Defensible Space: The area surrounding a structure that has been purposely maintained in order to reduce the risk of a wildfire.

Creating Defensible Space

• Reduce density of surrounding forest
• Prune branches to 10' above the ground
• Maintain an irrigated greenbelt
• Mow grass and weeds to a low height
• Remove dead limbs, leaves debris and other litter from the defensible space
• Stack firewood away from structures
• Maintain10' to 12' distance between tree crowns
• Clear roof and gutters of debris
• Remove branches overhanging the roof and chimney

Construction for the Urban Interface

Roofing

• Asphalt shingles, fiberglass reinforced asphalt shingles, metal roofing, fiber cement shingles, concrete shingles, slate shingles and clay tile are the best roofing materials

Exterior Walls

• Fiber cement panels, boards and shingles, metal, stucco, heavy timber, brick, stone or block

Windows and glass

• Thermopane or double glazed windows, exterior window covers, shutters, screens and tempered glass, low E glass, glass block

Window Frames and Sashes

• Vinyl frames, aluminum clad wood frames and aluminum frames

Doors

• 20 minute rated doors, metal, steel and aluminum

The UTE PASS WILDLAND TEAM was created to provide the Ute Pass with Wildland protection. It is made up of members from Manitou Springs F.D., Green Mountain Falls F.D. and Cascade F.D. The priority coverage area is from Woodland Park to Colorado Springs. Others areas are also covered upon request of surrounding agencies.

The firewise link will help acquaint you with the challenges of living around wildfire interfaces. The site will provide information that may reduce the risk of wildfire loss for you, your family and your neighbors.

The GeoMAC link is an internet based mapping application, designed to access online maps of current fire locations. Click on the Public Site button.