As Colorado continues to experience prolonged drought conditions and increasingly unpredictable fire seasons, wildfire risk is no longer a distant possibility—it’s a present and growing threat for homeowners across the Front Range. Dry vegetation, dense forests, and high winds create the perfect conditions for fast-moving, destructive fires.
At Patriot Tree Company, we work with homeowners every day to reduce these risks. For homeowners located in Boulder County, we highly recommend contacting Wildfire Partners to request an individual home assessment. The home assessment is free, and financial assistance is available to help with the costs of contracting the recommended forestry-related work.
What Is Wildfire Partners?
Wildfire Partners is a Boulder County government program designed to help homeowners in wildfire-prone areas of Boulder County take proactive steps to reduce their property’s fire risk. It combines free expert guidance along with financial assistance to perform forestry-related recommendations, making it easier and more approachable to complete critical mitigation work. Financial awards are currently funded by the Boulder County Wildfire Mitigation Tax, a 0.1% sales and use tax, which was voted on and passed by County residents in 2022.
Through the program, homeowners receive a professional assessment of their property, along with a detailed plan outlining exactly what needs to be done to harden the home, improve defensible space, and reduce fuel sources for wildfire. With that assessment, homeowners can then reach out to forestry contractors that are listed on the Wildfire Partners approved contractor list and receive a bid to perform the forestry-related work that has been recommended.
Patriot Tree Company is proud to have been included on Wildfire Partners approved contractor list for the past ten years. It has become a nationally recognized model for providing government-funded assistance to homeowners for wildfire mitigation efforts, and we think that it is a fantastic resource for residents of Boulder County.
Unfortunately, Wildfire Partners assistance is not available outside of Boulder County at this time. If you are located outside of Boulder County, but still in an area that we service such as portions of Jefferson or Gilpin counties, there may be other sources of assistance available. Just give us a call.
Why Wildfire Mitigation Matters—Especially During Drought
Colorado’s current drought conditions have significantly increased wildfire danger. When moisture levels drop, grasses, shrubs, and trees become highly flammable. Add in hot temperatures and wind, and fires can ignite and spread rapidly. In Boulder in 2026, there have been more red flag warnings (11) by the end of March than there are in an average year (8-10).
Wildfire mitigation directly addresses these risks by:
- Reducing fuel load: Removing trees, dry brush, and excess vegetation limits what a fire can burn and reduces the chance of destructive crown fires
- Slowing fire spread: Proper spacing between trees and shrubs helps prevent flames from moving quickly across your property.
- Protecting structures: Creating a non combustible zone around your home reduces the chance of ignition from embers or radiant heat.
- Improving firefighter access: Creating defensible space around your home makes it safer for emergency crews to defend your home.
The current drought conditions, combined with high winds and low humidities, have fueled multiple wildfires in Boulder County in 2026 already. It has been an active start to the fire season, with no signs of slowing down in the near future.
What Does Wildfire Mitigation Work Include?
A typical wildfire mitigation project may involve:
- Thinning dense tree stands
- Removing dead or hazardous trees
- Pruning lower branches to reduce ladder fuels
- Clearing trees and vegetation back from structures and propane tanks
- Decreasing surface fuel loads
Done correctly, these improvements can dramatically lower your wildfire risk without sacrificing the natural beauty of your landscape. The goal of fire mitigation is not to remove all of the trees around your home, but rather to restore the forest around your home to a condition that is more resilient to wildfire and defendable for fire fighters. Homeowners regularly remark to us about how they enjoy the more open look, increased light, and improved views that result from proper wildfire mitigation.
How Homeowners Can Access Financial Assistance
One of the biggest advantages of the Wildfire Partners program is the financial support it offers. Fire mitigation can be a significant investment, but this program helps offset those costs by covering 50% of the cost of the job, up to $2,000. If you have been approved for a Wildfire Partners financial award, the contractor bills Wildfire Partners for the award amount, and bills the homeowner for the remainder of the total invoice. No waiting around for reimbursement, we only bill you the portion that you are responsible for.
Here’s how the process works:
- Complete a Home Assessment
For residents in the mountains, visit the West County Individual Home Assessment Program page for information on how to get started.
For residents on the plains, visit the East County Individual Home Assessment Program page for information and a map to determine whether your property is eligible. - Any of the forestry-related work you want to do yourself?
Do it first! - Ready for contractor help?
Contract a contractor, such as Patriot Tree Company, from the approved list. - Get bids from contractor(s).
No requirement or limit on how many bids you receive. Select your preferred contractor, no requirement to choose the lowest bid. - Email the selected bid to Wildfire Partners, info@wildfirepartners.org
- Wait for email with financial award information, don’t schedule work yet.
- Once the bid is approved by Wildfire Partners, schedule with the contractor.
Why Choose Patriot Tree Company?
We have many years worth of experience with the Wildfire Partners program, and can help guide you through the process to ensure your project qualifies for financial assistance.
Patriot Tree Company brings:
- Experience in performing wildfire mitigation and defensible space projects
- Knowledge of Wildfire Partners process and program requirements
- Skilled crews focused on safety and quality
- Equipment that is effective, safe, and appropriate for the project
- A commitment to preserving the health and appearance of your property
Protect Your Home Before Fire Season Peaks
With drought conditions intensifying wildfire risk across Colorado, there’s no better time to act. Wildfire mitigation is one of the most effective steps you can take to safeguard your home, your property, and your community.
The Wildfire Partners program makes it easier—and more affordable—than ever to get started.
If you’re ready to reduce your wildfire risk, Patriot Tree Company is here to help you every step of the way. Performing this work ensures your property is safer, more resilient, and prepared for whatever fire season brings. So give us a call or submit a request through the website, and let’s work together to protect your property and limit the destruction from the next big Front Range wildfire.