HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.09 Exhibit H - Wildfire Harzard Report
February 23, 2026
Prepared by:
RedMountain Environmental, LLC.
802 Palmer Avenue
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Wildfire Hazard Assessment
Mitchell Creek Community
Garfield County, Colorado
Prepared for:
The Land Studio, Inc. Mitchell Creek Community
365 River Bend Way 50235 US-6 West
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
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Table of Contents
1.0 Summary ............................................................................................................................................. 1
2.0 Description of Mitchell Creek Community Proposal .......................................................................... 1
3.0 Wildfire Hazards ................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Historic Fire Areas ........................................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Moderate Wildfire Hazard Areas ................................................................................................. 6
4.0 Mitigation Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Structure Hardening .................................................................................................................. 10
4.2 Water Supply ............................................................................................................................. 13
4.3 Site Requirements for Class 2 (Moderate Hazard) Areas .......................................................... 13
4.4 Access Roads .............................................................................................................................. 15
4.5 Landscaping ............................................................................................................................... 17
4.6 Other Requirements .................................................................................................................. 18
5.0 Disclosure ......................................................................................................................................... 19
6.0 References ........................................................................................................................................ 19
List of Figures
Figure 1. Project Vicinity ............................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2. Proposed Development ................................................................................................................. 4
Figure 3. GCCWPP Fire Hazard Ratings (JEO Consulting Group 2022) .......................................................... 7
Figure 4. CSFS Wildfire Risk Viewer- Fire Intensities (CSFS 2026) ................................................................. 8
Figure 5. Historic Fire Burn Areas ................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 6. Defensible Space Site Plan ........................................................................................................... 16
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1.0 SUMMARY
This assessment was developed in order to meet the requirements of the Garfield County Code
for a Major Impact Review for a Planned Unit Development and Sketch Plan application, and the
2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. The content of this plan incorporates guidance from the
Garfield County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (GCCWPP, JEO Consulting Group 2022), the
Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) Wildfire Risk Viewer 1, and the 2025 Colorado Wildfire
Resiliency Code (CWRC)2.
The GCCWPP is a strategic plan that identifies specific wildland fire risks facing communities and
districts within Garfield County and provides prioritized mitigation recommendations designed to
reduce those risks.
The content of the GCCWPP incorporates guidance as established by the Healthy Forest
Restoration Act and SB 09-001 for the development of a CWPP through the incorporation of:
• A definition of the community wildland-urban interface (WUI).
• A community risk analysis that considered, at a minimum, fuel hazards, risk of wildfire
occurrence, and community values to be protected, both in the immediate vicinity and
the surrounding zone where potential fire spread poses a realistic threat.
• Recommendations regarding ways to reduce structural ignitability, and information for
residents to understand the risk of wildfire so they can more effectively manage fuels on
their property in relation to wildfire risks.
The 2025 CWRC also provides similar requirements for assessing fuels, topography, and risks, and
for providing mitigation plans. This report provides recommendations for defensible space around
structures and fuels thinning for the Mitchell Creek Community. However, it does not provide
larger-scale fuel break recommendations outside of the parcel boundaries. This report does not
address preparedness of local fire departments (these items are covered under the GCCWPP). It is
assumed that Mitchell Creek Community would be responsible for implementation of
recommended fuels mitigation work.
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF MITCHELL CREEK COMMUNITY PROPOSAL
The Mitchell Creek Community project is proposing to redevelop the Ami’s Acres Campground
under a Planned Unit Development application, to provide a single-family home community with
approximately 97 home sites. The development would require complete site regrading, and
would also include new utility corridors for electric, water, and sewer to each lot. Utilities would
be placed in roadways. Approximately 5 new fire hydrants would be installed (replacing the one
existing hydrant) and would tie into City of Glenwood Springs water supplies. Home sizes will
range from 1,312 square feet to 2,607 square feet, with on-lot parking (either surface parking or
in a garage). New water and sewer lines would run from west Glenwood Springs along US Highway
1 Wildfire Risk Viewer
2 2025ColoradoWildfireResiliencyCode.pdf - Google Drive
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6 (US-6) to the development. The new community would no longer offer camping or other
temporary accommodations.
Overall slope steepness in the development area is high, averaging around 23 percent slopes (or
13 degrees). The surface fuels vary depending on aspect and current land use, but fuels within the
campground are dominated by infrequent shrubs, individual trees, and some remnant patches of
sagebrush and oakbrush. Surrounding the project, fuels are dominated by pinyon-juniper
woodlands with infrequent oakbrush and other smaller shrubs. Surface fuels are light and large
areas do not support much surface fuel continuity. Given the extent of over-lot grading, it is
assumed that fuels within the development would be removed in almost their entirety, but fuels
along the access roads may remain.
Of note, there is a small infestation of pinyon ips (Ips
confusus) occurring in fuels immediately above the
development.
In preparation of this Assessment the GCCWPP was
reviewed, which states: “Preparation of site-specific
individual Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP’s)
is the logical next step after a county-wide fire plan has
identified communities-at-risk and set mitigation
priorities. A CWPP assesses the wildfire threat to a
neighborhood or community and the surrounding
landscape. It locates values-at-risk in detail and
determines the specific vegetation management, road
improvements, water sources, warning systems,
evacuation routes, changes to buildings to make them
less flammable, fire department preparedness (if
needed), and other actions needed to reduce the threat
of wildfire.”
The 2025 CWRC is required to be adopted by Garfield County by July 1, 2026. The CWRC is to
establish minimum regulations for the safeguarding of life and for property protection.
Regulations in the CWRC are intended to mitigate the risk to life and structures from intrusion of
fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to mitigate
structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels. The extent of the CWRC regulation is intended to
be tiered commensurate with the relative level of hazard present.
The use of properties in the wildland-urban interface has an inherent potential threat to life and
property from wildfire and resulting erosion. Safeguards to prevent the occurrence of wildfires
and to provide adequate fire protection facilities to control the spread of fire in the wildland-urban
interface shall be in accordance with the CWRC.
Trees impacted by pinyon beetle
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Figure 1. Project Vicinity
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Figure 2. Proposed Development
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3.0 WILDFIRE HAZARDS
Vegetation communities are described in terms of dominant species composition and fuel models.
The load and arrangement of surface fuels, the distance to the base of the forest canopy, and the
density of the forest canopy are subject to specific evaluation. These characteristics help
determine the surface fire intensity and the likelihood of crown fire initiation and propagation.
These models represent points along a continuum and are used to illustrate potential fire hazard.
In this analysis, the standard fire behavior fuel models developed by federal researchers and the
Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) were used to train models to describe wildfire risks and
potential fire behavior and are presented in the CSFS’s Wildfire Risk Viewer (CSFS 2026).
The Fire Intensity Scale rating system from the CSFS is presented as:
Lowest Intensity- Very small, discontinuous flames, usually less than 1 foot in length; very low
rate of spread; no spotting. Fires are typically easy to suppress by firefighters with basic training
and non-specialized equipment.
Low Intensity- Small flames, usually less than two feet long; small amount of very short-range
spotting possible. Fires are easy to suppress by trained firefighters with protective equipment
and specialized tools.
Moderate Intensity- Flames up to 8 feet in length; short-range spotting is possible. Trained
firefighters will find these fires difficult to suppress without support from aircraft or engines,
but dozer and plows are generally effective. Increasing potential for harm or damage to life
and property.
High intensity- Large Flames, up to 30 feet in length; short-range spotting common; medium
range spotting possible. Direct attack by trained firefighters, engines, and dozers is generally
ineffective, indirect attack may be effective. Significant potential for harm or damage to life
and property.
The CSFS Fire Intensity Scale rating system is a complex spatial model taking into consideration
vegetation, aspect, slope, and elevation in a mathematical formula developed through a
subroutine in a GIS. The property’s size, fuel types, and on-site verification of fuels and hazards,
were sufficient to not require additional fuels mapping or analysis to accurately depict wildfire
hazards within the project area or on surrounding lands.
Based on the GCCWPP mapping, the project area was mostly categorized as being in a Lowest Risk
area, with small portions being in Low Risk areas (Figure 3). However, the more conservative CSFS
mapping protocol, which has been adopted by the CWRC was also referenced, and the Wildfire
Risk Viewer designates the parcel as being within Moderate Intensity and High Intensity areas,
with High Burn Probability (Figures 4). In light of this and from on-site reviews, the parcel supports
a Moderate Hazard designation, given the steep slopes, patchy shrubby fuel profiles, with
discontinuous surface fuels.
3.1 Historic Fire Areas
In 1992 the Storm King Fire burned approximately 2,115 acres north of I-70, and in 2002 the Coal
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Seam fire burned approximately 13,000 acres on both sides of north of I-70. These fires burned
most of the area around Ami’s Acres Campground, and currently fuels in these areas are
dominated by grasses and forbs, with smaller and more infrequent shrubs (GR1/GS1 (Scott and
Burgan 2002)). These grass and sparse shrub fuel types can carry fires quickly through the steep
terrain, but suppression is relatively easy with hand crews or with aerial support. However, given
the steep slopes in this area, response times will be delayed, and vehicle support (fire engines,
etc.) would not be widespread. See Figure 5 for historic burn areas.
3.2 Moderate Wildfire Hazard Areas
The surface fuels are comprised of sparse grass, forbs, litter, and a discontinuous brush canopy,
up to 12-feet in height. Vegetation species in these areas include various grasses and forbs, and
pinyon pine (Pinus edulis), Utah juniper (Juniperus utahensis), oakbrush (Quercus gambelii),
mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus
montanus), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus
nauseosus), and Utah serviceberry
(Amelanchier utahensis). As most of the
campground area will see over-lot
grading, more in-depth reviews of existing
fuels is not necessary, aside from the
access roads, where oakbrush and
sagebrush fuels are continuous.
Of note, pinyon ips beetle mortality, if left
unchecked, will increase flammability and
hazards from dead and dying pinyon pine,
until such time that infested trees die and
lose their needles. As the pinyon pine
trees fall down and decompose, their
fuels profile will shift to support more
heavy down woody debris.
Photo of typical Moderate Hazard conditions.
Oakbrush and sagebrush fuels along primary access
route.
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Figure 3. GCCWPP Fire Hazard Ratings (JEO Consulting Group 2022)
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Figure 4. CSFS Wildfire Risk Viewer- Fire Intensities (CSFS 2026)
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Figure 5. Historic Fire Burn Areas
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4.0 MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Structure Hardening
As the project area occurs within Moderate Hazard areas, structures will need to adhere to Class
1 and Class 2 Structure Hardening per the CWRC (see sections 403 and 404 of the CWRC). These
sections and recommendations may be changed with adoption of the CWRC by Garfield County.
403.2 Roofing. Roofs shall have a roof covering or roof assembly classified as Class A when tested
in accordance with ASTM E108 or UL 790.
403.2.1 Flame and Ember Protection of Roofs. For roof assemblies where the roof covering
profile creates a space between the roof covering and roof deck, the space shall resist the
entry of flames and embers by one or more of the following methods:
1. Firestopping with noncombustible material of the space between the roof covering
and the roof deck.
2. Installation of one layer of cap sheet complying with ASTM D3909 over the
combustible roof deck.
3. Installation of a listed Class A classified roof assembly.
403.2.2 Roof Valley Flashings. Valley flashings shall be not less than 0.019-inch (No. 26
galvanized sheet gage) corrosion-resistant metal installed over a minimum 36- inch-wide
underlayment consisting of one layer of cap sheet complying with ASTM D3909 running the
full length of the valley.
403.3 Gutters and Downspouts. Gutters and downspouts shall be constructed of noncombustible
material.
403.4 Ventilation Openings. Ventilation openings for enclosed attics, enclosed rafter spaces, and
underfloor spaces shall be in accordance with Section 403.4.1 Performance Requirements or
Section 403.4.2 Prescriptive Requirements (see below) as applicable.
403.4.1 Performance Requirements. Ventilation openings shall be fully covered with listed
vents, tested in accordance with ASTM E2886, to demonstrate compliance with all the
following requirements:
1. There shall be no flaming ignition of the cotton material during the Ember Intrusion
Test.
2. There shall be no flaming ignition during the Integrity Test portion of the Flame
Intrusion Test.
3. The maximum temperature of the unexposed side of the vent shall not exceed 662°F
(350°C).
403.4.2 Prescriptive Requirements. Ventilation openings for enclosed attics, enclosed rafter
spaces, and underfloor spaces shall be covered with noncombustible corrosion-resistant
mesh with openings not to exceed ⅛-inch.
404.2 Protection of Eaves. Eaves and soffits shall be protected on the exposed underside by
noncombustible material, ignition-resistant materials, or by materials approved for not less than
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1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction, ⅝-inch Type X drywall, 2-inch nominal dimension
lumber, or 1 inch nominal fire-retardant-treated wood or ¾ inch nominal fire-retardant-treated
plywood, identified for exterior use and meeting the requirements of Section 2303.2 of the 2024
International Building Code. Fascias are required and shall be protected on the backside by
noncombustible material, ignition-resistant materials, or by materials approved for not less than
1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction, ⅝-inch Type X drywall, or 2- inch nominal dimension
lumber.
404.3 Exterior Walls. Exterior walls of buildings or structures shall be constructed with one of the
following methods:
1. Exterior wall assemblies with a minimum of 1-hour fire-resistance rating, rated for
exposure on the exterior side.
2. Approved noncombustible materials.
3. Heavy timber or log wall construction.
4. Noncombustible materials complying with Section 402.2 on the exterior side.
5. Fire-retardant treated wood complying with Section 402.3 on the exterior side. The fire-
retardant-treated wood shall be labeled for exterior use and meet the requirements of
Section 2303.2 of the 2024 International Building Code.
6. Ignition-resistant materials complying with Section 402.4 on the exterior side.
Exceptions:
1. Exterior wall embellishments and architectural trim (exclusive of trim on exterior
windows and doors) not to exceed 5 percent of the square footage of the exterior
wall.
2. Roof or wall top cornice projections and similar assemblies.
3. Solid wood rafter tails and solid wood blocking installed between rafters having
minimum dimension 2-inch nominal.
404.3.1 Exterior Wall Coverings. Exterior wall coverings shall be limited to the following:
1. Noncombustible materials.
2. Fire-retardant-treated wood.
3. Ignition-resistant building materials.
Such material shall extend from the top of the foundation to the underside of the eave or
the underside of the roof sheathing.
404.3.2 Flashing. Combustible sheathing products exposed by the gap created at the base
of the exterior walls, posts, or columns must be protected with noncombustible material or
ignition-resistant building materials while still permitting drainage and moisture control
from behind exterior cladding.
404.4 Underfloor enclosure. Buildings or structures shall have underfloor areas enclosed to the
ground or comply with exterior walls in accordance with Section 404.3.
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404.5 Decking. Unenclosed decks shall have the deck walking surface constructed of one of the
following:
1. Approved noncombustible materials.
2. Class A rated material. Exception: Composite decking material with a minimum of Class
B rating.
3. Fire-retardant-treated wood identified for exterior use and meeting the requirements
of Section 2303.2 of the 2024 International Building Code.
4. Ignition-resistant building materials in accordance with Section 402.4.
404.6 Appendages and Projections. Appendages and projections shall be constructed in
accordance with Section 404.3 Exterior Walls.
404.7 Exterior Glazing. Exterior windows, window walls and glazed doors, windows within
exterior doors, and skylights shall be tempered glass, multilayered glazed panels, glass block or
have a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes. NOTE: if landscaping trees and shrubs
are not proximal to windows, then the requirement for Exterior Glazing can be reassessed with
approval from Garfield County and Glenwood Springs Fire Department.
404.8 Exterior Doors. Exterior doors shall be approved noncombustible construction, solid core
wood not less than 1 ¾-inches thick or have a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes.
Windows within doors and glazed doors shall be in accordance with Section 404.7. Exception:
Vehicle access doors.
404.9 Vehicle Access Door Perimeter Gap. Exterior vehicle access doors shall resist the intrusion
of embers from entering by preventing gaps between doors and door openings, at the head, sill,
and jamb of doors from exceeding ⅛ inch as approved by the AHJ.
Gaps between doors and door openings shall be controlled by one of the following methods:
1. Weather-stripping products made of materials that: (a) have been tested for tensile
strength in accordance with ASTM D638 (Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of
Plastics) after exposure to ASTM G155 (Standard Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Light
Apparatus for Exposure of Non-Metallic Materials) for a period of 2,000 hours, when the
maximum allowable difference in tensile strength values between exposed and non-
exposed samples does not exceed 10 percent; and (b) exhibit a V-2 or better flammability
rating when tested to UL 94 (Standards for Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for
Parts in Devices and Appliances).
2. Door overlaps onto jambs and headers.
3. Garage door jambs and headers covered with metal flashing
404.10 Detached Accessory Structures. Detached accessory structures located less than 50 feet
from a building containing habitable or occupiable space shall have exterior walls constructed in
accordance with Section 404.3 through 404.3.2.
404.10.1 Underfloor areas. Where the detached structure is located and constructed so
that the structure or any portion thereof projects over a descending slope surface greater
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than 10 percent, the area below the structure shall have underfloor areas enclosed to
within 6 inches of the ground, with exterior wall construction in accordance with Section
404.3 or underfloor protection in accordance with Section 404.4 or with ⅛-inch metal
corrosion-resistant screen with a hardened zone within 5 feet.
Exception: The enclosure shall not be required where the underside of exposed floors and
exposed structural columns, beams and supporting walls are protected as required for
exterior 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction, heavy timber construction,
noncombustible materials on the exterior side, or fire-retardant-treated wood on the
exterior side. The fire-retardant-treated wood shall be labeled for exterior use and meet the
requirements of Section 2303.2 of the 2024 International Building Code.
Exceptions: The following structures would not be required to adhere to Structural Hardening or
Site Requirements.
1. Buildings of an accessory character classified as Group U occupancy (unoccupied) of any size
located at least 50 feet from a structure containing occupiable or habitable space.
2. One-story detached accessory, non-habitable structures, such as tool and storage sheds,
playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and
the structure is located greater than or equal to 10 feet from the nearest adjacent occupiable
structure.
4.2 Water Supply
Any fire department recommendation for individual structure water supply and storage shall be
accessible to fire department vehicles through a Fire Department approved mechanism (such as
a fire hydrant).
4.3 Site Requirements for Class 2 (Moderate Hazard) Areas
Defensible space includes the use of vegetative management that removes flammable fuels from
around a structure to reduce exposure to radiant heat. The flammable fuels may be replaced with
green lawn, gardens, certain individually spaced and pruned trees, decorative stone or other non-
flammable or flame-resistant materials.
Defensible space can be created with the applicant’s design aesthetic to create both a pleasing look
and fire-resistant landscape. A program of evaluating and implementing defensible space for
structures will do more to limit potential fire related property damage than any other single
recommendation.
502.1 Structure Ignition Zone 1 (0-5 feet): Immediate Zone. Within 0-5 feet of occupied structures
the following shall apply.
502.1.2 Materials. Use noncombustible, hard surface materials in this zone, such as rock,
gravel, sand, concrete, bare earth or stone/concrete pavers. Exception: Ignition-resistant
plantings that is not less than fire resistant plantings created by the Colorado State Forest
Service 3, are allowed in the Immediate Zone.
3 CSFS_CSU-Ext_Fact-Sheets_IRLP_2025_081825-2_web_accessible.pdf
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502.1.3 Plantings. Do not plant flammable shrubs, use combustible mulch and other woody
debris, with the exception of ignition-resistant vegetation.
502.1.4 Trees. There shall be no planting of new trees in the immediate zone. Mature trees
of no less than 10-inch diameter at 4.5 feet above ground level may be maintained.
Tree crowns extending to within 10 feet of any structure shall be pruned to maintain a minimum
clearance of 10 feet. Prune tree branches to a height of 6-10 feet from the ground or a third of the
total height of the tree, whichever is less.
503.2 Structure Ignition Zone 2 (5-30 feet) Intermediate Zone
503.2.2 Dead Materials. Within 5 to 30 feet of occupied structures, dead plant material must
be removed from live vegetation.
503.2.3 Fuels Accumulation. Avoid large accumulations of surface fuels such as logs,
branches, slash and combustible mulch.
503.2.4 Trees. Tree crowns extending to within 10 feet of any structure shall be pruned to
maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet.
Prune tree branches to a height of 6-10 feet from the ground or a third of the total height of
the tree, whichever is less. See section 503.2.5 Shrubs for additional guidance for oakbrush
and other shrubs.
503.2.4.1 Tree Spacing. Tree crowns within this zone shall be spaced to prevent structure
ignition and promote fuel discontinuity to limit fire spread.
NOTE: Thin out conifers, such that no conifer is closer than 10-feet from the crown to the
next conifer. Aspen trees may remain as is, but no aspen may be within 15-feet of a window.
503.2.5 Shrubs. Shrub groups (oakbrush, and smaller pinyon pine and Utah juniper, etc.)
within this zone shall be spaced to prevent structure ignition. Shrubs shall be at least 10 feet
away from the edge of other tree branches, and clumps of shrubs shall be no closer than 20-
feet of occupied structures.
1. Within 50-feet of occupied structures, no more than 20% of shrub canopy cover
should be within this area. This can be done in an aesthetically pleasing manner,
but in general, more thinning should occur closer to the occupied structures.
2. All branches from trees and brush within the 50-foot perimeter shall be pruned
to a height of ten (10) feet above the ground with removal of ladder fuels from
around remaining trees and brush (if possible).
3. No new conifer trees shall be planted within thirty (30) feet of homes and
occupied structures.
4. Deciduous trees (cottonwood or aspen, etc.) are allowed within 30 feet of
occupied structures but shall not be closer than 15-feet of a occupied structure.
5. The property owners shall be responsible for the continued maintenance of the
defensible space vegetation requirements.
See Figure 6 (below) for Conceptual Ignition Zones 2 and 3.
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503.3 Structural Ignition Zone 3 (30-100 feet)
503.3.2 Tree Spacing. Tree crowns within this zone should be spaced 15 feet apart within
50-feet of occupied structures. Shrubs and trees should not have more than 20% cover
within this zone (to 50-feet). From 50 to 100-feet from occupied structures, remove dead or
dying trees and shrubs, and limb up remaining trees so that branches are not closer than 8-
feet to the ground. Remove ladder fuels (smaller shrubs) from under remaining trees.
See Figure 6 (below) for Conceptual Ignition Zones 2 and 3. NOTE: These buffer areas would
be reduced to areas around homes, as opposed to parcels/lots, but at this time the homesite
footprints were not available, so the lot boundaries were used to present “conceptual”
Ignition Zones.
4.4 Access Roads
At this time the CWRC does not address
access roads, and the following is
recommended.
1. Along the sides of the access
roads, thin shrubby vegetation
within approximately 30-feet of
either side of the roads.
Feathering of vegetation is
acceptable and may be done in
an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Only grasses and forbs should
dominate the fuels profile within
10’ of either side of the roads.
2. Thin shrubby species to 70% of
original cover within 30 feet of
either side of the road (only 30%
of shrubby species cover shall
remain).
Thin (remove) sagebrush such that brush cover is not
more than 30% within 30-feet of the access road.
Thin (remove) oakbrush such that cover is no more
than 30% within 30-feet of the access road. Limb
lower branches and remove ladder fuels from
underneath remaining oakbrush.
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Figure 6. Conceptual Defensible Space Site Plan
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4.5 Landscaping
At this time the CWRC does not address proposed landscaping. The following is additional
recommendations for any new landscaping around habitable structures.
1. No brush, debris, unnecessary trees, and non-ornamental vegetation shall be within a
minimum ten-foot (10') perimeter around all structures. Installed or native landscaping
within 15’ of the house should not contain any flammable brushy species (such as sticky
laurel, junipers or other coniferous shrubs) - only grasses, forbs, non-flammable deciduous
shrubs, aspen trees or other deciduous trees are allowed.
2. From 15’ out to 30’ from a house, driveway, and turn-arounds, limit plantings of coniferous
trees and flammable shrubs to no more than 15% of landscaped surface area; these
trees/shrubs should also be irrigated to keep fuel moisture high. Coniferous trees should not
be within 15’ of driveway (from edge of crown); aspen and other deciduous trees are
acceptable.
3. Tree crown separation within the forty (30) foot perimeters shall have a minimum of ten (10)
feet between the edges of the crowns, except for mature stands of aspen trees or other
deciduous ornamental species where ladder fuels have been removed.
4. No coniferous trees may be within 15 feet of a window; limit other non-coniferous trees
within 15-feet of windows.
5. There should be no branches that extend over the roof eaves, and all branches within 15 feet
of chimneys shall be removed.
6. The property owner shall be responsible for the continued maintenance of the above-listed
vegetation requirements.
502.2 Site Signage
502.2.3. Address Markers. Similar to CWRC requirements, addresses shall be clearly marked
with at least 2-inch non-combustible letters and shall be visible at the primary point of access
from the public or common access road and installed on a non-combustible surface.
502.2.2 Marking of fire protection equipment. Fire protection equipment and fire hydrants
shall be clearly identified in a manner approved by the code official to prevent obstruction.
502.3 Retaining Walls
502.3.1 Retaining Walls. Retaining walls shall be constructed with either noncombustible or
ignition-resistant materials when any of the following conditions exist:
1. The retaining wall is within 8 feet of a structure regulated by this code or up to the
property line when the property line is less than 8 feet away from the structure.
2. The retaining wall is integral to the support of a structure regulated by this code.
3. The retaining wall is integral to the egress from a structure regulated by this code to a
public way, easement, or private road.
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502.4 Fencing
502.4.1 Fencing. Fencing within 8 feet of a structure regulated by this code or up to the
property line when the property line is less than 8 feet away from the structure shall be
constructed with noncombustible or ignition-resistant materials.
Exception: Vinyl fencing. Vinyl fencing may be allowed.
4.6 Other Requirements
1. Electrical Infrastructure. Ensure brush
and other fuels are cleared around
power poles (see photos). Applicant
should contact Glenwood Springs
Electric or Holy Cross Energy to see if
their crews could assist or schedule this
work. Ensure electrical monuments
(boxes) and any pump houses do not
have shrubs or trees within 20-feet, and
keep grasses and weeds mowed during
summer months. Electrical
infrastructure should be housed in non-
combustible materials.
It is important to keep electric working
in the event of a fire to keep water
pumps and other infrastructure
working to support suppression and
communication efforts.
2. Roofs and gutters shall be kept clear of
debris.
3. Yards shall be kept clear of all litter,
slash, and flammable debris.
4. All flammable materials to be stored
outdoors shall be stored on a parallel
contour a minimum of 15 feet away
from any structure.
5. Weeds and grasses (not including
irrigated landscaping) within the 10-
foot perimeter of the structure(s) shall
be maintained to a height of not more
than 6 inches.
6. Firewood/wood piles shall be stacked on a parallel contour a minimum of 20 feet away from
the structure from June through October.
7. Fences shall be kept clear of brush and debris.
Have crews clear brush from around power
sources.
Clear brush and flammable fuels from around
electrical infrastructure and any pump stations.
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8. Fuel tanks shall be installed underground within an approved container.
9. Each structure shall have a minimum of one 10-pound ABC fire extinguisher.
5.0 DISCLOSURE
While no building is truly “fireproof”, these recommendations are provided to improve defensibility
of occupied structures in the event of a wildfire. These recommendations are provided as minimum
standards for defensibility, and long-term maintenance of fuel conditions would be necessary and
under the responsibility of the property owner/manager to ensure defensibility. Please see section
104.8 Liability of the 2025 CWRC for more information.
6.0 REFERENCES
Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Board. 2025. Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, Version 1.0.
JEO Consulting Group. 2022. Garfield County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
Scott, J.H.; Burgan, R. E. 2005. Standard fire behavior fuel models: a comprehensive set for use with
Rothermel’s surface fire spread model. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-153. Fort Collins, CO: U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 72 p.