Wildfire Grants & Home-Hardening Help in Boulder
Boulder County is at elevated wildfire risk. Here's what help is available right now: local programs, statewide resources, and insurance discounts that could save you thousands.
Recent fire activity: Dec 2021 Marshall Fire (~6,200 acres; 1,000+ structures destroyed — most destructive fire in Colorado history)
Risk level: Very High
Lead authority: Boulder County Wildfire Partners (Boulder County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management) with local fire protection districts
Local Programs in Boulder County
Boulder County has several county and municipal programs to help homeowners harden their homes against wildfire.
Boulder County Wildfire Partners mitigation grant: covers 50% of defensible-space work up to $2,000 (up to 100% for income-qualified households) after a site assessment
Contact your local county office or fire department for eligibility, application deadlines, and funding availability.
Free countywide community chipping program (minimum 5 participating neighbors per event), coordinated by Wildfire Partners
Contact your local county office or fire department for eligibility, application deadlines, and funding availability.
$500 rebate for completing eligible mitigation actions (juniper removal, fence hardening, vent screening) via Wildfire Partners
Contact your local county office or fire department for eligibility, application deadlines, and funding availability.
Statewide Colorado Programs
In addition to local Boulder County initiatives, these statewide Colorado programs are available to all eligible homeowners.
Safer from Wildfires (Insurance Discounts)
Colorado requires all admitted insurers to discount premiums for documented wildfire mitigation.
- ✓ Up to 12 discounts available
- ✓ ~13.8% off wildfire portion of premium (CO FAIR Plan)
- ✓ Discounts for roof, vents, eaves, defensible space, and more
FAIR Plan Wildfire Discount
Colorado's FAIR Plan offers additional discounts for completed mitigation.
- ✓ Up to ~13.8% off wildfire portion of premium
- ✓ For dwelling coverage (16.4% for commercial)
- ✓ Discounts apply to documented, completed actions
Colorado Wildfire Mitigation Program (CWMP)
Free home-hardening and defensible-space retrofits for low- and moderate-income homeowners.
- ✓ Free home-hardening retrofits
- ✓ Defensible-space clearing and debris removal
- ✓ Community-by-community rollout (check if Boulder County is included)
Local Resources
Use these resources to stay informed about Boulder County wildfire risk and local programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about wildfire programs in Boulder County
What qualifies for insurance discounts in Boulder County?
Colorado's Safer from Wildfires regulation requires insurers to discount for documented mitigation: Class-A roof, ember-resistant vents, enclosed eaves, multi-paned windows, noncombustible Zone 0 (0–5 ft), defensible space, and Firewise community status.
How do I apply for Boulder County local programs?
Contact Boulder County Wildfire Partners (Boulder County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management) with local fire protection districts directly for eligibility, application requirements, and timelines. Program funding is often limited and competitive.
Is the Colorado Wildfire Mitigation Program available in Boulder County?
The CWMP rolls out community-by-community, not statewide. Check readyforwildfire.org or contact your local fire department to see if your area is included.
What is the typical discount amount?
Colorado FAIR Plan offers up to ~13.8% off the wildfire portion of your premium (16.4% for commercial coverage). Private insurers may offer different amounts.
Check Your Eligibility
Answer a quick questionnaire to find out what grants, tax credits, and insurance discounts are available for your Boulder County home.
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