The following article, written by John (Jack) Finn, is part of a two-part blog series on the role of land use regulations in mitigating wildfires. In recent years, the threat of wildfires has only grown more visible, and the statistics on fire damage bear this out. The most recent wildfires in Los Angeles have enacted a staggering toll on both human and financial resources. This threat is only projected to increase as the climate further changes due to both direct impacts, such as increased drying of vegetation, and more indirect impacts mediated by the ecosystem.
California and Colorado are some of the top states in the nation affected by wildfire in terms of numbers of homes at risk. This is due in part to expansion into the Wildland-Urban Interface, or WUI. This area, where human development meets the natural world, can be particularly vulnerable to wildfires and is growing rapidly. As our land use system controls how we plan and develop, it presents a strong controlling force. However, until recently, some have noted that land use planning is restricted in wildfire prevention, seeing use only in narrow provisions such as emergency road access or water supply while downplaying the underlying use of the land itself.
This two-part blog series will discuss two case studies that display innovative techniques these two states have used to address their risk of wildfire. These case studies explore how municipalities in both states utilize their land use power to promote the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens by fighting the threat of fire.
Introduction
Climate change has led to hotter and drier conditions that have increasingly fueled devastating wildfires. Boulder County, Colorado, has taken a proactive and multifaceted approach to wildfire management in the wake of more severe and frequent wildfires. Boulder’s strategy involves a combination of land use planning, evolving building codes, community education, and transboundary cooperation. Together, these efforts illustrate how the county is addressing the ongoing threat of wildfires while preparing for the future with a focus on resilience and community safety.
Boulder has a long history of wildfires, including significant events such as the Fourmile Canyon Fire of 2010, which caused an estimated $217 million in insurance losses and threatened critical infrastructure, and the destructive Marshall Fire of 2021, which caused an estimated $2 billion in damages, bringing it to the status of the most costly wildfire in Colorado history. These devastating wildfires marked pivotal points in the county’s approach to wildfire preparedness. Additionally, while summertime is often considered “fire season,” Boulder has experienced major wildfires in all four seasons. The history of wildfires in the region has prompted local authorities to continually refine their response to better protect lives and property.
The impacts of wildfires in Boulder extend beyond immediate damage to homes and landscapes. Wildfires have had far-reaching effects on the environment and public health. They increase the risk of flooding and erosion because post-fire conditions lead to the movement of ash and debris downstream. This post-debris flow also increases the risk of mudslides after rains. Additionally, wildfires cause damage to watersheds, which can degrade drinking water supplies as toxins from damaged structures and ash can impede rainwater absorption into the groundwater. Air quality also deteriorates during wildfire events, posing significant health risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Beyond environmental and health concerns, the community affected by wildfires experiences economic losses in the form of decreased home values and a reduction in tourism, which is vital for the local economy. The social and administrative costs are substantial, with recovery efforts requiring extensive coordination for debris removal, erosion control, and rebuilding.
The Role of Land Use
Land use planning plays a central role in Boulder’s wildfire mitigation efforts. The county has incorporated various policies to reduce future risks. The comprehensive plan, which serves as a guiding document for development, explicitly addresses wildfire risks and establishes guidelines for constructing and maintaining properties in high-risk areas. These guidelines include recommendations for creating defensible space around structures, managing vegetation to reduce fuel, and ensuring adequate water availability for firefighting. The county’s hazard mitigation plan, along with its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), aims to identify vulnerable areas, outline strategies for reducing risks, and educate residents on wildfire prevention and response. Following the devastating Fourmile Canyon Fire, the CWPP emerged as a key initiative for improving community resilience by incorporating local knowledge and conditions into the planning process.
Boulder’s approach to wildfire risk also involves evolving building codes that address construction standards in fire-prone areas. An evolving building code refers to building standards and regulations that are updated to address new challenges, technologies, or safety needs. These updates are guided by research, past wildfire incidents, and climate data to ensure that buildings are more resilient to current and future risks. Boulder has included in its Land Use Code, Section 19-500, which establishes wildfire mitigation requirements for buildings in Wildfire Zone 2, prioritizing fire-resistant materials and designs to minimize ignition risks and fire spread. Examples include the requirement of roof coverings to use Class A materials that reduce the likelihood of embers igniting structures, noncombustible gutters and downspouts, spark arrestors in chimneys, strategically placed vent openings, and the creation of defensible space. This section of the code was extended from Wildfire Zone 1 to Wildfire Zone 2 following the Marshall Fire, demonstrating how Boulder is adapting its code to new circumstances. Permitting requirements have been updated to ensure that wildfire mitigation measures are a mandatory part of the approval process for new and modified structures. Thus, structures cannot be occupied unless they meet stringent fire safety standards. The county’s ongoing efforts to update these regulations ensure that new scientific findings are integrated into building practices, enhancing the community’s resilience to future wildfires.
Boulder has also invested in public education and is conducting voluntary property assessments through programs like “Wildfire Partners.” The Wildfire Partners initiative provides property owners with customized assessments that identify risk reduction measures, offer financial support for implementing recommended actions, and conduct follow-up inspections. By preparing individual properties for future wildfires, the program has fostered a culture of preparedness and resilience in the community. Since its inception, it has reached over 8,000 residents, demonstrating its role in promoting widespread awareness of wildfire risks and mitigation strategies.
Recognizing that wildfire risks do not adhere to political boundaries, Boulder collaborates closely with neighboring jurisdictions to ensure a coordinated response. The joint operation of the Office of Disaster Management with the City of Boulder is a prime example of this cooperative effort. By working together, the county and city can streamline emergency response activities and share resources, thereby enhancing the capacity to react swiftly and effectively to wildfire threats. Collaborative efforts among local, state, and federal agencies are essential to address the growing risks and ensure effective fire management and recovery in the region.
Looking ahead, Boulder remains committed to refining its strategies and learning from its history to continue evolving wildfire mitigation and resilience efforts. The county’s proactive approach, which integrates new technologies and scientific insights, positions it as a model for other communities grappling with similar challenges. By implementing a comprehensive, multi-layered response, Boulder demonstrates that it is possible to mitigate significantly the impact of wildfires and protect both life and property.
Pine Gulch Fire. Night operations on the Pine Gulch Fire in Colorado. Original public domain image from Flickr.
Conclusion
The case of Boulder County highlights how strategic land use planning is a fundamental tool in wildfire mitigation and adaptation. By shaping where and how communities develop, land use policies can minimize fire risks, enhance resilience, and protect both people and ecosystems. Thoughtful zoning, defensible space requirements, and fire-resistant building codes not only reduce immediate hazards but also ensure long-term sustainability in fire-prone regions. As climate change intensifies wildfire threats, integrating land use planning with wildfire management strategies will be essential for communities worldwide. Proactive, science-based land use decisions today will determine our ability to adapt to a future where wildfires are an ever-present challenge.