A new Live Wildfire Ready video will begin airing on televisions, streaming services and cinema screens across Colorado this week to encourage residents to prepare for wildfire. With nearly half of all Coloradans living in the wildland-urban interface and being susceptible to wildfire, people must take action to reduce the risk of wildfire to their life, family, pets, home and property.
“The wildfires this summer along the Front Range and across Colorado are bright-light reminders that wildfire is an inevitable part of life in Colorado. They can strike anytime, year-round and under the right conditions can become highly destructive and deadly when they occur near homes, businesses and other critical infrastructure,” said Matt McCombs, state forester and director of the Colorado State Forest Service. “Coloradans must learn to live wildfire ready, especially residents who live in and around natural vegetation and are most at risk. This new video raises awareness of the need to live wildfire ready and connects Coloradans to resources and actions only they can take to lower their individual and community risk and, in doing so, make all of Colorado safer.”
The video is a public service announcement (PSA) and part of Live Wildfire Ready, a campaign funded by the State of Colorado and developed by the CSFS, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, USDA Forest Service and Colorado State Fire Chiefs.
Authentically Colorado
This video is authentically Colorado; it was filmed at several locations in the state, including Sylvan Lake State Park, and reflects Colorado values and lifestyles. In the video, Colorado residents take actions to lower wildfire risk to their home and property:
- Clearing leaves, pine needles and other debris from the roof and gutters
- Replacing mulch, which is flammable, with rock within 5 feet from the home
- Storing firewood at least 30 feet from the home and never on or under the deck
- Pruning branches hanging over the roof and within 10 feet of the chimney
- Mowing grasses to 4 inches or less within 30 feet of the home
- Screening attic, roof, eaves and foundation vents with 1/8-inch metal mesh
"This new video raises awareness of the need to live wildfire ready and connects Coloradans to resources and actions only they can take to lower their individual and community risk and, in doing so, make all of Colorado safer."
The video will run through the end of October on local cable TV, on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock and YouTube, and in movie theaters across Colorado. It is part of a larger campaign that includes billboards, public radio underwriting and social media advertising.
The video was produced by the marketing firm 160/90 for the State of Colorado with guidance from the CSFS, DFPC, USFS and CSFC. West Metro Fire Rescue, Eagle County, Colorado Parks & Wildlife and private residents also supported the production of the video. Live Wildfire Ready is directed and funded through Senate Bill 22-007. This spring, House Bill 24-1024 extended the campaign through 2027.