by Terri Wiebold

One feature that attracts residents to live in the Castle Pines North (CPN) community is its abundance of open space and natural surroundings. With that beauty often comes hazardous conditions, such as the potential for wildland fires. Despite record snowfalls this winter, Douglas County and CPN are still at risk for wildland fires.

Often times, the best defense for homeowners in a wildland fire is to ensure the creation of a “defensible space” around homes with potential fire exposures. Defensible space is a 70-100 foot zone around structures where vegetation has been thinned and enough space has been created for fire equipment to work safely and to slow down the spread of fire.

• South Metro Fire Rescue has set forth some guidelines in establishing defensible space:
• Prune tree limbs at least 10 feet off the ground
  
• Remove limbs extending over the roof
  
• Remove all flammable materials from under wood decks
  
• Thin out grass, weeds, or brush - such as scrub oak
  
• Remove deadwood and slash piles

Creating an environment of controlled defensible space surrounding a home does not mean cutting down all the trees and brush. It means creating the best odds for survival in a hazardous situation.

For additional suggestions on wildfire mitigation measures, contact South Metro Fire Rescue at 720-488-7221.