Above, five feet of non-combustible space helped save this home during the 2020 East Troublesome Fire.

Community Assistance Program

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

All buildings in Vail are highly encouraged to develop and maintain Fire Free Five landscape. To aid property owners Vail Town Council has allocated funds to support community action. The Fire Free Fire Community Assistance Program is intended to provide financial support to property owners who are increasing wildfire resiliency by creating a five-foot, non-combustible zone around their building. All properties within the Town of Vail are eligible to participate in the program.

The first step in applying for the Fire Free Five Community Assistance Program is to sign up for a property evaluation. Click below to request an evaluation.

Reimbursement - Fund your Fire Free Five

This program will reimburse property owner 75% of actual costs of materials and labor. Property owner must provide a minimum 25% cash match
Creation of Fire Free Five around outbuildings is an eligible expense but is not eligible for a separate reimbursement
Reimbursement limits are as follows:
- Single Family Dwelling: $2,000
- Duplex: $3,000
- Multi-family Dwelling/complex, 1-20 units: $5,000
- Multi-family Dwelling/complex, 21 units or more: $10,000
- Commercial Structure: $5,000
- Reimbursement is available for modification of existing landscaping to comply with Fire Free Five landscaping standards
Receipts must be submitted within 90 days of approval of the application

Property owners interested in participating in Fund your Fire Free Five should start by filling out an application or getting in touch with our wildland department at 970-477-3476 or wildlandinfo@vail.gov.

Requirements of Eligible Properties

Located within the incorporated boundaries of the Town of Vail (TOV)
Each property is limited to a single reimbursement up to the specified limits based upon property type
Property must fully implement the Fire Free Five around the entire building
Reimbursement is limited to property-owners or their legal representative; renters are not eligible to receive reimbursement. An HOA will be considered a property owner for the purpose of eligibility for common areas owned by the HOA.

Fire Free Five Property Evaluation

Curious what's included in a Fire Free Five property evaluation? Watch Town of Vail Wildland Battalion Chief Paul Cada meet with a Vail homeowner.

Fire Free Five FAQs

What is recommended within the Fire Free Five area?

Within this area allowable landscaping would include:

Hardscaping such as on-grade patios, walkways, driveways, etc.
Non-combustible mulch
Well maintained and irrigated lawn
Perennial flower beds
Perennial ground cover

What if a tree is in that 5-foot area?

Trees and shrubs should not be planted (stem within five-foot zone) within the Fire Free Five.

Trees planted outside the five-foot zone that hang over into the zone should be limbed up to a height of six feet or one-third the total height whichever is less and should be trimmed to leave at least a five-foot horizontal and 10-foot vertical gap between the nearest branch and the building.

What about other things next to the building?

The Fire Free Five would also apply to material placed or stored within this area. Combustible materials such as firewood, construction materials or other combustibles may not be stored within this zone.

Combustibles may be allowed to be stored within this zone if they are enclosed in a manner to prevent the ignition from flames or embers

What help is available to make changes to my property?

Vail Fire has several resources available to assist property owners make changes to their property.

Vail Fire staff are available year-round to provide technical assistance identifying wildfire hazards
Free curbside chipping program from May through October of each year to help with disposal of limbs and small trees. Sign up here.