Wildfires

In Colorado, wildfires will always be a natural part of the beautiful state we have chosen to call home. However, wildfires have evolved in recent years, making them extremely dangerous and challenging for firefighters to control.

Please use this page to help you prepare for a wildfire so you can leave early; confident that you have done everything reasonably possible to protect your home and loved ones from a destructive wildfire.

Event by South Metro Fire Rescue on wildfire preparedness: classes on Ranch (April 14), Wildfire (May 5), and Evacuation (May 19).

What is Wildland Urban Interface?

Sunrise or sunset with fire and smoke near houses, fence in foreground, clear sky above.

The wildland urban interface (WUI) is the line between where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. The majority of Coloradans live in the WUI and that number continues to increase as more residents build homes in the Wildfire Urban Interface.

Wildland fires have always been an integral part of our natural ecosystem, and in the past, fire departments have let them burn to keep our forests healthy. But as the WUI grows, these fires have become an increasing problem for fire departments across the country and can have devastating impacts when they occur close to homes, neighborhoods and communities. Communities need to understand the risks and make changes to their environments to make them less susceptible to fire.

A Fire-Adapted Community (FAC) collaborates to identify its wildfire risk and works collectively on actionable steps to reduce its risk of loss. This work protects property and increases the safety of firefighters and residents.

Find out How to Become a Fire-Adapted Community

Who is responsible for enforcing the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code in areas served by South Metro Fire Rescue?

Enforcement authority rests with the local jurisdiction—such as the county, town, or city—that has formally adopted the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code or comparable wildfire regulations. While South Metro Fire Rescue supports many of our community partners in implementing this code and broader wildfire mitigation efforts, we are not the enforcing agency for these requirements.

Watch a South Metro Wildfire Response

Three people on a pathway in a park, with green grass and a caution sign visible.

Neighborhood Assessment Days

Invite SMFR's Community Risk Reduction and Wildland Team to your neighborhood to assess your wildfire risk and suggest opportunities for mitigation. Please note we are only able to provide guidance on what is within your property line.

Two people in a field, one holding papers, with a wooden fence and blue sky in the background.

How to Prepare BEFORE a Wildfire Occurs

PREPARE: Learn how to prepare your family and your home BEFORE the emergency arrives.

A firefighter next to a vehicle with "South Metro Fire Rescue" on it, emergency lights and a wildfire in the background.

How to Evacuate During a Wildfire

EVACUATE: Evacuation warnings can change to orders in an instant. You DO NOT need to wait for orders to leave. Learn how and when to evacuate during a wildfire emergency.

A flyer promoting wildfire community preparedness, with a firefighter talking to a woman and child, a fire truck in the background.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay up to date on our safety messaging, upcoming classes and events offered, and miscellaneous news from South Metro Fire Rescue's Community Risk Reduction Team.

May 2025 Wildfire Community Preparedness Newsletter

While wildfire risk has typically peaked during the summer, Colorado has experienced huge wildfires every month of the year, with increasing fire danger even in winter! South Metro Fire Rescue wants to ensure that you and your neighborhood feel safe year round, but especially while approaching this summer.

In Colorado, wildfires will always be a natural part of the beautiful state we have chosen to call home. However, wildfires have evolved in recent years, making them extremely dangerous and challenging for firefighters to control.

Please use this page to help you prepare for a wildfire so you can leave early; confident that you have done everything reasonably possible to protect your home and loved ones from a destructive wildfire.

Sign up for updates from South Metro Fire Community Risk Reduction