Boulder County is launching a new pilot project to help residents in eastern unincorporated Boulder County prepare for wildfire. Wildfire Partners, the county’s wildfire mitigation and homeowner preparedness program, is currently assisting 3,000 residents in western Boulder County. With the new Wildfire Partners Plains Pilot Project, residents in eastern Boulder County will also be able to receive critical technical assistance.
As a part of the pilot program, 100 participants will receive a free, on-site, home assessment with a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. These homeowners will learn how to harden their structures and create defensible space to reduce the ignition potential of their homes. They will receive a customized report that includes a check list of items to mitigate, annotated photos of their vulnerabilities, and important information on wildfire mitigation and preparedness.
Interested residents are encouraged to apply through the program’s website: www.WildfirePartners.org. Applications are due June 30, 2022. More details can be read here.
“Hardening” your home against fire with James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
In addition to vegetation management and emergency preparedness, the program recommends the following fire resistant home construction:
ROOFING AND VENTS Class A fire-rated roofing products, such as composite shingles, metal, concrete, and clay tiles, offer the best protection. Inspect shingles or roof tiles and replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration. Box in eaves, but provide ventilation to prevent condensation and mildew. Roof and attic vents should be screened to prevent ember entry.
DECKS AND PORCHES Never store flammable materials underneath decks or porches. Remove dead vegetation and debris from under decks and porches and between deck board joints.
SIDING AND WINDOWS Embers can collect in small nooks and crannies and ignite combustible materials; radiant heat from flames can crack windows. Use fire-resistant siding such as brick, fiber cement, plaster, or stucco, and use dual-pane tempered glass windows.
Find the FireWise Handout Here:
How To: Wildfire Risk Reduction Steps That Can Make Your Home Safe During a Wildfire
Below is the IBHS Research Center Storm Test to demonstrate the vulnerabilities of a typical home.
Looking to replace your siding with fire-resistant James Hardie siding, reach out for a free inspection today.