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 embark on our first rebate program!

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. You must apply by August 31, 2024.

ELIGIBLE MITIGATION ACTIONS

For 2024, 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 only apply for one rebate per year, however they may choose more than one eligible mitigation action when applying for the rebate.

  • 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 >

  • Screening or Replacing Vents. Learn more >

REBATE AMOUNTS

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.

How the program works

You will apply to the program during the month of August 2024.

Your application will require clear photos taken of the work areas that will be affected by the rebate program (the ‘before’ photos) as well as documentation supporting the amount you’re requesting. More information on photo requirements can be found HERE.

Your application will be reviewed between September 1st – 15th.

Limited funding is available, so priority will be established according to regional risk*, Neighborhood Wildfire Ambassador representation, Firewise USA recognition, household income and housing status.

By September 20th, you’ll be notified whether or not you’ve been awarded any rebate funding.

At this point, you’ll have 45 days to complete your project and submit for reimbursement. You may complete any time after you’ve applied, but please understand there is no guarantee that you’ll receive rebate funding until you hear from us on 9/20.

You submit your certificate of completion, including ‘after’ pictures, receipts and any other documentation relevant to the project. All submittals must be received by November 4th.

You receive the rebate payment.

You will receive an email that your rebate claim has been verified and approved. You will receive your rebate in 4-6 weeks once your claim is approved, possibly hand-delivered : )

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.

Rebates are limited to one rebate (up to $500) per Routt County household per property. You can do multiple, eligible wildfire mitigation activities on a property, but you will only receive one rebate of up to $500. For example, if you replace vents at a cost of $250 and replace the first five feet of your fencing attached to your house with noncombustible materials at a cost of $400, you would receive a rebate of $500.

No, extensions will not be given in any circumstances. You will need to reapply for a rebate if you do not complete your mitigation and submit your claim in 45 days. To avoid this situation, please wait to apply for a rebate until you know you can complete your work and submit your claim within 45 days. We plan to run this program again in 2025.

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.

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.

We will analyze the results of the 2024 program to determine if the program will continue in 2025. If successful, funding is available to continue to offer this program for several years.

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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