In 2009, Sam Pace, then a Saguache County commissioner, asked Daniel Johnson, a local firefighter with years of wildfire experience to be involved in a new program called Firewise, to help residents living in forested county areas prepare for wildfires. Up to that point, his experience protecting houses was when a roaring fire was approaching, and we had to decide which houses might survive if we put in some quick work before the flames arrived. 

This was the start of the Saguache County Firewise Program, a community-driven initiative that every Board of Commissioners has supported since its inception. At first, Johnson assessed homes alone, but it soon morphed into a collaborative effort, with homeowners actively participating in the hands-on mitigation. As demand grew, local firefighters came on board. Most volunteer departments are composed of folks with full-time jobs who have no time for other projects, but the Baca Grande Volunteer Fire Department was different, and soon, they were part of Friewise.  

The present crew includes members who have earned valuable fire knowledge, such as a former hotshot, two fire chiefs, three Intermediate chainsaw fallers, and trainees of all sorts. 

In the past 15 years, the Saguache County Firewise Program has been a beacon of success, completing over 600 free wildfire hazard assessments and 465 fuels reduction projects with homeowners. If owners are unable to pitch in and learn to do their own work due to age, disability or other legitimate reason, we are authorized to do the work for them at no cost. A few hundred dollars for mitigation is far cheaper than the costs of fighting wildfires or rebuilding homes. 

Due to the monumental costs to insurance companies, many of them are pulling out of areas they consider too dangerous to insure. But science proves that "point protection," or proper mitigation of different zones out to 75 feet around a structure, can drastically reduce the chances of burning. It is also imperative to "harden" your house in the forest by building with flame-resistant materials such as stucco and metal roofs, removing wooden decks, and keeping the 5-foot ember zone directly around a structure free of all flammables. Many houses have been destroyed by the ember shower, commonly a mile before the fire arrives, as sparks land on receptive fuels around structures. 

Firewise focuses on prevention and, and we meet with neighbors to stress the need for collective preparation. As one burning house increases the intensity of a blaze which can threaten the entire neighborhood, it's crucial that we prepare together. Including a fire expert in these decisions is recommended, whether it's a grant supported contractor or private company.  

The Firewise grant also allows us to produce short educational films, especially for those who wish to do hazard mitigation work themselves. Preparing for Wildfire and Wildfire Evacuation are available by clicking the link on the Saguache County Firewise Program website or on YouTube. Anyone residing in Saguache County can text Daniel Johnson at 719-480-9764 to get on the waiting list for the 2024-25 program.  

Check with the Colorado State Forest Service at www. csfs.coloradostate.edu to help you prepare before an oncoming wildfire threatens your neighborhood. Visit the Firewise website at www.nfpa.org.