In a recent meeting, representatives from the Ember Alliance presented a comprehensive wildfire risk assessment and mitigation plan for Jefferson County, Colorado, emphasizing the urgent need for community engagement in wildfire preparedness. The Ember Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a sustainable relationship between communities and fire, outlined their extensive work in assessing wildfire risks and developing actionable strategies to mitigate them.

The assessment highlighted that Jefferson County, particularly the Conifer area, is among the highest wildfire risk zones in the state. The Ember Alliance's analysis, which included field data collection and collaboration with local fire protection districts, identified critical areas for fuel treatment and outlined specific recommendations for reducing wildfire risks. These include structural hardening, roadside fuel treatments, and managing tree density to prevent high-severity crown fires.

The plan, which has been reviewed and approved by local Colorado State Forest Service staff, proposes approximately 60 acres of fuel treatments and 1.25 miles of road mitigation along high-risk evacuation routes. The Ember Alliance stressed the importance of balancing wildfire mitigation with ecological health, advocating for treatments that enhance forest resilience while preserving wildlife habitats and watershed integrity.

Community feedback has been mixed, with some residents expressing concerns about the extent of tree removal proposed in the plan. However, the Ember Alliance reiterated that effective wildfire risk reduction requires a collaborative approach, urging community members to support and participate in mitigation efforts.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders—agencies, landowners, and residents—to work together in reducing wildfire risks, underscoring that community involvement is crucial for effective wildfire management. The Ember Alliance remains committed to guiding Jefferson County through this critical phase of wildfire preparedness and resilience-building.