Wildland Fire Management Program
Our dedicated team works to protect the Jefferson County community from the growing threat of wildfire through prevention, education, response, coordination, and planning.
About the Program
What Is the Wildland Fire Management Program?
The Jefferson County Wildland Fire Management Program (WFMP) is a Jefferson County Sheriff's Office program that reduces wildfire risk through prevention, education, mitigation, planning, and support for response agencies across Jefferson County, Colorado.
The 2024 update of the Jefferson County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) (PDF) (opens in new tab) identified the need for a coordinated, countywide approach to wildland fire management. You can also explore the plan in the interactive CWPP map (opens in new tab).
The Jefferson County Wildland Fire Management Program was established to meet that need by providing a comprehensive strategy for reducing wildfire risk. The program addresses critical gaps in wildfire response and suppression, planning, mitigation, community engagement, technology, data management, and long-term funding.
The program offers leadership, coordination, facilitation, and implementation support to partner agencies as they work to reduce wildland fire risk. It also helps build public awareness, prepares residents for wildland fire, and supports response agencies during wildfire incidents.
Through strong collaboration and strategic investment, the program empowers partner agencies, community organizations, and residents to strengthen Jefferson County's resilience to wildfire.
An official program of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
In the Field
The Program at Work
From home assessments and fuel-reduction projects to wildfire suppression support during active incidents, the program's work happens alongside partner agencies and the residents who work, live, and play across Jefferson County.
Prepare and Protect Your
Prepare Your Family
Red flag days, go bags, and family plans
Protect Your Home
Home assessments, hardening, and defensible space
WFM Program Initiatives
Wildfire Risk in Jefferson County
Map of Colorado highlighting Jefferson County, which ranks second in the state for wildfire risk; 91 percent of the county is wildland-urban interface.
Wildfire Risk in Jefferson County
2nd
in Colorado for wildfire risk and impacts
Wildfire is a year-round threat in Jefferson County. The County ranks second in the state for wildfire risk and impacts, driven by a combination of vegetation, topography, climate, and population growth.
91 percent
of the county is Wildland–Urban Interface
Science-based wildfire risk analysis completed as part of the 2024 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) found that 91% of Jefferson County is classified as Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI).
4th
most populous county in the state
The WUI includes areas where homes, businesses, and infrastructure meet wildfire-prone landscapes—places where fire can move between natural vegetation and the built environment, creating significant risk to people and property (Mowry and Johnston, 2018).
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Jefferson County is the fourth most populous county in the state, with many residents living and working within WUI boundaries.
To better prepare for and reduce the impacts of wildland fire, Jefferson County established the Wildland Fire Management Program to help protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
Explore Program InitiativesTake Action
What Can You Do?
Wildfire doesn't have to catch you off guard. You can take simple, informed steps today to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
Jefferson County's wildfire risk affects more than just forested areas—fast-moving fires and changing conditions can impact neighborhoods, roadways, daily routines, and the places you live, work, or visit. When you stay informed and take simple steps to prepare, you help keep yourself, your family, and the entire community safer. Wildfire preparedness is something we all do together.
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Reduce Your Wildfire Risk
Wildfire risk reduction starts before a fire begins. Stay aware of conditions, prepare your family, and make simple improvements around your home to lower hazards. Every action, big or small, helps protect you and strengthens community resilience.
Learn How to Reduce Your Risk -
Sign Up for Lookout Alerts
Emergencies aren't always expected. Lookout Alerts notify you when something is happening and help you act quickly as conditions change. If you live, work, or travel in Jeffco, even briefly, sign up to receive critical information.
Learn About Lookout Alert -
Make a Plan and Prepare Your Family
Emergencies happen fast. Create a family plan so everyone knows where to go, what to bring, and how to stay connected. Preparation today gives you confidence to act quickly when it matters.
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Harden Your Home and Create Defensible Space
You can significantly lower your home's wildfire risk with simple, cost-effective improvements. A free Home Assessment shows you how to harden your home, reduce hazards, and build defensible space that protects your property.
Request a Home Assessment -
Get Involved in Your Community
Wildfire resilience is a team effort. Connect with local projects, work with your Fire Protection District, and participate in neighborhood mitigation efforts. When communities get involved, everyone becomes safer.
See Ways to Get Involved
Lookout Alert: Jefferson County Emergency Notifications
Lookout Alert is Jefferson County's free emergency notification system. When emergencies occur, registered residents receive Lookout Alert messages by phone call, text, and email with critical information about wildfires, severe weather, evacuations, and other public-safety incidents.
Sign Up for Lookout Alert
Receive critical alerts about wildfires, severe weather, evacuations, and other emergencies.
Register for Lookout AlertAdditional Ways to Stay Informed
Follow our official channels for the latest updates, press releases, and community information.
Questions? Contact the Wildland Fire Management Program at WildfireRisk@jeffco.us
Live Conditions
Fire Activity Map
Near real-time fire activity across Colorado from the Wildland Fire Interagency Geospatial Services (WFIGS). Toggle layers to explore active incidents, fire perimeters, hazard ratings, and fire districts.
No active wildfires in Jefferson County
12 other active wildfires in Colorado· 1 active prescribed burn.
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Sources: WFIGS interagency incident data · Esri Living Atlas county boundaries