The Winds of Change are Blowing... It's Wildfire Awareness Month in Colorado!

The air is getting warmer, the snow is melting in the high country, and with that familiar shift in seasons comes a stark reminder for all of us in Colorado: wildfire season is approaching. That's why May is officially Wildfire Awareness Month here in our beautiful, yet fire-prone, state.

This isn't just another month on the calendar; it's a crucial time for all of us – homeowners, renters, outdoor enthusiasts, and entire communities – to take proactive steps to protect what we cherish. Wildfires are a natural part of our landscape, but the risks to life, property, and our precious natural resources are significant.

Think back to past wildfire seasons. The smoke-filled skies, the news reports of evacuations, the devastating impact on communities and the environment – these images underscore the importance of preparedness. Wildfire Awareness Month serves as a dedicated period to ramp up our understanding of the risks and take meaningful action.

Throughout May, we will continue to post resources shared by the Colorado State Forest Service and other partner organizations. The focus this year, as always, is on empowering you to become Live Wildfire Ready. This means understanding your individual risk, taking concrete steps to prepare your home and family, working together as communities, and knowing how to prevent wildfires from starting in the first place.

Here's a sneak peek at what Wildfire Awareness Month will focus on each week:

• Week 1 (May 4-10): Know Your Risk. Understanding your risk is the essential first step towards safety.

• Week 2 (May 11-17): Prepare Your Home and Family for Wildfire. Simple actions around your home, like creating defensible space, can make a huge difference. Do you have an evacuation plan and a go-bag ready?

• Week 3 (May 18-24): Community Actions to Prepare for Wildfire. Wildfire preparedness is a team effort. Learn how your community can work together to enhance safety.

• Week 4 (May 25-31): Actions You Can Take to Prevent Wildfires. Many wildfires are human-caused. Discover simple steps you can take to prevent them.

Mark your calendars for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 3rd! This is a fantastic opportunity to focus on those critical first five feet around your home – the immediate zone that can make all the difference in whether your home survives a wildfire.

Over the next few weeks, let's all commit to learning more, taking action, and having conversations about wildfire preparedness. Follow the hashtag #WildfireAwarenessMonth on social media and check out the Live Wildfire Ready website for valuable resources.

Let's make this Wildfire Awareness Month count. By working together and taking proactive steps, we can help protect our beautiful Colorado for generations to come. Stay informed, stay prepared, and let's all strive to be Live Wildfire Ready!