Stage-1 Fire Restrictions in effect as of Friday June 27, 2025

Wildfire Preparedness

ROARING FORK VALLEY WILDFIRE COLLABORATIVE

Pitkin County partners with the Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative for fire preparedness and mitigation in the Roaring Fork Valley. The Collaborative was founded by local fire and forestry leaders who recognized the importance of collaboration to protect our high-risk valley from wildfire. It was incubated as a program within the Aspen Institute and launched as a nonprofit in April 2024.

Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative

Wildfires are growing larger, more destructive, and more frequent—especially in Colorado.

Twenty of the state’s largest wildfires have occurred in the last 20 years.

In Pitkin County, warmer temperatures, prolonged drought, and increasing development in the wildland-urban interface have made wildfire mitigation a top priority.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wildfire season is now significantly longer—what used to span four months can now last six to eight months, as snow melts earlier and fall rains arrive later. Persistent drought and widespread tree mortality from invasive species only add to the risk.

Pitkin County is taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire threats and build community resilience—because preparation today can help protect lives, homes, and landscapes tomorrow.

Schedule an assessment

Free Wildfire Assessments

Learn about your Home Ignition Zone and steps that you can take to reduce wildfire risk in and around your home by signing up for a REALFire home assessment. These voluntary assessments are performed by trained fire professionals and may qualify you for a cost-share assistance grant that will cover a portion of your mitigation work.

To learn more and to submit an application, please visit realfire.net

Inventory

If you experienced a total loss of your home during a wildfire, would you remember all of your possessions? Having an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your insurance claim settled faster. There is no better time to create an inventory than winter. Check in with your insurance provider to see how they recommend creating and uploading a full inventory of your belongings.

Insurance

Your home is your most important asset and it's vital that you protect it.

Winter is a great time to check in on your insurance coverage. Call your agent or insurance company annually to discuss your policy limits and to make sure that your policy reflects the correct square footage and features in your home.

Evacuation Alerts

Be in the know and sign up for the Pitkin County Alert System through the Reachwell app to receive the latest information about wildfire incidents and evacuation notices.

Download the ReachWell app on your phone (Apple | Google)
Allow notifications
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Evacuation Planning

Familiarizing yourself with the evacuation route.

Do you have a plan in place in case of an emergency evacuation?

Winter is a perfect time to create an evacuation plan that details an emergency meeting location, evacuation routes and means of communication for yourself and your family members and guests.

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