What Summit County Homeowners Should Know About Wildfire Season This Year

Wildfire season in Colorado is no longer something that happens “somewhere else.” It is something we prepare for every year, and this summer is shaping up to require extra awareness.

With one of the lowest snowpack years in recent history and ongoing drought conditions across Colorado, fuels are drying out earlier than normal. That means wildfire risk increases sooner and can escalate faster. On top of that, Xcel Energy has announced it plans to implement more proactive power shutoffs this summer during high wind and extreme fire danger days. These Public Safety Power Shutoffs are designed to reduce wildfire ignition risk, but they also mean homeowners need to be prepared for unexpected outages.

So what does this mean for you as a homeowner in Summit County?

It means preparation matters.

Understand Your Defensible Space

If you own property in the mountains, defensible space is not optional. It is one of the most important things you can do to protect your home.

Clear pine needles and dead vegetation from within 5 feet of your home. Trim tree branches away from roofs and chimneys. Remove stacked firewood from directly against the house. Keep gutters clean. These small steps dramatically reduce risk.

If you are unsure where to start, Summit County offers wildfire mitigation resources and inspections that can guide you.

Prepare for Power Outages

With more planned shutoffs possible this year, think through how your household would function without power for 24 to 72 hours.

Do you have backup batteries for phones and devices?
Do you know how to manually open your garage?
If you are on a well, do you have water access without electricity?
Do you have flashlights, extra drinking water, and shelf-stable food on hand?

If you rely on medical equipment, refrigeration for medication, or work from home, it may be worth exploring a backup generator or battery system.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

This is also a good time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Confirm your dwelling coverage reflects today’s rebuild costs, not what you paid for the home years ago. Make sure you understand your wildfire coverage, deductible, and loss-of-use provisions.

Extreme fire seasons have changed how carriers evaluate mountain properties. Being proactive now prevents surprises later.

Create a Go Plan

Even if you never need it, every homeowner should have a simple evacuation plan.

Keep important documents backed up digitally. Know multiple routes out of your neighborhood. Sign up for Summit County emergency alerts. Have a “go bag” with essentials ready during peak fire months.

Prepared does not mean panicked. It means responsible.

Wildfire Awareness Is Part of Mountain Living

Living in Summit County means access to incredible natural beauty, but it also means respecting the realities of our climate. Low snowpack and drought conditions are reminders that preparedness is part of responsible homeownership here.

If you have questions about wildfire mitigation, insurance considerations, or what buyers are asking about fire risk when purchasing a mountain property, I’m always happy to talk through it.

Mountain living is special. Being prepared helps keep it that way.