Wildfire Grants & Home-Hardening Help in El Paso
El Paso County is at elevated wildfire risk. Here's what help is available right now: local programs, statewide resources, and insurance discounts that could save you thousands.
Recent fire activity: Jun 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire (18,247 acres, ~346 homes destroyed) and Jun 2013 Black Forest Fire (14,280 acres, ~486 homes destroyed — most destructive fire in Colorado history at the time)
Risk level: High
Lead authority: El Paso County Office of Emergency Management / Colorado Springs Fire Department Wildfire Mitigation
Local Programs in El Paso County
El Paso County has several county and municipal programs to help homeowners harden their homes against wildfire.
No county-administered cash rebate or free chipping program for individual homeowners confirmed — funding flows through Colorado State Forest Service Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) grants to organizations/fire districts, not direct-to-homeowner payments
Contact your local county office or fire department for eligibility, application deadlines, and funding availability.
El Paso County is within the COSWAP (CO Strategic Wildfire Action Program) Strategic Focus Area — statewide funding for fuels reduction, chipping, and defensible space
Contact your local county office or fire department for eligibility, application deadlines, and funding availability.
55+ Firewise USA-recognized communities in El Paso County organize their own chipping/cleanup days via HOAs — see Colorado Springs Fire Department's "Wildfire Ready" program for current local offerings
Contact your local county office or fire department for eligibility, application deadlines, and funding availability.
Statewide Colorado Programs
In addition to local El Paso County initiatives, these statewide Colorado programs are available to all eligible homeowners.
Safer from Wildfires (Insurance Discounts)
Colorado requires all admitted insurers to discount premiums for documented wildfire mitigation.
- ✓ Up to 12 discounts available
- ✓ ~13.8% off wildfire portion of premium (CO FAIR Plan)
- ✓ Discounts for roof, vents, eaves, defensible space, and more
FAIR Plan Wildfire Discount
Colorado's FAIR Plan offers additional discounts for completed mitigation.
- ✓ Up to ~13.8% off wildfire portion of premium
- ✓ For dwelling coverage (16.4% for commercial)
- ✓ Discounts apply to documented, completed actions
Colorado Wildfire Mitigation Program (CWMP)
Free home-hardening and defensible-space retrofits for low- and moderate-income homeowners.
- ✓ Free home-hardening retrofits
- ✓ Defensible-space clearing and debris removal
- ✓ Community-by-community rollout (check if El Paso County is included)
Local Resources
Use these resources to stay informed about El Paso County wildfire risk and local programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about wildfire programs in El Paso County
What qualifies for insurance discounts in El Paso County?
Colorado's Safer from Wildfires regulation requires insurers to discount for documented mitigation: Class-A roof, ember-resistant vents, enclosed eaves, multi-paned windows, noncombustible Zone 0 (0–5 ft), defensible space, and Firewise community status.
How do I apply for El Paso County local programs?
Contact El Paso County Office of Emergency Management / Colorado Springs Fire Department Wildfire Mitigation directly for eligibility, application requirements, and timelines. Program funding is often limited and competitive.
Is the Colorado Wildfire Mitigation Program available in El Paso County?
The CWMP rolls out community-by-community, not statewide. Check readyforwildfire.org or contact your local fire department to see if your area is included.
What is the typical discount amount?
Colorado FAIR Plan offers up to ~13.8% off the wildfire portion of your premium (16.4% for commercial coverage). Private insurers may offer different amounts.
Check Your Eligibility
Answer a quick questionnaire to find out what grants, tax credits, and insurance discounts are available for your El Paso County home.
Get personalized recommendations