Wildfire Awareness

Be Wildfire Aware!

Wildfire Preparedness

There is no more “Fire Season” in Colorado. Drought conditions throughout the year can lead to catastrophic fires in areas of wildland/ urban interface. Wildfire is a natural occurrence. Naturally, frequent, low intensity fires would pass through our area. However, in order to live in wildfire country, we must suppress fires when they start. We therefore have an obligation to simulate the effect that these natural fires would have by reducing fuel loads such as dense vegetation near our residences. It is also important to have an action plan, and to take steps to be wildfire prepared.

What can you do to be prepared? How can you mitigate wildfire risk and protect your home?

  •  Learn more about fire restrictions, emergency management and preparedness here. 
  • Create a Jeffco Lookout Alert Safety Profile and sign up to receive emergency notifications here. 
  • Download the Smart911 app and Opt-in to receive targeted community and weather alerts 
Fire burning in forest

Find out more about our local Fire Rescue Department West Metro Fire Rescue here. 

The West Metro Fire Rescue page provides wildfire preparedness information on:

  • The Firewise Toolkit - Simple action steps to reduce the risk to your home and property
  • The “Ready, Set, Go!” Guide to prepare your home for wildfire
  • An interactive Wildfire Risk Map for Jefferson County

Let's Talk: TV host Mark Koebrich talks with Jefferson County officials about wildfire preparedness: 

Protect your home from wildfire, from West Metro Fire Rescue:

See The City of Wheat Ridge Open Space Wildfire Management Plan: 2003 Wildfire Management Plan (PDF) 

As of 2015, pursuant to Wheat Ridge municipal code #1584, smoking and vaping are prohibited in the following areas;

  • City parks, trails, open space, sports fields and other public recreation areas
  • Public transit waiting areas including bus stops, shelters and light rail platforms
  • Within a 15-foot perimeter of public buildings and entrances
  • Inside facilities and businesses open to the public

**Please Note, there are currently NO FIRES allowed in Wheat Ridge Parks outside of designated cooking grills. This includes all personal grills, stoves, and fire pits.

Upcoming Wildfire Management Projects in Wheat Ridge Include:

  •  A Mile High Youth Corps sawyer crew, Greenbelt fuels reduction program
  • Updates to the Open Space Wildfire Management Plan
  • Continued efforts of The Wheat Ridge Parks, Forestry and Open Space Division to reduce fuels throughout public lands and adjacent to private property

Please check back soon for more information on how you can do your part to help defend The City of Wheat Ridge, mitigate the risk of wildfire, and prepare your home and family for a fire event.