Loveland Fire Rescue Authority CWPP

Under extreme weather and during a fire:

• 63% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 22% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 100% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 66% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

The main threat to the homes in this plan unit is embers landing on roofs or within 30 feet of the home and igniting it.

The homes located west of Bartram Park Road are built on hillsides and ridge tops and are at higher fire risk. Firefighters may not be able to protect these homes in an extreme wildfire event due to the steep slopes and limited road access with no escape routes. Many homes in the unit are older and were not built with ignition-resistant materials, and many of the homes have fire hazards in home ignition zones 1, 2, and 3.

There is only one way in and out of this community. Many of the roads are steep one-lane roads which will make it difficult for residents to evacuate and for firefighters to access and protect homes during a wildfire.

Recommendations for residents in Bartram Park:

• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening and mitigation in home ignition zones 1 and 2 are the highest priority here
• Remove trees, shrubs and tall grasses close to private roads and driveways to reduce the risk of fire while evacuating and support firefighter access.
• Contact your local HOA, road association, or the county to remove vegetation along shared roads, particularly along Bartram Park Road, Keko Drive, Okeepa Trail, and Tracy Trail
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space. Projects that span multiple properties are more effective at reducing wildfire risk.
• Work with neighbors and LFRA to form Pile Burn Cooperatives.
• Contact LFRA, BTWC, or Larimer County Wildfire Partners and have them conduct walking tours to demonstrate home hardening and defensible space practices.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Work with LFRA and Larimer County Wildfire Partners to identify a feasible secondary egress route out of the community.
• Install visible, reflective address and street signs.
• Install community cisterns in coordination with LFRA.

Extreme relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 70% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 43% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 100% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 33% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

There are steep slopes with narrow valleys and ridges that could increase unpredictable fire behavior.

The main threat to the homes in this plan unit is embers landing on roofs or within 30 feet of the home and igniting it. Firefighters may not be able to protect homes here in an extreme wildfire due to the steep slopes and limited road access off the highway with no escape routes. Most homes are surrounded with thick vegetation. Homes that were built before the 2013 floods do not have ignition-resistant siding and roofs. The majority of homes here have fire hazards in home ignition zones 1, 2, and 3.

There are many one-lane roads and bridges in this plan unit that will make it difficult for residents to evacuate and for firefighters to access and protect homes during a wildfire. Many side roads may be non-survivable during a wildfire as well.

Recommendations for residents in Big Thompson Canyon:

• Contact your local HOA, road association, or the county to remove vegetation along shared roads in the community, particularly along, particularly along parts of Big Thompson Canyon Road, County Road 43, Idlewild Lane, Sly Fox Road, and Storm Mountain Drive
• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening and mitigation in home ignition zones 1 and 2 are the highest priority here
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space. Projects that span multiple properties are more effective at reducing wildfire risk and more attractive to grant funders.
• Work with neighbors and LFRA to form Pile Burn Cooperatives.
• Begin planning or saving for replacing your roof with noncombustible materials.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Widen private and neighborhood roads and bridges and create pullouts to facilitate two-way traffic during emergencies.
• Install visible, reflective address and street signs.
• Install large community cisterns in coordination with LFRA where homes are concentrated.
• Contact your local utilities companies and ask them to reduce the risk of powerlines falling.

High relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 13% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 4% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 21% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 17% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

The main threat to the homes in this plan unit is embers landing on roofs or within 30 feet of the home and igniting it. Most homes here are over 20 years old and were not built with ignition-resistant materials. In Buckhorn Estates off CR27, more modern Class A roofs and some newer Class B roofs were noted.

The Buckhorn Estates homes generally have well-mitigated home ignition zones. The older homes adjacent to CR27, 38E, Milner Mountain Road, and Redstone Canyon (25E) do not have defensible space or home hardening work done. Firefighters may not be able to protect some of the homes here in an extreme wildfire event due to a buildup of many different fuels near the home. Many roads in this plan unit could be potentially non-survivable during wildfires. There are some one-lane roads in this plan unit that will make it difficult for residents to evacuate and for firefighters to access.

Recommendations for residents in Buckskin Heights:

• Contact your local HOA, road association, or the county to remove vegetation along shared roads in the community, particularly along North County Road 27, Otter Road, and Woodchuck Drive
• Remove vegetation on your private roads and driveway to increase safety and firefighter access.
• Learn how to make their homes more survivable in a wildfire event. Mowing, trimming, wildfire resistant landscaping, and fuel removal could help homes survive a fast-moving wildfire.
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space. Projects that span multiple properties are more effective at reducing wildfire risk and more attractive to grant funders.
• Work with neighbors and LFRA to form Pile Burn Cooperatives.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Homeowners in subdivisions with limited roadways should develop a rapid neighborhood evacuation plan and conduct evacuation drills.
• Install consistent, legible, reflective address and street signs. These can be purchased inexpensively from LFRA.
• Install community cisterns in coordination with LFRA where there are no hydrants

High relative risk rating

Under extreme weather and during a fire:

• 19% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 36% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 64% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 27% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

The Carter Lake and Sedona area is covered by grasses and shrubs, with ponderosa pine in the south. There are some steep slopes, with narrow valleys and ridges that could increase unpredictable fire behavior.

The main threat to the homes in this plan unit is embers landing on roofs or within 30 feet of the home and igniting it. Homes in the northern part of the unit are newer and tend to have ignition-resistant materials, but the homes in the southern part are older and were built with less ignition-resistant siding and roofs. Many roads in this plan unit could be potentially non-survivable during wildfires. The subdivision roads that are one lane can cause traffic to get backed up or move slowly. Some private driveways may be inaccessible to engines, preventing firefighters from defending those homes.

Recommendations for residents in Carter/Sedona:

• Remove trees, shrubs and tall grasses that are close to your private roads.
• Contact your local HOA, road association, or the county to remove vegetation along shared roads, particularly along Cottontail Rd, Fawn Trail, Indian Blind Trail, King Ranch Rd, Lakefront Dr, Mule Deer Dr, Prairie Way, Rainbow Ln, Rock Hill Rd, Sedona Hills Dr, and Sunflower Rd
• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Mowing, trimming, wildfire resistant landscaping, and fuel removal could help homes survive a fast-moving wildfire event here
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space. Projects that span multiple properties are more effective at reducing wildfire risk.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Develop a rapid neighborhood evacuation plan and conduct evacuation drills.
• Install consistent, legible, reflective address and street signs.
• Install large community cisterns in coordination with LFRA.

Extreme relative risk rating

Under extreme weather and during a fire:

• 60% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 67% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 100% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 74% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

Cedar Park is mostly covered with grasses and shrubs where homes are concentrated, with dense mixed conifer surrounding the area. The slopes are steep as you move out from the main basin, with many narrow valleys and ridges that could increase unpredictable fire behavior.

The main threat to the homes here is embers igniting in home ignition zones 1 and 2. Many homes are older and were not built with ignition-resistant materials, and many have fire hazards in home ignition zones 1, 2, and 3. Firefighters may not be able to protect these homes in an extreme wildfire event due to the steep slopes and limited road access with no escape routes. Many roads in this plan unit could be potentially non-survivable during wildfires, including parts of Storm Mountain Road, which is the only . There are many one-lane roads that will make it difficult for residents to evacuate and for firefighters to access.

Recommendations for residents in Cedar Park:

• Remove trees, shrubs and tall grasses that are close to private roads and driveways.
• Contact your local HOA, road association, or the county to remove vegetation along shared roads in the community, particularly along Badger Court, Berg Ranch, Bobcat Drive, Chipmunk Place, Green Ridge Road, Lakeview Drive, Palisade Mountain Drive, Possum Court, Skyline Drive, Snowtop Drive, Spruce Mountain Drive, Storm Mountain Drive, and Wren Place.
• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening is top priority here
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space.
• Work with neighbors and LFRA to form Pile Burn Cooperatives.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Work with LFRA and Larimer County Wildfire Partners to identify a feasible secondary egress route out of the community.
• Install community cisterns in coordination with LFRA where there are no hydrants.
• Join and support the Storm Mountain Wildfire Action Group (SWAG)

High relative risk rating

Under extreme weather and during a fire:

• 32% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 17% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 30% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 26% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions

Eden Valley is covered by grasses and shrubs, with conifer trees closer to the hilltops. The slopes in the western part of the plan unit are steep, with many narrow valleys and ridges that could increase unpredictable fire behavior.

Firefighters may not be able to protect homes off Lone Acres Lane in an extreme wildfire event due to the steep slopes and roads with no escape route. Most homes are older and were not built with ignition-resistant materials. The lower section of Lone Acres Lane is the most restrictive road in the plan unit, with several switchbacks on moderately steep slopes and no alternative ways in or out. The long road remains narrow throughout with limited opportunities to pass. The rest of the roadways are accessible.

Recommendations for residents in Eden Valley:

• Contact your local HOA, road association, or the county to remove vegetation along shared roads in the community, particularly along Lone Acres and North County Road 29.
• Remove trees, shrubs and tall grasses that are close to private roads and driveways
• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening and mitigation in home ignition zones 1 and 2 are the highest priority here
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space.
• Work with neighbors and LFRA to form Pile Burn Cooperatives.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Homeowners that use Lone Acres Lane should develop a rapid neighborhood evacuation plan and conduct evacuation drills.
• Install consistent, legible, reflective address and street signs. These can be purchased inexpensively from LFRA.

High relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 16% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 7% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 53% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 15% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

The Foggy Road plan unit is mostly covered by grasses and shrubs, with some pine trees. The slopes are moderately steep, with a couple narrow valleys and ridges that could increase unpredictable fire behavior.

The main threat to homes in this plan unit is embers igniting vegetation and other hazards in home ignition zone 3. Most homes in this plan unit are newer and built with fire-resistant materials. Residents in this plan unit have generally done a good job implementing defensible space in home ignitions zone 1 and 2, but many homes still have hazards in zone 3.

There are some roads that have dense vegetation growing alongside them, which could create non-survivable conditions during an evacuation. The Foggy Road plan unit was burned in the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, and some was burned in the 2000 Bobcat Fire.

Recommendations for residents in Foggy Road:

• Remove vegetation along roadways to reduce the risk of non-survivable conditions during wildfires, particularly along Big Bear Road and North County Road 27.
• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening and mitigation in home ignition zones 3 is the highest priority here
• Move propane tanks to home ignition zone 3 or clear vegetation within 10 feet of propane tanks.
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space. Projects that span multiple properties are more effective at reducing wildfire risk and more attractive to grant funders.
• Work with neighbors and LFRA to form Pile Burn Cooperatives.
• Develop evacuation plans for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Install consistent, legible, reflective address and street signs.
• Install large community cisterns where hydrants are not present or reliable, in coordination with LFRA.

High relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 7% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 11% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 49% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 4% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

Glade Road is mostly covered by native grasses and shrubs, with some ponderosa pine. About half of the homes here are older and were not built with fire-resistant materials, while the other half of homes are built with fire-resistant materials such as metal roofs. The main threat to homes in this plan unit is embers igniting in home ignition zones 1 and 2.

Roads in this plan unit are well maintained and accessible for firefighters, with some exceptions on narrow gravel roads that are the only way in and out of some neighborhoods. Glade Road has fire hydrants in the newer developments, but the water still needs to be transported from there to homes further away.

Recommendations for residents in Glade Road:

• Remove vegetation along roadways to reduce the risk of non-survivable conditions during wildfires, particularly along secondary roads leading into subdivisions and long driveways
• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening and mitigation in home ignition zones 1 and 2 are the highest priority here
• Create a savings plan for replacing flammable roofs with noncombustible materials and removing all flammable material within 5 feet of the home and other structures.
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space. Projects that span multiple properties are more effective at reducing wildfire risk and more attractive to grant funders.
• Develop evacuation plans for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Widen roads and create turnarounds in the neighborhoods with narrow, gravel roads that may be inaccessible for firefighters during a wildfire.
• Install consistent, legible, reflective address and street signs.
• Expand the hydrant system where needed, especially into the older neighborhoods.

High relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 5% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 7% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 36% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 4% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

Masonville is covered by grass and sagebrush with cottonwood along the creek and ponderosa pine up on hillsides.

The main threat to the homes here is embers igniting the house or in home ignition zones 1 and 2. Most homes in this plan unit are older and were not built with fire-resistant materials. The main threat to the homes here is embers igniting in home ignition zones 1 and 2.

Most roads are well maintained and accessible for firefighters during a wildfire. A few roads are narrow and could be challenging for livestock evacuation. Firethorn Drive was noted as having exemplary signage that would be visible even under smokey conditions.

Recommendations for residents in Masonville:

• Remove vegetation along roadways to reduce the risk of non-survivable conditions during wildfires, particularly along County Road 32C.
• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening and mitigation in home ignition zones 1 and 2 are the highest priority here
• Create a plan to save for replacing flammable roofs with noncombustible materials and removing all flammable material within 5 feet of the home and other structures.
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space. Projects that span multiple properties are more effective at reducing wildfire risk and more attractive to grant funders.
• Work with neighbors and LFRA to form Pile Burn Cooperatives.
• Develop evacuation plans for your family and livestock, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Expand the hydrant system or install large community cisterns where homes are further away from water sources.

Moderate relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 1% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 1% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 2% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 0% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

This area is mostly covered by grasses and shrubs, with ornamental vegetation near homes and structures. Vegetation is dense in many of the open spaces (both public and private).

The area here is generally flat, and most utilities are underground, except in the subdivisions on the outskirts of the plan unit. There is a lot of infrastructure here, and Boyd Lake State Park is Loveland’s most active park in the summer. Homes here are varied in their construction materials; some homes are built with fire-resistant materials while others are not. Homes here are dense, so the main threat to homes here is embers landing on or within 30 feet of the home and igniting it.

Roads in the North & Downtown plan unit are accessible for firefighters, have good signage, and can handle heavy traffic. The most limiting factor for evacuation is the railroad tracks, where cars can be stopped and backed up for significant periods of time.

Recommendations for residents in North & Downtown:

• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening and mitigation in home ignition zones 1 and 2 are the highest priority here.
• Keep roofs clear of overhanging branches and debris, keep gutters cleaned out, and clear vegetation within the first 5 feet of the house.
• Create a plan to save up for replacing flammable roofs with noncombustible materials and removing all flammable material within 5 feet of the home and other structures.
• Develop evacuation plans for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.

Moderate relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 2% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 3% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 13% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 9% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

The open spaces here have mostly native grasses and shrubs, and the developed areas are mostly irrigated ornamental species. This area has seen some fires in the past 30 years, many of which occurred in areas where there is dry brush and grass. Homes are densely clustered, so the main threat to homes during a wildfire would be home-to-home ignitions from embers landing on roofs or in flammable material in home ignition zones 1 and 2. There are a lot of wooden fences in this area.

Roads here are well maintained and accessible, with a few exceptions in the small subdivisions. Northwest Loveland has pressurized fire hydrants within Loveland city limits, but not outside. Springer Valley has no water resources. Many of the homes have legible and reflective address signs which will make it easier for firefighters to navigate the area at night and under heavy smoke.

Recommendations for residents in Northwest Loveland:

• Learn how to make your home more survivable in a wildfire event. Mowing, trimming, wildfire resistant landscaping, and fuel removal are a high priority here.
• Remove wooden fences that can serve as fuel pathways.
• Replace your flammable roof with noncombustible materials and remove all flammable material within 5 feet of the home and other structures. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
• Contact your local HOA, road association, or the county to remove vegetation along shared roads in the community, particularly along Ridge Parkway
• Keep your roof clear of overhanging branches and buildup of small fine fuels, clean out your gutters regularly, and keep combustible fuels clear within the first 5 feet of your house.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and see if your neighbors need additional support during evacuations.

Extreme relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 60% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 75% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 100% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 43% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

Palisade is mostly covered by dense evergreen forest with grasses and shrubs growing underneath. There are some steep slopes, with many narrow valleys and ridges that could increase unpredictable fire behavior. Fires that get established in this plan unit have the potential to threaten the Cedar Park community. The northern portion of the Palisade plan unit burned in the 2000 Bobcat Fire and 2020 Cameron Peak Fire. The 2003 Palisade Fire burned about 10 acres in the southeastern part of the plan unit. The greatest threat to homes in this plan unit is vegetation surrounding homes in the HIZ. About half of homes have flammable materials within 30 feet of the structure including branches over the roof, pine needle debris in the gutters, and wood piles and other flammable material.

The most concerning factor for evacuation is limited access along Storm Mountain Road, which is the only way in and out and in some places only accommodates one-way traffic. This will make it difficult for residents to evacuate and for firefighters to access and protect homes during a wildfire. Residents evacuating livestock can make evacuation times even longer.

Recommendations for residents in Palisade:

• Learn how to make your home more survivable in a wildfire event. Home hardening and mitigation within 30 feet of your home are the highest priority for homeowners here.
• Replace your flammable roof with noncombustible materials and remove all flammable material within 5 feet of your home and other structures. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
• Work with your neighbors to create linked defensible space. Projects that span multiple properties are more effective at reducing wildfire risk.
• Work with neighbors and LFRA to form Pile Burn Cooperatives.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Develop a rapid neighborhood evacuation plan and conduct evacuation drills.
• Coordinate with LCSO-ES to evaluate the potential for a secondary evacuation route.
• Widen private and neighborhood roads and create pullouts to facilitate two-way traffic.
• Install visible, reflective address signs. These can be purchased inexpensively from LFRA.
• Install community cisterns in coordination with LFRA where there are no hydrants.

Extreme relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 50% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 55% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 69% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 48% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

The eastern and lower-elevation portions of Pinewood / Flatiron are primarily covered in grasses and shrubs, with dense forests in the higher elevations. Fire could rapidly spread upslope through grasses and shrubs, and extreme fire behavior could occur in forested areas.

The central portion of the Pinewood/Flatiron plan unit was burned by the 2010 Reservoir Road Fire. Two homes burned and 300 residents were evacuated during this 778-acre fire. The main threat to the homes here is embers igniting within 30 feet of structures. Many roads in this plan unit could be potentially non-survivable during wildfires. Some roads also have narrow roadways with switchbacks, few turnarounds, and only one lane, so residents must be done evacuating before first responders can access those areas. More than half of roads are accessible to Type 3 engines, but dead ends and few turnarounds could endanger firefighters. Many of the homes do not have consistent and legible address signs, which make them difficult for firefighters to find.

Recommendations for residents in Pinewood / Flatiron:

• There are many roads in Pinewood / Flatiron that could experience non-survivable conditions during wildfires. Contact your local HOA, road association, or the county to remove vegetation along shared roads in the community, particularly along Green Mountain Drive, Greenwood Drive, James Park Road, Newell Drive, Over Road, Turkey Walk Road, and West County Road 18E.
• Learn how to make your home more survivable in a wildfire event. Home hardening and mitigation within 30 feet of your home are the highest priority for homeowners here.
• Replace your flammable roof with noncombustible materials and remove all flammable material within 5 feet of your home and other structures. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
• Work with your neighbors to create linked defensible space.
• Work with neighbors and LFRA to form Pile Burn Cooperatives.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Widen private and neighborhood roads and create pullouts to facilitate two-way traffic.
• Install visible and reflective address signs. These can be purchased inexpensively from LFRA.
• Work with FLRA to test fire hydrants and improve those with inadequate pressure.

High relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 3% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 7% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 2% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 0% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

The River Corridor is diverse, including dense developments with manicured lawns, irrigated pastures, grasslands on flat terrain, grasslands and shrublands on rolling hills and hogbacks, and cottonwood trees and other riparian vegetation along rivers. Fires with rapid rates of spread and moderate flame lengths are possible in areas with tall grasses and shrubs. Fires in riparian areas are more likely in winter months when fuels are dry. The River Corridor plan unit has experienced several small wildfires, but all of these fires were quickly controlled by local emergency responders. The main threat to the homes in the River Corridor is embers igniting vegetation or other flammable materials within 30 feet of structures. Home-to-home ignition is highly likely in the suburbs where homes are tightly packed. Many homes have wooden fences that can serve as a fuel pathway from burning vegetation to homes or from burning home to home.

Recommendations for residents in the River Corridor:

• Learn how to make your home more survivable in a wildfire event. Mowing, trimming, wildfire resistant landscaping, and fuel removal could help homes survive a fast-moving wildfire event.
• Keep your roof clear of overhanging branches and buildup of small fine fuels, clean out your gutters regularly, and keep combustible fuels clear within the first 5 feet of your house.
• If your HIZ 2 or 3 overlap with your neighbors, coordinate mitigation actions with them.
• Remove wooden fences that can serve as fuel pathways.
• Replace flammable roofs with noncombustible materials.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Connect with homeless neighbors and collaborate on effective warming solutions that don’t require open flames.

Moderate relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 2% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 5% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 1% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 0% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

The South & Downtown plan unit is primarily flat and covered by irrigated lawns and landscaped yards with various plants and ornamental shrubs and trees. There are some agricultural fields in the east.

Homes are densely clustered, so the main threat to homes during a wildfire would be home-to-home ignitions from embers landing on roofs or in flammable material in home ignition zones 1 and 2. Several homes have older roofs and flammable siding and decking. Many homes have mulch and other flammable landscaping materials immediately adjacent to structures. Roads in this area are generally paved and well maintained, and accessible by fire engines. Roads in dense subdivisions may become congested during evacuations. Narrow, dirt roads in the eastern part of the plan unit could also experience congestion, particularly if multiple emergency vehicles respond to an incident.

Recommendations for residents in South & Downtown:

• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening and mitigation in home ignition zones 1 and 2 are the highest priority in this plan unit. If home ignition zone 2 overlaps with your neighbors, coordinate mitigation actions with them.
• Conduct walking tours to demonstrate home hardening and defensible space practices.
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space. Projects that span multiple properties are more effective at reducing wildfire risk and more attractive to grant funders.
• Keep your roof clear of overhanging branches and buildup of small fine fuels on, keep gutters cleaned out, and remove all combustible fuels within the first 5 feet of your house.
• Remove wooden fences that can serve as fuel pathways.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.

Moderate relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 4% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 8% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 30% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 1% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

The Southwest Loveland plan unit is flat, dominated by mowed grassland in the east that transitions to shrubs in the west.

The main threat to the homes in this plan unit is embers landing on roofs or within 30 feet of the home and igniting it. Many properties in the area have livestock that could require multiple trips to evacuate. This might create congestion and increase the amount of time it would take to evacuate the area. Gated communities and bridges with unknown weight limits would make access for firefighters difficult. Many of the homes do not have consistent and legible address signs, which make them difficult for firefighters to find.

Recommendations for residents in Southwest Loveland:

• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening and mitigation in home ignition zones 1 and 2 are the highest priority here.
• Conduct walking tours to demonstrate home hardening and defensible space practices.
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space. Projects that span multiple properties are more effective at reducing wildfire risk and more attractive to grant funders.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family and livestock, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Install visible, reflective address and street signs. These can be purchased inexpensively from LFRA.
• Post weight limits on private bridges.

Extreme relative risk rating

Under extreme fire weather and during a fire:

• 28% of the area could experience very high to extreme fire behavior.
• 29% of homes are exposed to radiant heat from burning vegetation.
• 82% of homes are exposed to embers from burning vegetation.
• 15% of roads have potentially non-survivable conditions.

The Sylvandale plan unit is primarily covered by grass and scattered brush, with Ponderosa pine overstory in the higher elevations on the north and east aspects. The drainages have cottonwood, willow, and other riparian species. The combination of vegetation, topography and strong winds creates the potential for extreme fire behavior in Sylvandale. The main threat to the homes in this plan unit is embers landing on roofs or within 30 feet of the home. Many homes in the plan unit are older and not built with ignition-resistant materials. There are some modular and single-family homes built close together with the potential for home-to-home ignitions. Many homes have branches near or hanging over the roof, debris in gutters, and vegetation or other flammable material immediately adjacent to structures.

The main concern for evacuation in the Sylvandale area is the large number of livestock that could require multiple trips to evacuate. This might create congestion and increase the amount of time it would take to evacuate the area

Recommendations for residents in Sylvandale:

• Learn how to make your home more prepared for wildfire. Home hardening and mitigation in home ignition zones 1, 2, and 3 are a priority in this plan unit.
• Remove trees, shrubs and tall grasses that are close to private roads and driveways to reduce the risk of fire while evacuating and facilitate firefighter access.
• Contact your local HOA, road association, or the county to remove vegetation along shared roads in the community, particularly along Waterdale Drive, North County Road 29, West County Road 22H, and Ellis Ranch Lane.
• Work with neighbors to create linked defensible space.
• Work with neighbors and LFRA to form Pile Burn Cooperatives.
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family and livestock, sign up for emergency notifications from Larimer County, and coordinate with neighbors who might need additional support during evacuations.
• Install visible and reflective address signs. These can be purchased inexpensively from LFRA.
• Work with FLRA to test fire hydrants and improve those with inadequate pressure.

A. Install Class-A ignition-resistant or noncombustible roofs. A. Use multipaned glass for skylights, not materials that can melt, and use metal flashing. ​ D. Install a 6-inch vertical noncombustible surface on all gables above roofs.​ F. Replace wooden fences with noncombustible materials. I. Replace combustible siding with ignition-resistant or noncombustible siding. J. Use noncombustible eaves.​ K. Install multi-pane windows and metal mesh screens. Use noncombustible window frames. ​ L. Use ignition-resistant or noncombustible decking. Enclose crawl spaces. M. Install 1-hour fire rated front and back doors. N. Install 1-hour fire rated garage doors.​ O. Install noncombustible gutters, gutter covers, and downspouts.​ ​ P. Use noncombustible siding and trim at least 2 feet up around the base of your home.​

The non-combustible zone, 0-5 feet from your home Goal: Prevent flames from coming into direct contact with your home.

Start your work here - Remove ALL flammable material within 5 feet of your house. Mulch, wood fences, wood furniture, firewood, and plants should be removed. Nothing in zone 1 should be flammable.

• Create a noncombustible border 5 feet around your home. Remove all vegetation and replace flammable wood chips or mulch with alternatives like dirt, stone, flagstone, concrete, or gravel. Research shows that the worst materials to use in zone 1 are shredded rubber, pine needles, and shredded western red cedar due to their high flammability.
• Remove branches that hang over your roof and drop needles onto your roof and remove all fuels within 10 feet of the chimney.
• Remove combustible materials (dry vegetation, wooden picnic tables, juniper shrubs, etc.) from underneath, on top of, or within 5 feet of decks, overhangs, windows, and doors.
• Annually remove dead or dry leaves, pine needles, and dead plants within 5 feet of your home and off your deck, roof, and gutters. Raking material farther than 5 feet from structures will not significantly reduce the likelihood of ignition.
• Move firewood or other combustible materials to Zone 3.
• Do not use space under decks for storage.

The lean, clean, and green zone, 5 to 30 feet from your home Goal: Slow the movement of flames approaching your home and lower the fire intensity

• Irrigate and mow grasses to 4 inches tall or less.
• Remove any accumulated surface fuels such as logs, branches, slash, and mulch.
• Use only Firewise Plant Materials plants for landscaping. Firewise plants have more fire-resistant attributes, like short-statures, deciduous leaves, and higher moisture content. They also tend to be more drought tolerant and require less water.
• Remove highly combustible vegetation (such as juniper or cheatgrass) within 15 feet or a home.
• Remove enough trees to create at least 10 feet of space between crowns. Measure from the outermost branch of one tree to the nearest branch on the next tree. Create even more space between trees if your home is on a slope.
• Favor the retention of aspen trees because this species has high fuel moisture, no low branches, and smooth bark, making them less likely to ignite than conifer trees.
• Remove ladder fuels under remaining trees. This is any vegetation that can bring fire from the ground up into taller fuels.
• Remove limbs so branches do not hang below 10 feet above the ground.
• Keep spacing between shrubs at least 2-3 times their height.
• Relocate wood piles and propane tanks to Zone 3.
• Remove stressed, diseased, dead, or dying trees and shrubs. This reduces the amount of vegetation available to burn and improves forest health.
• Keep shrubs at least 10 feet away from the edge of tree branches.

30 to 100 feet from your home, If you live on a slope, this zone should be larger Goal: Slow the movement of flames, move fire to the ground, and reduce ember production

• Store firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet away and uphill from your home and away from flammable vegetation. Store even farther away if your home is on a slope.
• Move campers / RVs, boats, detached garages, storage buildings, barns, and other large structures at least 50 feet away from your home.
• Mow or trim grasses to a maximum height of 6 inches. Grasses can be taller in zone 3 than zone 2 because of the greater distance from your home, but shorter grass is always better for reducing potential flame lengths and therefore radiant heat exposure.
• Remove enough trees to create at least 6- to 10-foot spacing between the outermost branches of remaining trees. Create even more space between trees if your home is on a slope.
• Favor the retention of aspen trees because this species naturally has high fuel moisture, no low branches, and smooth bark, making them less likely to ignite than conifer trees.
• Remove limbs so branches do not hang below 10 feet above the ground.
• Remove shrubs and saplings that can serve as ladder fuels.
• Remove heavy accumulations of dead trees, branches, and piles of fallen leaves, needles, twigs, pinecones, and small branches. Thin trees to increase spacing and remove ladder fuels to reduce the likelihood of torching, crown fires, and ember production.
• Consult with a qualified forester to develop a plan to manage your property to achieve fuel reduction and other goals, such as creating wildlife habitat.