As we watched coverage of the wildfires burning throughout drought-stricken Colorado in mid-August, my husband and I knew a wildfire closer to our rural home was a very real possibility. We just didnít expect it to be literally right in our own backyard.I was at work when a neighbor called to let me know a grass fire had spread onto our 5-acre property. By the time I arrived home, the fire had burned across five lots and around three sides of our home, which was undamaged. The outcome could have been much different if not for relatively low winds and the hard work of neighbors and firefighters from six agencies. Another factor was our mowing and wildfire mitigation efforts, which Falcon Fire Department Deputy Chief Jeff Petersma said were ìabsolutely keyî to helping firefighters protect our home.
- Mowing grass and weeds short ñ- especially within 30 feet of the house ñ- gave the fire less to burn and slowed its spread. It also allowed firefighters to use less water ñ- a precious commodity in areas lacking fire hydrants and community water systems.
- Cutting away ground-level tree limbs prevented the fire from burning up through the branches.
- Keeping trees, shrubs and other plants well-watered helped them withstand the fireís heat.
- Removing accumulated pine needles and dead leaves from under trees and around the house reduced fuel for the fire.
