Wildfire Partners

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

In recent years, wildfire has become a regular occurrence in many western states. Colorado and Boulder County have experienced some of the most destructive and costly wildfires in recent history. Wildfire Partners is a new, innovative county program that hopes to create a more resilient and prepared mountain community. Wildfire Partners offers services and benefits to county residents that fill important gaps in past mitigation programs. Partnership with residents has increased the participation, awareness, and understanding of wildfire mitigation and preparedness. Partnering residents with mitigation advisors who walk them through steps one-by-one has been a huge success. The advisors use a new iPad app which was specifically created for Wildfire Partners and helps residents see exactly what mitigation measures need to made on their specific property. When residents complete their mitigation actions and receive their certificate, they proudly display a Wildfire Partners Yard Sign to announce that they have taken personal responsibility to prepare for future wildfire. Our relationship with private sector partners in the insurance industry also sets this program apart and is a notable achievement worthy of recognition. Creating a certification program for wildfire mitigation is only useful if the certification is recognized by insurance providers. Wildfire Partners is a new and unique program in the nation. Other communities are now following Boulder County’s lead in addressing this critical preparedness action.