Colorado Springs Wildfire Prep for Homeowners

By Ishaq Khokhar. Updated October 3, 2026. 2 min read.

Short answer: Colorado Springs homes near open land and the foothills should create defensible space by clearing dry brush and debris around the house, keep roofs and gutters clear, use fire resistant materials where possible, know evacuation routes and sign up for emergency alerts. After a fire nearby, clean smoke and ash carefully and call a professional for heavy damage.

Colorado Springs has seen two of the most destructive wildfires in state history: the Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012 and the Black Forest Fire in 2013. Many neighborhoods border open land where fire can spread quickly in strong winds. This guide covers Colorado Springs wildfire prep for homeowners.

Create defensible space

Within 5 feet of the house: remove dry plants, mulch, firewood and anything that burns
Out to about 30 feet: keep grass short, space out shrubs and trim tree branches up from the ground
Beyond that: thin trees and clear dead vegetation where you can
Keep roofs, gutters and decks clear of needles and leaves
Move firewood and propane tanks away from the house

Illustration of a living room with smoke stained walls and a gray film over the furniture — Smoke travels through the home and stains rooms that never saw a flame.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department offers wildfire mitigation guidance for homeowners in higher risk areas.

Harden your home

Class A fire rated roofing
Ember resistant vents
Fiber cement or other fire resistant siding
Enclosed eaves and decks
Double pane windows

Read vinyl vs fiber cement siding and asphalt vs metal roofs.

Need help with fire damage restoration?Free to call. You will be connected with an available local provider where one serves your area.

Call Tap to call

Be ready to leave

Sign up for local emergency alerts
Know at least two ways out of your neighborhood
Keep a go bag with documents, medicine and chargers
Leave early when told to evacuate

Illustration of black soot spreading up a wall and across the ceiling above an outlet — Soot often gathers around outlets, vents and ceilings, far from the flames.

After a nearby fire

Smoke and ash can damage homes that did not burn. Clean ash with water and a HEPA vacuum while wearing an N95 mask, replace filters and call a professional for heavy smoke damage. Read wildfire smoke damage.

Illustration of charred kitchen cabinets and counters blackened by smoke above a stove — Kitchen fires leave heavy smoke residue on cabinets and walls.

Local help in Colorado Springs

Illustration of a kitchen with smoke and soot above the stove and a boarded up window — Smoke and soot travel well beyond the room where a fire starts.

Quick answers: colorado Springs wildfire

How do I protect my Colorado Springs home from wildfire?

Create defensible space, keep roofs and gutters clear, use fire resistant materials and be ready to evacuate early.

What is defensible space?

A cleared area around the home that slows fire and gives firefighters room to work.

Is fiber cement siding better in wildfire areas?

Yes. Fiber cement does not burn, unlike vinyl.

Does insurance cover wildfire smoke damage?

Many policies cover smoke and ash damage even if the home did not burn.

Who repairs fire and smoke damage in Colorado Springs?

Sifixit can connect you with a local fire damage restoration provider.

This guide covered colorado Springs wildfire. For more background, see the National Fire Protection Association, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.

This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.

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