05
Apr

To get an estimate on wildfire mitigation in Colorado Springs, contact us now.

Different areas around your home are going to be treated differently to mitigate wildfires. Zone 1 is one of the Home Ignition Zones, and it’s your primary defense against wildfires.

One myth is that you need Zone 1 to be completely clear of everything to prevent fire. This would suggest it needs to be boring with no plants or anything around. While this would create more protection, there are ways to enjoy the space and protect it at the same time.

How Much Space Is Needed for Zone 1?

To be able to get started, you need to know the space necessary. Zone 1A is going to be 3-5ft from the home. It’s the most critical area to protect your home. If the outside of your home has any wood, you need to rethink your options. Make sure all materials are as non-combustible as possible.

You don’t need to get rid of all plants and grass. You can if you want, but if you do keep grass and ground plants, make sure they’re as closely trimmed as possible. Opt for stone or rock beddings instead of grass and soil if you can.

When it comes to rock and gravel, you will find that pine needles fall and become a threat. Clean them up regularly.

Those with stone or other fire-resistant outer walls, you can have a few extra ground plants. Keep them low as possible and avoid space around the windows and vents. Vegetation is not fireproof, no matter how much people will tell you there are options.

Zone 1B is further out. This covers 30ft from your home, and you’ll usually find that a deck or shed is in this area. If you can avoid the shed, then you’ll benefit, but you’ll want to measure 30ft from the furthest point on your deck or shed to create this zone.

Clean Up the Toys

If you have children, you likely have toys around the outside of the home. Remove them from next to the house. If you can, put them in a shed that’s not connected to the home or keep them inside when not in use. Yes, it’s a hassle when it comes to using the toys, but you’ll be grateful when it comes to wildfires.

You’ll also want to look out for any other items you keep on your deck—which should be made of non-combustible materials. Get rid of lumber, spare tires, hose reels, and even some of your patio furniture when not in use. Anything like this is fuel for a fire.

Reconsider Your Plant Options

When it comes to plants in Zone 1B, you have a little more choice. You can look at getting some trees and bushes, but you want to avoid junipers and pinyon trees. Both of these are highly flammable. Plant aspens and oaks instead.

Remove all tree limbs and all fallen leaves. You want to get rid of anything that is diseased, dying, or already dead. They are fuel for the fires.

If you have woodpiles in the area, make sure they’re covered with a heavy-duty cotton duck canvas. This will reduce the risk of the piles of firewood from setting alight before the snow comes in and creates a safer time of year.

Colorado Mastication offers the following wildfire mitigation services in Colorado Springs:

• tree removal
• scrub oak clearing
• fence line clearing
• lot clearing
• defensible space creation.