Celebrate Wildfire Preparedness Month by Taking Action

May is Wildfire Preparedness Month, a reminder that the best time to prepare for wildfire is before smoke is in the air and an evacuation is at the door. In Coal Creek Canyon, preparedness starts with simple actions taken at home and grows stronger when neighbors work together.

Living in a forested mountain community comes with unique wildfire challenges. Steep terrain, dry vegetation, high wind events, and limited access routes can increase risk and make evacuations more difficult during an emergency. Taking steps now can help reduce hazards around your home and improve safety for your household, firefighters, and the broader community.

Wildfire Preparedness Checklist

Use May as a reminder to take a few simple steps before fire season arrives.

☐ Clean leaves and pine needles from roofs, gutters, and decks

☐ Remove dead vegetation and flammable materials near the home

☐ Check that your address is visible from the road

☐ Prepare a go bag with medications, documents, and pet supplies

☐ Review evacuation routes and sign up for emergency alerts

☐ Dispose of slash after mitigation work

☐ Talk with neighbors about preparedness and shared risk

Spring is also a good time to pay attention to forest health. Mountain Pine Beetle remains an active concern along Colorado’s Front Range, including Jefferson and surrounding counties. If you notice pine trees fading from green to yellow, orange, or red, or see signs such as pitch tubes or boring dust, beetles may be present. Trees attacked by beetles should be evaluated and removed promptly when needed. Proper disposal or treatment of infested material can help reduce impacts to surrounding trees and support overall forest health. For Mountain Pine Beetle best practices and guidance, visit the Colorado State Forest Service website.

Preparedness does not have to happen all at once. Every gutter cleaned, tree assessed, evacuation plan updated, and conversation with a neighbor helps build a safer and more resilient community.

Upcoming Slash Day: June 27, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Fire Station 2. This free event is held in partnership with Wildfire Partners and gives Coal Creek Canyon residents an opportunity to dispose of woody debris such as branches, limbs, and other vegetation from mitigation work locally. Registration will open on June 1st, 2026. Check the Coal Creek Canyon Fire Protection District website frequently for updates and registration details.

For help taking the next steps, visit CoalCreekCWPP.org or connect with your local Community Ambassador.