Wildfire-ready home: defensible space

General info only. Check with a licensed pro and your local building department.

If in doubt, stop and call a licensed professional.

For homes in the wildland-urban interface. Steps from the Colorado State Forest Service.

What the sources say

Topic	What the source says	Source
Start at the house	Work on the home first, then outward. Mitigation is ongoing maintenance, not a one-time job. It improves the odds but does not guarantee a home survives.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Roof and debris	Make sure the roof has a Class A fire rating. Clear leaves and needles from decks, roofs and gutters.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Vents and decks	Screen attic, roof, eave and foundation vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh. Screen or wall in stilt foundations and decks the same way.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Windows, siding, fences	Use tempered glass (two or more panes recommended). Keep 6 inches of clearance between the ground and siding. Replace combustible fencing or gates at least within 5 feet of the home.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Zone 1: 0–5 ft	Nearest the home. Needs the most careful work.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Zone 2: 5–30 ft	Reduce fuels in this transition area.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Zone 3: 30–100 ft	Farthest out; extends 100 feet on fairly flat ground.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Tax credit	CSFS says Colorado offers a wildfire mitigation income tax credit for tax years 2023 through 2027, for actual out-of-pocket costs. See the Department of Revenue for details.	Source page checked 2026-11-02

Unknown Which Denver-metro addresses are in the wildland-urban interface — check with your local fire department or CSFS field office.
Unknown Tax credit amount and rules — on the Colorado Department of Revenue page, not reviewed here.

Checked 2026-11-02. General information, not legal advice. Rules change — confirm with the source. Report an error.