April 22, 2025
As we head into summer, it’s a good time to ask whether you are prepared for a wildfire in your area. May is National Wildfire Awareness Month. While wildfires are now a year-round concern, the summer season brings the highest danger. As warm weather returns, vegetation begins to dry out, setting the stage for potential wildfires.
Heading into wildfire season, it’s important to understand both how to prevent wildfires and how to prepare for a wildfire in your area. Let’s start with prevention.
We can all help prevent wildfires
El Paso County Public Health’s Emergency Preparedness and Response program provides a wealth of resources on preparing for fire season. Here are some of the most important tips:
- Know the outdoor burning guidelines for your area. Did you know that there are limits on what you can burn outside that can change daily depending on fire risk? Before setting an outdoor fire, check your burn restrictions. If you live in a city or municipality, your restrictions may be set by the city government. If you live in the unincorporated county, your restrictions are set by the county. For instance, Colorado Springs Outdoor Burning Restrictions are updated here, while El Paso County burn restrictions are updated here.
- Report fires to the authorities. See an uncontained or illegal fire burning in your area? It’s always a good idea to report these fires right away to your local fire department.
- If setting a permitted outdoor blaze, be safe. Remember to always keep fires small and controlled, within a pit or ring and far from flammable items like bushes and trees. Always monitor the fire and make sure to put the fire completely out. Learn more about fire safety here.
- Be mindful of equipment that may cause fires. You may be surprised to learn that everyday items like lawnmowers tractors, chainsaws and weed-eaters can spark fires. Learn more about how to use equipment safely here.
- Vehicles are another common cause of wildfires. Dragging tow chains, vehicle parts and wheel rims can all throw sparks. Worn-out breaks can also cause sparks. Driving a hot car over dry grass can cause a fire due to hot exhaust pipes and mufflers. It’s a good idea to carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. Learn more about vehicle safety here.
- Cigarettes and other smoked items can cause fires. When smoking outside, discard cigarettes and ashes in an unburnable and un-meltable container filled with sand. If you need to throw your butts away, soak them in water first. Never smoke around oxygen.
Prepare for a wildfire
In addition to working to prevent wildfires, it’s important to have a plan in place if there is a wildfire in your area.
- Make sure you are signed up for notifications. In El Paso and Teller counties, sign up for PeakAlerts to be notified if there is an emergency.
- Learn your risk and mitigate your home. Take a moment to determine your wildfire risk and learn about ways to harden your home. There are many ways to make your home safer, including removing brush, using fire-wise materials and creating a defensible space.
- Have an evacuation plan. It’s important to leave quickly and orderly when a wildfire evacuation occurs. Make sure you plan ahead.
- Being ready to evacuate also means having a go-bag ready and a plan for pets. Learn how to create your emergency supply kit. And don’t forget to create a plan for your pets!
Want to learn more about wildfire prevention and preparedness? Visit our Fire Preparedness page.