Larimer County is one of six Front Range counties recognizing October as Wildfire Awareness Month. The other five are Boulder, Clear Creek, Douglas, El Paso, and Jefferson counties.
The goal of Wildfire Awareness Month is to educate residents and promote action that will reduce the frequency and severity of future wildfires along the Front Range.
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Currently, Larimer Country is ranked as one of the most hazardous wildfire counties in the state.
“After the events of this summer, Wildfire Awareness Month is a good opportunity for everyone to make sure they have taken all the steps necessary to protect their home as much as possible from future fires,” said Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith.
The High Park Fire just outside of Fort Collins burned more than 87,000 acres in June.
An emergency evacuation plan is one of the most important ways to be prepared for a wildfire, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The plan should include a designated meeting location outside of the fire area, several different escape routes from your home and an evacuation plan for pets and livestock.
Also important in wildfire preparedness is creating defensible space by clearing vegetation and/or planting fire-resistant trees and shrubs within 15 feet around your home.
A complete list of mitigation techniques and wildfire safety information can be found here.
