Request a Free Defensible Space and Home Hardening Evaluation Today!

If you reside in Indian Hills, Colorado, you are living in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Wildfires are a natural part of Colorado's environment and living in the WUI means you have an inherently higher risk of wildfire.

Indian Hills Fire Rescue encourages all homeowners to take their relationship and responsibility of living in the WUI seriously. Planning ahead, reducing the risks on your property and preparing for wildfire are actions that residents can take to reduce their risk of wildfire. Indian Hills Fire Rescue's Mitigation Program provides guidance, resources and services to help the residents of Indian Hills Fire Protection District reduce their risk of wildfire.

Within our Community Wildfire Protection Plan (2023), Seven Plan Units were identified. Plan Units serve as an organization for IHFR to reach into the many neighborhoods within Indian Hills Fire Protection District. Plan Units have volunteer Ambassadors that help IHFR communicate with the neighborhoods and plan fire mitigation projects and events.

Indian Hills Fire Rescue is a proven partner in helping homeowners within their community to better understand the need and the ways to reduce their structure ignition potential in the event of a wildfire. This Fire Aside Defensible Space & Home Hardening Evaluation program will give IHFR the ability to increase the rate at which they assist homeowners in the ways they can protect themselves and their community through outreach, education, inspections, and the support and development of the twenty-six Community Wildfire Protection Implementation Plan Units. It is the intention with this program to increase the rate at which property owners begin doing fuel reduction work on their properties to reduce wildfire risk and potential for a conflagration wildfire.

What is a Defensible Space & Home Hardening Evaluation?

A Defensible Space & Home Hardening Evaluation is an assessment of your property and home's vulnerability to wildfire. The evaluation is conducted by a qualified inspector who will review your property's landscaping, vegetation, and building materials and design to identify potential fire hazards and recommend measures to reduce your risk of wildfire damage.

Defensible space refers to the area surrounding your home that has been modified to reduce the risk of wildfire damage. The goal of creating a defensible space is to create a buffer between your home and the surrounding vegetation that can act as fuel for a wildfire. This area should be cleared of dead or dry vegetation, and trees and vegetation should be pruned and spaced appropriately to prevent a fire from spreading.

Home hardening refers to the process of making your home more fire-resistant. This includes using fire-resistant building materials, such as Class A roofing, and installing ember-resistant vents to prevent embers from entering your home. The evaluation will identify any areas where your home could be made more fire-resistant and provide recommendations for improvement.

Together your home's defensible space and home hardening create the Home Ignition Zone. These two primary features (defensible space and home hardening) of your property are the primary considerations for your home's ability to survive a wildfire.

By conducting a Defensible Space & Home Hardening Evaluation, you will learn the steps you can take to reduce your risk of wildfire damage and protect your home and property.

Request a Free Defensible Space and Home Hardening Evaluation Today!