Fire-Adapted Boulder Survey

The 2020 wildfire season was the worst on record in Colorado, burning over 624,000 acres and caused over $195 million in damages. The recent Marshall and NCAR fires have further highlighted the reality that the City of Boulder is vulnerable to the devastating effects of wildfire events.

In Boulder County, 58% of residents live in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). These areas are especially at risk from wildfire.

In the face of mounting hazards, it is critical to understand residents’ attitudes, behavior, and knowledge about fire risk. It is also essential to foster collaboration between residents, the fire department, and city officials to identify solutions that will help keep Boulder safe.

The Project:

The Fire-Adapted Boulder Survey is a study led by researchers at the University of Colorado's Center for Sustainable Landscapes and Communities in partnership with Boulder Fire-Rescue. This research is funded by a grant from the City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Funded Research Program. Our goal is to understand how Boulder residents are dealing with fire risk and how to improve preparedness. Our project includes:

A survey that captures wildfire attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors of a random sample of City residents within nine neighborhoods considered to be at risk to wildfire.
Curbside assessments of the structural characteristics of properties within high-risk neighborhoods. These assessments will visually assess wildfire risk factors using existing Boulder Fire-Rescue procedures.

Learn more about curbside assessments

Our results will lend key insights into the current status of wildfire risk levels in Boulder, as well as avenues to improve outreach and enhance collaboration between homeowners and City staff.

Despite the sometimes unstoppable nature of recent wildfires, this project highlights the reality that, as a community, we have the ability to reduce risks and create a more wildfire-adapted City. Both by taking action on private properties and informing citywide efforts, the participation of individual residents is key in preparing for future wildfires.

How to Get Involved:

Please share your name and contact information here if you would be interested in receiving information about the results of this study, or if you would be interested in learning more about a new wildfire neighborhood preparedness leader program being implemented for the City.