wildfire mitigation steps is creating defensible space. This involves clearing dry vegetation, removing dead plants, trimming trees and shrubs away from structures, and keeping roofs and gutters free of pine needles and debris.
In Colorado’s dry climate, embers can travel long distances. A well-maintained defensible space can slow or stop wildfire from reaching your home or business and may positively impact how insurers assess your property’s risk.
Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials
Fire-resistant construction materials can significantly reduce wildfire damage. Metal or tile roofing, non-combustible siding, tempered glass windows, and fire-resistant decking all provide added protection.
For properties located in wildfire-prone Colorado areas, some insurance companies strongly encourage, or even require, these upgrades. Fire-resistant landscaping, such as gravel, stone, or low-flammability plants, can also reduce exposure.
Keep Up with Property Maintenance
Routine maintenance plays a major role in wildfire prevention. Removing dead vegetation, clearing clutter from around buildings, and keeping outdoor storage areas organized can reduce ignition risks.
For commercial properties, placing dumpsters away from structures, securing flammable materials, and following proper storage practices are especially important. Insurers often consider maintenance history when determining coverage eligibility and premiums.
Develop an Emergency and Evacuation Plan
Preparedness goes beyond physical upgrades. Homeowners should keep digital copies of insurance documents, photos of valuables, and a clear evacuation plan for their household.
Business owners should maintain updated inventory records, fire response plans, employee evacuation procedures, and secure data backups. These steps can help minimize losses and streamline the insurance claims process if a wildfire occurs.
Staying Insurable as Wildfire Risks Increase in Colorado
Wildfire risk across Colorado continues to grow, but proactive planning and the right insurance coverage can make a significant difference. Understanding your policy, improving fire mitigation, and working with a knowledgeable insurance professional can help protect your home or business long-term.
If you have questions about property insurance, wildfire coverage, or how to reduce your wildfire risk, contact Steve Longenecker at Mountain Insurance: Longmont at 303-808-9351 ext. 2.
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