INCENTIVES FOR RESIDENTS

We are thrilled to be offering a rebate program for Routt County residents who actively take measures to protect their homes from wildfire. Up to $500 is available in the form of a reimbursement to residents who complete one or more of the eligible wildfire mitigation actions.

This program was inspired by and developed in cooperation with Wildfire Partners in Boulder, Colorado. We appreciate their willingness to share resources and insights as we roll out our third year of rebate programming!

ELIGIBILITY

The rebate program is open to all Routt County residents, who own or rent a home to which the eligible wildfire mitigation actions apply. Qualifying work and materials must be used on the property located in Routt County. Applicants must have a home ignition zone evaluation completed at the property they would be applying a rebate to.

Beginning April 20th, applications will be reviewed and rebates awarded on a rolling basis. The final day to submit an application for consideration is September 15th. Rebates will be awarded until October 15th or until funds run out, whichever comes first.

Eligible Routt County residents may apply for and receive a rebate of up to $500 for labor and/or cash expenses to implement the eligible wildfire mitigation actions. Rebates are limited to one per household per Routt County property.

ELIGIBLE MITIGATION ACTIONS

For 2026, the following wildfire mitigation actions are eligible for the rebate. Please click on each item to learn more about each specific mitigation action.

Residents may apply for all project types, submitting a separate application for each project. A rebate should be applied to only one project type, not split between different projects. Successful applicants are limited to one award each year.

  • Fences Are Fuses (five feet of fencing attached to a home). Learn more >

  • The First Five Feet (first five feet of landscaping around a home). Learn more >

  • Keep Embers Out (Screening or Replacing Vents). Learn more >

How the program works

Frequently Asked Questions

No, limited funds are available. Priority for rewards will be established according to regional risk*, Neighborhood Wildfire Ambassador representation, Firewise USA recognition, household income and housing status.

No. Individual residents in an HOA are eligible to apply.

No.

Fire-resistant or ember-resistant vents are designed specifically with honeycombs or snake-like patterns inside of the vent to block the embers from entering the vent system. There is the same amount of air flow due to the unique technology behind the vent. These vents are tested, fire rated, and easily customizable to fit any shape within your home to secure every opening.

You’re encouraged to complete the entire perimeter given that doing one or two sides will not adequately protect the house in an ember shower.

No, you can choose to do one of the eligible wildfire mitigation activities or you can do more than one. Please submit a separate application for each project type. You can only receive a rebate for one project type and which project has been deemed eligible will be indicated in your award letter.

All claims must include before and after pictures to receive a rebate. Please make certain that you take ‘before’ pictures prior to starting the wildfire mitigation work. Additionally, please submit any receipts and/or invoices for verification and approval. More information on photo requirements can be found HERE. Additionally, please submit any receipts and/or invoices for verification and approval. Applicants will be asked to sign a letter verifying their money and time spent. Rebates will not be issued until this verification letter is signed and returned to RCWMC.

No, all eligible wildfire mitigation activities, including work performed and materials purchased, must be purchased and performed after the program announcement date.

Yes. This program is available to all Routt County residents. We offer a series of materials that renters can use to educate their landlords about their vulnerability and the program.

Yes, special provisions can be made for eligible Routt County residents who have financial need and cannot afford to pay for the up-front costs of mitigation contractors or associated materials and supplies. Financial need is defined as falling below 80% of Routt County’s Area Median Income (AMI) for the applicant’s household size. When you apply to the rebate program, please provide information to determine financial need. Once verified and approved, you will receive an email regarding disbursement of your rebate assistance.

Depending on the popularity of the 2026 program and whether we see any major grant funding changes, we will determine if the rebate program will continue in 2027.

All questions related to your application, claims submission and process, rebate amount, and rebate disbursement should be directed to Halie Cunningham at halie.cunningham@routtwildfire.org.

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