Every summer, Colorado residents know that warm weather often comes with an increased risk of wildfires during wildfire season. Dry conditions, high winds, and ongoing drought create the perfect environment for fires to spread quickly, making wildfire prevention everyone’s responsibility.
While some wildfires are caused by natural events like lightning, many are preventable. Whether you’re camping in the mountains, driving across the state, working outdoors, or simply enjoying Colorado’s beautiful weather, taking a few simple precautions can help protect your family, your community, and the firefighters who respond to these dangerous events.
Check Current Fire Restrictions Before Heading Outdoors
Fire restrictions can change quickly depending on weather conditions, drought, and wildfire activity. Before heading outdoors, check whether your destination is under a fire restriction.
Restrictions can vary by county, municipality, and the type of land you’re visiting, such as National Forests or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) maintains a statewide resource that allows you to view current fire restrictions across Colorado before you head out.
Check current Colorado fire restrictions here:
https://dfpc.colorado.gov/sections/wildfire-information-center/fire-restriction-information
Understanding whether an area is under Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire restrictions can help you avoid activities that may unintentionally start a wildfire.
Practice Campfire Safety
Nothing says summer in Colorado quite like sitting around a campfire—but only when conditions allow.
If campfires are permitted:
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Keep water and a shovel nearby.
- Drown the fire completely with water.
- Stir the ashes and continue adding water until everything is cool to the touch before leaving.
Even embers that appear extinguished can reignite under windy conditions.
Respect Fire Restrictions, Including Fireworks
Although the Fourth of July has passed, many people still have leftover fireworks. During Colorado’s dry summer months, using them in areas under fire restrictions can create a serious wildfire risk.
Before using any fireworks, always check whether your destination is under Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire restrictions. Many counties, municipalities, and public lands prohibit personal fireworks when fire danger is elevated, and restrictions may change throughout the summer.
If fireworks are prohibited where you are, don’t use them. A single spark can ignite dry grass or brush, putting homes, wildlife, businesses, and first responders at risk.
The safest choice is to respect local fire restrictions and leave fireworks to professionally managed displays when conditions safely allow.
Prevent Vehicle-Caused Fires
Many people don’t realize that vehicles can unintentionally start wildfires.
Before traveling, take a few simple precautions:
- Secure trailer safety chains so they don’t drag on the pavement and create sparks.
- Avoid parking on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.
- Never throw cigarette butts from a moving vehicle or onto the ground.
- Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished before disposing of them.
These simple habits can go a long way toward preventing accidental fires.
Be Careful with Equipment That Creates Sparks
Outdoor equipment can also become an unexpected ignition source during dry conditions.
If you’re using chainsaws, welders, generators, lawn equipment, or other machinery that creates heat or sparks, be mindful of your surroundings and follow any local fire restrictions.
If conditions are especially dry or windy, consider postponing work until it can be done safely.
Driving Safely Near a Wildfire
Wildfires don’t just threaten forests, they can also create dangerous driving conditions.
If you encounter smoke or are traveling near an active wildfire:
- Slow down if visibility is reduced.
- Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you.
- Leave extra following distance between vehicles.
- Never drive around road closures or evacuation checkpoints.
- Follow instructions from emergency responders immediately.
Road closures are put in place to protect both the public and emergency personnel. Ignoring them can place everyone at greater risk.
Don’t Forget to Review Your Insurance Coverage
Wildfires can have lasting impacts beyond the immediate danger. Across Colorado, many homeowners have experienced rising insurance premiums, policy changes, or non-renewals as insurers respond to increased wildfire and severe weather risks.
According to The Colorado Sun, Colorado homeowners have faced growing insurance challenges related to wildfire and hail risk. While Colorado has not experienced the same widespread insurance market disruptions seen in states like California and Florida, it is still an important reminder to review your coverage before you need it.
Take time to:
- Review your homeowners insurance to understand what is and is not covered.
- Verify that your dwelling limits reflect current rebuilding costs.
- Review your auto insurance, especially your liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
If you bundle your home and auto policies to save money, make sure you are not sacrificing important coverage simply to reduce your premium.
Many people do not look closely at their insurance policies until after a loss or accident occurs. Reviewing your coverage now can help you identify potential gaps and avoid unexpected surprises later.
At LS Injury Law, we are available to help clients review their homeowners and auto insurance policies and better understand the coverage they currently have. If you have questions about your policy, or know a friend, family member, or coworker who is unsure where to turn for help, our team is happy to review the available documents and help identify areas that may deserve a closer look.
Everyone Plays a Role in Preventing Wildfires
Wildfire prevention starts with individual responsibility. A few thoughtful decisions can help prevent devastating fires and reduce the risk of injuries to families, first responders, and entire communities.
Before heading outdoors, check the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s current fire restriction information for updates in the county, municipality, or public land area you plan to visit.
At LS Injury Law, we encourage everyone to enjoy Colorado’s beautiful outdoors safely this summer. Taking simple precautions today can help protect our communities tomorrow.
If you have questions about your homeowners or auto insurance coverage, our team is happy to review your policies and help you better understand your options. If you or a loved one has been injured because of someone else’s negligence, contact LS Injury Law to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.