FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  May 27, 2014  Contact: Richard Hackett, Communications Specialist, 720-564-2605

Wildfire Partners accepting additional applications for wildfire mitigation

Assistance and rebates available to protect homes and property from wildfire

Boulder County, Colo. – Wildfire Partners – a new voluntary program which recently launched to help Boulder County homeowners prepare for wildfire – is encouraging additional residents to apply to receive wildfire mitigation assistance and rebates.

During the first application period, 414 Boulder County households were accepted into Wildfire Partners. Applications are now available for an additional 86 households to participate.

With 182 wildfire mitigation assessments completed and $197,000 in rebates awarded, here is what current participants are saying:

“I’ve been mitigating my land for a decade, but Wildfire Partners still taught me things I didn’t know about wildfires and structure defense. I think everyone in the mountains should invite them up.” – Jim Merryman, Lee Hill Road.

“The Wildfire Partners program is a great way to gain insight on how to best protect your home from wildfires. It isn’t a request to clear cut your property, rather a way to safeguard the mountain hillsides we all love.” – Kay Lynn Hartmann, Boulder Heights.

“Despite the fact that we have spent years mitigating the fire risks on our property and thought we had covered most of them, the two seasoned Wildfire Partners veterans found some significant ones. Reducing the smallest hazard gives our home and our mountain life a better chance.” – Bill Holmes, Bison Drive

Wildfire Partners is funded by Boulder County and a $980,000 Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and includes more than 20 partner organizations.

Program benefits include:

• An individual, on-site, wildfire home assessment with a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist and a customized report that identifies the weak links in a home’s defenses.
• $300 in rebates for every Wildfire Partner, with additional need and merit-based rebates available.
• Free access to Wildfire Phone Advisors, available by phone at 303-446-7877 from 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Friday to answer questions and support on-site mitigation efforts.
• A follow-up inspection that takes place after recommended mitigation measures are completed.
• A certificate stating homeowners performed recommended mitigation actions.

How to Apply

Homeowners must apply and be accepted into the program to take advantage of this opportunity. Wildfire Partners plans to accept 86 additional homeowners during this sign up period. Applicants not accepted will be placed on a waiting list.

The Wildfire Partners’ application can be completed and submitted online at www.WildfirePartners.org, or by calling a Wildfire Advisor at 303-446-7877. Applications must be submitted by June 17th to be considered.

Eligibility Requirements

• Home must be located in unincorporated western Boulder County, or the towns of Jamestown, Lyons, Nederland or Ward.
• Applicants must own their home. (Renters are not eligible to apply)
• Applicants agree to participate in an individual home assessment and complete recommended mitigation measures.

For more information or to apply, visit www.WildfirePartners.org or contact a Wildfire Advisor at 303-446-7877.

–BoulderCounty.org–