Is Your Summit County Home Ready for Wildfire Season? Here's What to Do Right Now.
As your mountain real estate resource, my job doesn't stop at the closing table. Owning property in Summit County comes with incredible rewards — and a responsibility to stay prepared for the realities of mountain living. Right now, that means talking about wildfire season.
Fire officials are already sounding the alarm. We're coming off one of the warmest, driest winters on record, and local departments are warning this could be a busy season. But here's what I want you to hear: our fire agencies are proactive, our resources are exceptional, and there is so much you can do right now to protect your home, your investment, and your family.
Here's a clear, actionable guide for Summit County homeowners — whether you own a single-family mountain retreat or a condo in a managed community.
Step 1: Sign Up for SC Alert (Even If You Already Did)
This is non-negotiable. SC Alert is Summit County's free emergency notification system that sends you real-time text and email alerts during wildfire events, evacuations, and other emergencies. In 2025, the county moved to a new vendor — which means even if you were previously registered, you need to re-register.
👉 Sign up at www.scalert.org
Step 2: Know Which Fire District Covers Your Property
Your fire district depends on where in Summit County you own:
Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District serves Breckenridge and Blue River. 👉 rwbfire.org/wildfire-preparedness
Summit Fire & EMS serves Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon, Keystone, and Copper Mountain. 👉 summitfire.org/wildfire-information
Both districts have excellent wildfire preparedness resources, current fire restriction information, and free services for property owners. Bookmark your district's site and check it regularly as conditions change throughout the season.
Step 3: Request a Free Home Wildfire Assessment
Here's something most homeowners don't know: both fire districts will send a trained professional directly to your property — completely free of charge — to walk your land and tell you exactly what needs attention.
This is one of the most valuable things you can do as a mountain property owner. Not only will you get expert, property-specific guidance, but you'll also receive documentation of your mitigation work that you can share with your insurance company. That matters more than ever as insurance carriers scrutinize wildfire risk in Summit County.
- Summit Fire & EMS: summitfire.org/courtesy-home-wildfire-assessment Or contact Fuels Specialist Hannah Ohlson directly: hohlson@summitfire.org | 970-309-0298
- Red, White & Blue Fire District: Visit rwbfire.org or email mitigation@rwbfire.org to request a mitigation inspection
Step 4: Borrow the Tools — Seriously
This one surprises most people. Red, White & Blue Fire District has a tool lending library available to residents in the Breckenridge and Blue River area. We're talking leaf blowers, rakes, and equipment specifically for clearing debris, dead vegetation, and flammable material around your home.
You don't need to buy anything or hire a crew. Just borrow the tools and get to work.
👉 Contact RWB about availability: rwbfire.org/contact-us
What to tackle this week:
- Clear dead vegetation, pine needles, and debris from your roof and gutters
- Move woodpiles away from your home's exterior — especially from under decks
- Trim branches hanging over or near your roofline
- Remove all flammable items within the first five feet of your home (yes, that includes the decorative doormat)
- Keep grasses mowed — and mow before 10am on dry, windy days
Own a Condo? You Still Have a Role.
I hear this often: "I'm in an HOA — isn't that their problem?" Honestly, no. You are your HOA's best resource right now, and here's what you can do:
- Bring it up at the next HOA meeting or in writing to your property manager. Ask what the wildfire mitigation plan is for the building and grounds.
- Ask if the building is registered on Community Connect, a platform that lets fire departments access critical property details before an emergency.
- Breckenridge/RWB area: communityconnect.io/info/co-breckenridge
- Summit Fire area: communityconnect.io/info/co-summit
- Clear your personal balcony or deck of flammables — patio cushions, doormats, stored firewood. These items genuinely matter in a fire scenario.
- Know your evacuation route and have a go-bag ready.
HOAs respond when owners push for action. Be that voice.
Step 5: Check Fire Restrictions Regularly
Conditions can change quickly as the season progresses. Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions affect campfires, outdoor burning, equipment use, and more. Don't assume — always verify before lighting anything.
👉 Current fire restrictions: summitcountyco.gov fire restrictions page
One More Thing: Water Restrictions Coming May 1
Put this on your radar now. Water use restrictions are expected to go into effect May 1 as we head into what's shaping up to be a dry summer. This will affect irrigation schedules, landscaping, and outdoor water use. Start planning your spring landscaping with that in mind — more details to come as they're confirmed.
Your Wildfire Prep Checklist for This Week
- ☑ Register or re-register for SC Alert at scalert.org
- ☑ Bookmark your fire district's website
- ☑ Request a free home wildfire assessment
- ☑ Contact RWB about borrowing tools (Breckenridge/Blue River owners)
- ☑ Register your property on Community Connect
- ☑ Email your HOA or property manager (condo owners)
- ☑ Back up important documents digitally and store a copy off-site
- ☑ Watch for the May 1 water restrictions update
The Bottom Line
This is the stuff that doesn't feel urgent — until it is. Our fire departments are working incredibly hard to keep Summit County safe. The best thing we can do as homeowners is meet them halfway.
A quick note: The Summit County Sheriff's Office is also currently conducting a comprehensive Emergency Evacuation Assessment to improve evacuation routes and communication countywide, including evaluation of Swan Mountain Road during its closure. Stay tuned for updates on that as well.
As always, if you have questions about any of this — or need help finding the right contact for your specific neighborhood or property type — don't hesitate to reach out. This is exactly what I'm here for.
Stay safe out there.
Emily Lawless | Summit County Real Estate
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