Wildfires aren’t just a mountain town problem anymore. As Coloradans saw with the devastating Marshall Fire, blazes can roar through cul-de-sacs, hop fences, and turn quiet suburban streets into fire zones. With hotter, drier conditions becoming the norm, even neighborhoods once considered “safe” are now in the line of fire. But there’s good news: homeowners can take meaningful steps to reduce their risk, and many of them more simple than you’d think.

The first line of defense starts with embers—the tiny, fiery trespassers that can travel for miles ahead of a wildfire. Think of them as sparks with a mission, slipping into attics through vents, nestling under decks, and landing wherever there’s fuel. CPR recommends swapping out old vents for ember-resistant ones or covering them with fine metal mesh. And while it may not be glamorous, cleaning gutters and sweeping away dead leaves could mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.

Creating a non-flammable buffer zone around your home—especially the five feet closest to it—is another key move. CPR calls the five feet closest to your home the “ignition zone” and states it “should be free of anything flammable.” That means no wooden mulch, no flammable patio furniture, and no dry brush. Rock gardens, low-growing succulents, or gravel paths can all add curb appeal without becoming kindling. If you’re replacing fencing, consider ending it a few feet short of the house or switching to fire-resistant materials near the structure.

When it’s time for a renovation (or if you’re rebuilding entirely), lean into materials that fight fire, not feed it. Fiber cement siding, Class A fire-rated roofing, and metal gutters are smart upgrades. And while perfection isn’t realistic, every small improvement helps tip the scales in your favor. Fire-resistant choices might cost more upfront, but they could save your home—and your wallet—down the road, especially as insurers begin scrutinizing high-risk areas more closely.

Finally, remember that wildfire defense is a group project. If your neighbor’s property is a tinderbox, your best-laid plans may go up in smoke. CPR strongly suggests collaborating with your community. Share resources and plan vegetation clean-up days to collectively lower your risk.

In Colorado’s changing climate, fire resilience isn’t just a rural concern. It’s a reality for suburbs, too. But with the right mix of materials, maintenance, and community action, it’s possible to build not just a safer home, but a stronger neighborhood.