Wildfire season creeps up fast in La Plata County. If you live in Durango, Bayfield, or Ignacio, you know embers can travel far and fast, and small gaps in your defenses can make a big difference. You want a simple, local plan that helps you protect your home and understand each fire district’s rules. This guide walks you through who to call, when to schedule work, and what to prioritize so you can move from worry to action. Let’s dive in.
Defensible space in La Plata County
Defensible space is the combination of landscape choices and home-hardening steps that reduce the chance your home ignites. It focuses on three zones around your house.
- 0 to 5 feet: Keep this area non-combustible. Use gravel or pavers, not wood mulch, and avoid flammable plants against the structure.
- 5 to 30 feet: Keep it lean, clean, and green. Reduce vegetation density, separate shrubs, and trim grasses.
- 30 to 100+ feet: Thin crowded trees, remove dead material, and break up continuous fuels.
Around Durango, Upper Pine, and Los Pinos, embers are often the main threat. That means roof, vents, decks, and anything within 30 feet are top priorities.
Start with a local assessment
A home-risk or defensible-space assessment gives you a clear to-do list. All three districts commonly offer assessments or referrals. Program details change, so confirm current options before you schedule.
Durango Fire Protection District
- Ask about free or low-cost home-risk assessments and how to request one.
- Check for seasonal chipping programs or partnerships.
- Confirm who issues burn permits for your address and current restrictions.
Upper Pine River Fire Protection District
- Ask for a defensible-space inspection and any scheduled chipping events.
- Confirm eligibility for rebates or cost-share, plus documentation needed.
- Request contacts for Firewise groups or recommended mitigation contractors.
Los Pinos Fire Protection District
- Ask about structural risk assessments and debris removal guidance.
- Verify local burn-permit rules and whether the county issues permits for your property.
- Request referrals to cost-share or grant programs if available.
What to ask when you call
Use these questions to get the right info fast:
- Do you offer a free or low-cost defensible-space or home-risk assessment? How do I schedule it and what is the turnaround time?
- Do you run a chipping program or partner with the county or CSFS for free chipping or rebates? What are this season’s dates, eligibility, and documentation requirements?
- Who issues burn permits for my property and how do I check current restrictions?
- Are there recommended contractors, Firewise groups, or cost-share programs I can use to offset costs?
Chipping, rebates, and debris disposal
Chipping programs vary year to year. Some districts schedule neighborhood pickups. Others offer rebates when you hire a contractor. You might also see drop-off days for slash and brush.
Before you cut, confirm:
- Is the program active this year and in your neighborhood?
- Eligibility: single family, vacant lots, in-district vs. out-of-district.
- Pile rules: maximum limb diameter, length limits, how to stack, and what materials are allowed.
- Documentation: receipts, before and after photos, forms, and deadlines.
- Logistics: on-site pickup vs. drop-off and any staging-area requirements.
Preparation tips:
- Pile limbs neatly, stem-to-stem, with butt ends facing the same direction. Remove rocks, dirt, and trash.
- Separate logs that are too large for the chipper and plan for firewood removal.
- Make sure trucks can access your driveway and turn around safely.
Burn permits and open-burning basics
Open burning falls under district and county rules, and it changes with weather and fire danger.
- Recreational fires: Often allowed with conditions but can be restricted during high fire danger.
- Debris or slash burns: Usually require a permit and may be prohibited during seasonal bans.
Typical permit steps:
- Check your district and La Plata County for current rules and whether a permit is available.
- Follow permit conditions, including distance from structures, a water source on site, and wind limits.
- Expect suspensions during Red Flag Warnings and county or district burn bans.
If burning is restricted, consider chipping, hauling to a green waste site, or hiring a contractor.
Your prioritized checklist
Start close to the house and work outward. These steps reflect common CSFS and NFPA guidance.
Highest priority: do first
- Roof and gutters: Clean out needles and leaves. Repair damaged roofing.
- Vents and openings: Install ember-resistant vent screens, commonly 1/8 inch mesh.
- 0 to 5 feet: Keep this area non-combustible. Avoid wood mulch against the foundation.
- Decks: Clear debris and screen or enclose the underside.
High priority: next 30 feet
- Remove ladder fuels. Prune low branches to increase vertical clearance.
- Space shrubs and small trees and reduce continuous fuels.
- Move firewood and combustibles at least 30 feet from the home.
Longer range: 30 to 100+ feet
- Thin crowded stands and remove dead trees and large downed fuels.
- Improve driveway access. Maintain clear signage and turnarounds for responders.
- Coordinate with neighbors for broader fuel breaks.
What to expect from an assessment
A typical visit includes a walkaround of your exterior, roofline, vents, and nearby vegetation. You get a prioritized action list with distances and tasks tailored to your lot.
You may also receive written notes, annotated photos, or a follow-up email. Ask how the district will deliver your report and whether they verify work for rebates.
Best timing for your project
Late spring and early fall are often the best windows for mitigation work and chipping. Early spring is a common time for scheduled chipping programs. Burn permits are often limited or suspended during peak fire danger.
Scheduling tips:
- Book assessments early. Waitlists can form quickly.
- Schedule contractor tree work several weeks to months ahead and verify insurance.
- Check burn-permit windows 48 to 72 hours before any planned burn. Do not burn on windy or very dry days.
Funding and cost-share to explore
Ask your district and La Plata County about seasonal chipping and rebate programs. The Colorado State Forest Service often provides cost-share or technical assistance, and Firewise USA can support neighborhood projects. Federal or utility programs may be available through local sponsorship.
When you apply, be ready with:
- Property address and proof of residency.
- Receipts and paid invoices for work.
- Before and after photos.
- Any required permits and a completion verification if needed.
Simple call or email script
Use this script to save time:
“Hello, I live at [address or neighborhood]. I would like a defensible-space assessment and information about current chipping programs or rebates, plus burn-permit rules for my property. How do I request an assessment, what are the dates and requirements for chipping or rebates this season, and who issues burn permits for my location?”
Final reminders
- Program details change each year. Always verify with your fire district and La Plata County before scheduling work.
- Focus first on ember entry points and the 0 to 30 foot zone. Then thin farther out and coordinate with neighbors.
- Use the district’s assessment to guide your budget and timeline.
If you are planning mitigation, prepping to sell, or weighing improvements that could impact value or insurance, reach out for local guidance. I am happy to connect you with district resources and help you plan next steps. When you are ready to talk about your move or a market update, connect with Unknown Company to Request a Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
What does defensible space mean for a Durango home near the wildland-urban interface?
- It means reducing fuels and hardening your home against embers by clearing 0 to 5 feet, thinning 5 to 30 feet, and managing larger fuels out to 100+ feet.
How do I find out if open burning is allowed today in La Plata County?
- Check your fire district’s current notices and La Plata County updates, since burn bans and Red Flag Warnings can suspend permits with short notice.
Who offers chipping or rebates in Upper Pine River Fire Protection District?
- Programs vary by year. Contact Upper Pine to ask about scheduled neighborhood chipping, rebates for contractor work, and current documentation requirements.
What are the most important home-hardening upgrades in Los Pinos Fire Protection District?
- Prioritize ember-resistant vent screens, clean roofs and gutters, non-combustible 0 to 5 feet around the home, and a clean, screened deck underside.
When should I schedule a defensible-space assessment in La Plata County?
- Book in late winter or early spring if possible. Waitlists often form before peak mitigation months, and spring is a common time for chipping programs.
