Fire Recovery

Alexander Mountain Fire Recovery

Click here for recovery information

Wildfires are the most frequent hazard in Larimer County. A recent study ranked Larimer County as the most hazardous county in Colorado for wildfires. An earlier report ranked Larimer County as second. Both studies indicate the potential of wildfire to burn structures and threaten lives is high and will only continue to grow as more people move into the mountains and the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).

Below are recovery resources for those impacted by property damage or loss due to wildfires in Larimer County, as well as burn scar flooding.

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Black Hollow Imminent Danger Warning
Online Resources:

Soil Erosion & Vegetative Recovery Resources:

American Red Cross Resource Page

Larimer County CSU Extension Wildfire Resources Page

Returning Home & Recovering after a Wildfire
  • Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including falling trees, ash and other hazards.
  • Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles and downed wires.
  • Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety—warn family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits also.
  • Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.
  • Wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.
  • Wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes to protect hands and feet.
  • Cleaning products, paint, batteries and damaged fuel containers need to be disposed of properly to avoid risk.
  • Colorado Help Line: 303-928-8534
  • Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
  • Text talkwithus to 66746 to reach the Disaster Distress Helpline

Who is most at risk for emotional distress following a wildfire?

  • Children and teens. After a wildfire, young people may worry that another one will happen again, especially if they witnessed the fire and the loss of their home. Some children may become withdrawn, while others may become agitated and irritable and display outbursts of anger.
     
  • Older adults. Older adults are more likely to need social support to reduce the effects of stress and move forward on the path of recovery. They also may have limited physical mobility and lack independence.
     
  • First responders and recovery workers. These individuals may experience prolonged separation from loved ones (depending on the severity of the wildfire) and show signs of mental fatigue.

Online resources:

Ensure your food and water are safe
  • Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
  • Do NOT ever use water that you think may be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.

Online Resources:

Protecting Against Asbestos Exposure in a Natural Disaster 

Food Safety

Power outage:

Water Safety

Animals

Safe Handling of Ash & Debris

Online Resources:

Rebuilding and repairing structures damaged by fire can be a daunting process.  Please do not hesitate to contact the Community Development Department at (970) 498-7670.

Online Resources

Building Permit Fee Reduction

Through the United Policyholders Roadmap to Recovery program you can access free, trustworthy help navigating the process of returning to a wildfire damaged area, repairing and replacing damaged and destroyed property, and collecting all available insurance funds.

If your property is damaged or destroyed, their guidance will help you get started on the road to recovery, make good decisions and keep moving forward.  United Policyholders is non-profit and has expertise based on nearly three decades of assisting in communities hit by wildfires.  No strings attached.

The following are selected items from the extensive library of resources they offer.  Through their Roadmap to Recovery program you can access tips, tools and the straight scoop on insurance, clean up, contractors, lawyers, adjusters, avoiding ripoffs and mistakes, your legal rights and emotional support from people who genuinely care about helping you navigate successfully.

Virtual Workshops from United Policy Holders

REGISTER FOR UPCOMING EVENTS: www.uphelp.org/r2r

Insurance Information

Property Assessment Information

Online Resources

Cameron Peak Fire Risk Assessment Summary