Wildfire mitigation is the act of preparing for a wildfire. Mitigation tactics can include vegetation manipulation, fire resistant construction materials, water supply development, access improvement, evacuation planning, etc.

Eagle County adopted wildfire regulations in January 2003 to provide standards to reduce or minimize impacts of wildfire hazards on properties, the occupants of properties and the occupants of adjacent properties, as well as to facilitate access to buildings by firefighters in the event of a wildfire. These regulations apply to all new development, new construction, and all additions to existing construction. Also see the Firewise Communities website for recommendations for landscaping, grass seed and other information concerning wildfire mitigation tactics. 

The county has also adopted a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The purpose of this plan is to unite Eagle County and agencies having jurisdiction in Eagle County, including the towns of Vail, Avon, Basalt, Eagle, Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff, and the county's five Fire Protection Districts (FPDs) under a single plan. This plan complements local agreements for wildfire protection and aids in implementing a seamless, coordinated effort in determining appropriate fire management actions in Eagle County.  Since its creation in 2005, the CWPP has been the guiding document behind many wildfire mitigation efforts in Eagle County. 

During the summer of 2003, Eagle County contracted a company to map the wildfire hazard on all private lands in unincorporated Eagle County. This map will be used as a tool for implementing wildfire regulations, and to help identify priority areas for wildfire mitigation projects. View the Eagle County Wildfire Hazard Map.

To request a Wildfire Hazard Rating, please contact 970-328-8742 or fax in a completed Request for Wildfire Hazard Rating form at 970-328-7185.

Construction Guidelines for wildfire areas in unincorporated Eagle County

Additional Information
Wildfire Handout
Office of Emergency Management
Planning on Building or Remodeling a Home in Unincorporated Eagle County?
Eagle County Wildfire Regulations
Interactive Active Fire Map Viewer
Colorado State Forest Service
Living with Fire