As we head into the 2026 wildfire season, San Miguel County continues to take proactive steps to strengthen community safety and resilience. With increasing wildfire risk across the West, preparedness is a shared responsibility - one that depends on informed residents, coordinated planning and resilient construction practices.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Update

San Miguel County is currently updating its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), with a new plan expected to be completed in 2026. The CWPP is a locally developed, collaborative roadmap designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve preparedness across the County, informed by its residents through a community survey distributed in late 2025.

The updated CWPP will:

• Identify local wildfire hazards and areas of greatest risk
• Prioritize mitigation projects such as fuel reduction and defensible space
• Improve coordination among fire districts, emergency responders and partner agencies
• Provide residents with education and tools to better prepare their homes and neighborhoods

Community input is a critical part of this process. Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and share feedback through the county’s CWPP update page to help ensure the final plan reflects local priorities and conditions

New Wildfire-Resilient Building Code

In addition to planning efforts, the County is implementing updated building requirements aligned with Colorado’s Wildfire Resiliency Code. Beginning in 2026, new construction in designated wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas must meet enhanced standards designed to reduce the likelihood that homes ignite during a wildfire.

These standards focus on:

• Fire-resistant building materials (such as roofing, siding and decking)
• Design features that reduce ember intrusion
• Safer spacing and site design to limit fire spread

This represents an important step toward building homes that are better able to withstand wildfire conditions, helping protect lives, property, and emergency responders.

New Wildfire Information Hub + Mapping Tool

The County is also soon to launch a new wildfire landing page and interactive mapping app to give residents easier access to critical, real-time information. The site, built using ArcGIS Hub technology, serves as a centralized location for wildfire preparedness, response and recovery resources.

Through the platform, residents can:

• Access interactive maps showing wildfire risk, fire districts and geographic data
• Explore preparedness resources, alerts and emergency information
• View county datasets and mapping tools that support situational awareness and planning

Interactive mapping tools like this allow users to visualize local conditions and better understand how wildfire risk may affect their specific property or neighborhood. These tools are part of the County’s broader effort to use geospatial data and technology to support emergency management and community preparedness. Keep an eye out for this app to go live in the coming weeks.

What Residents Can Do

While County planning and codes are essential, individual action remains one of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk. Residents are encouraged to:

• Create and maintain defensible space around homes
• Keep roofs, gutters, and yards clear of flammable debris
• Use fire-resistant landscaping and materials when possible
• Develop a household evacuation plan and emergency kit/go bag

Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and even small actions can make a meaningful difference in reducing wildfire impacts.

Working Together for a Fire-Adapted Community

Wildfire preparedness is not a one-time effort - it’s an ongoing commitment. By participating in the CWPP process, utilizing new tools like the wildfire mapping hub, following updated building practices, and taking steps at home, residents play a vital role in creating a safer, more resilient San Miguel County.

To learn more, review the CWPP update and visit the Building Department resources on the county website.