HOME IGNITION ZONE EVALUATIONS
Submit your request today!
It is not up to firefighters, land managers, municipalities, HOAs, or your untidy neighbors; it is ultimately up to you, the property owner or resident, to mitigate wildfire impacts to your property.
Our Home Ignition Zone Evaluation program provides residents with a custom report highlighting some of the positive attributes and vulnerabilities to wildfire around their home. Once you’ve submitted your request, we’ll reach out (typically within a few days) to schedule your one-on-one site visit. The cost of an evaluation is $100. We are happy to discuss other options if this cost is a barrier. If you sign up for a HIZ evaluation, you will receive a discount code for a half price ‘first-responder approved’ address sign!
After you’ve submitted your request, someone will be in touch within a few days to schedule your evaluation (unless it’s winter, then we will contact you in the spring). We strongly suggest you are present in-person to walk and talk with the evaluator, but if you can’t be, you can approve a right of entry when scheduling. If you aren’t present during the evaluation, we will schedule a 10 minute call after you’ve received your report to discuss the most critical issues and answer any questions you might have.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Colorado State Forest Service’s Home Ignition Zone Guide before your evaluation. Having an understanding of the concepts, vulnerabilities and terminology will ensure that your evaluation is done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The ignition, spread, and intensity of a wildfire is determined by three factors…weather, topography, and fuel. Humans can only control fuel. The HIZ cost / impact brochure categorizes fuel mitigation actions in each of the three home ignition zones by effort and cost, starting with low effort, no cost actions.
Using Your HIZ Report for Insurance Negotiation & Savings
With Colorado’s passage of wildfire insurance transparency legislation (SB 1182), insurance providers using risk models must factor documented parcel-level mitigation into their pricing and coverage decisions.
A professional Home Ignition Zone Evaluation gives you the independent, third-party proof you need to advocate for your home during policy renewals or rate negotiations.
How Your HIZ Evaluation Helps You Leverage Colorado Insurance Laws:
Documented Proof of Mitigation: Insurers often rely on broad satellite imagery. Your custom HIZ report provides clear, verified evidence of defensible space and structural hardening already completed on your property.
Evidence for Risk Score Appeals:
Homeowners have the right to challenge inaccurate wildfire risk assessments with their insurance carriers. Your interactive Fire Aside HIZ report serves as your primary evidence portfolio.
Targeted Action Plan:
Identify exactly which high-impact mitigation steps—such as clearing Zone 1 zero-to-five-foot noncombustible zones or installing ember-resistant vents—are most likely to improve your risk classification and qualify you for discounts.
Planning to shop or renew your policy? Schedule your $100 HIZ Evaluation today to get the documentation you need to protect your home and your coverage.
Fire Aside:
This new software designed to help organizations like ours improve the efficiency, velocity and consistency of Home Ignition Zone Evaluations. Residents receive an interactive report that is custom made for their property. This program makes it easy to take actions that help reduce vulnerability and document the steps taken all in one place!
Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) data is not shared by FireAside. This data is owned by the Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council, and is only shared with the resident contacts listed on the resulting HIZ report and, if requested, the residents’ local fire district. HIZ report data is not shared by the Council with any insurance agents or agencies. A resident may choose to share their HIZ report with their insurer, but that decision is under the resident’s control only.
