Fire Watch News: Colorado’s New Defensible Space Zones

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Key points:

What the new CWRC code is and who it applies to.
Basic requirements for each zone in the brush perimeter.
When the new code goes into effect.

In the effort to mitigate wildfire risk, the Colorado Wildfire Resilience Code (CWRC) has established 3-layer defensible space zones. This impacts new construction landscaping for homeowners, apartment buildings, short-term residential rentals, multi-use buildings, and businesses in designated Wildland-Urban Areas (WUI).

Also referred to as a brush perimeter or buffer zone, understanding the new CWRC code requirements is crucial. These layered zones are proven to minimize wildfire spread. They extend beyond general spring cleanup to removing bushes, mulch, and fencing within 5 feet of homes or buildings. These codes go into effect on April 1, 2026.

Zone 0: The Non-Combustible 5-Foot Perimeter

Creating Zone 0 goes beyond spring cleanup and county-specific ordinances for grass height and fire safety. Properties are grandfathered into their current landscaping, but insurance companies may require you to implement these zones. If you complete a property extension of 500 square feet or more or replace more than 25% of the roofing or siding, you’ll need to implement all 3 zones. What you’re required to implement varies depending on your county and whether you’re in an orange, yellow, or red Zone.

This includes any combination of:

Replacing wood fences with steel, iron, aluminum, brick, stone, or other non-combustible materials.
Replacing mulch with topsoil, gravel, concrete, river rock, pavers, or other non-combustible materials.
Relocating cardboard recycling, paper recycling, and other non-organic trash or materials.
Continually cleaning up leaves, branches, organic debris, and inorganic materials located within the perimeter.
Installing ember-resistant screens on HVAC and an ember-resistant seal on garage doors.
Keeping gutters clean, ideally cleaning in the spring, and in the fall after the leaves have fallen.
Installing fire-rated doors, and non-combustible decks, gutters, and siding.
Relocating propane barbeques, liquid petroleum tanks, and any other combustible, hazardous, or flammable materials to Zone 1 or 2.

Zone 1: Lean and Clean Perimeter from Zone 0 to 30 Feet

This is where more traditional, but limited, landscaping and gardens can begin.

Mow grass regularly, allowing a maximum of 4 inches of growth.
Vegetation is permitted but must be well-spaced and not touching.
Limb up branches to at least 10 feet from the ground, or 1/3 of the tree’s height.
Trim tree canopies so they’re 10 to 18 feet apart.
Propane and LPG tanks are allowed, with a 10-foot soil perimeter and a 20-foot brush perimeter.

Zone 2: Reduced Fuel Perimeter from Zone 1 to 100+ Feet

This zone is considered a speed bump that slows the spread of fire from treetops to your property. Businesses must focus heavily on these next 50 feet to keep their wildfire risk score low, which impacts insurance premiums. Insurance companies may require photo or video confirmation of commercial and residential defensible space zones.

Thin the area, removing heavy clumps of trees or brush.
Create wide horizontal gaps between trees and foliage.
This is where business/commercial fleets, employee parking, dumpsters, recycling, trash, and other combustibles, flammable, and hazardous materials are permitted.

Read More:

How Defensible Space Zones Impact Fire Watch Requirements?

Creating a buffer zone reduces your fire risk. The higher your fire risk, the more stringent your fire watch requirements during and after hot work, EV charging station malfunction, or any time fire alarm or fire sprinklers are down.

Scout Security has you covered by providing trained and certified fire guards in Colorado Springs and the Denver Metro Area. Book now or add us to your emergency contact list.

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