Wildfire Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Wildfires are common occurrences in Colorado, and we are here to help. Use and share the following resources compiled by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response.

2024 wildfire season

Debris guidance and asbestos management for buildings/structures*

Disposal notification forms*

*These documents are event/season specific and will be updated as needed. Use forms specific to your event.

Contact the Solid Waste Unit at comments.hmwmd@state.co.us or 303-692-3320 for handling/disposal of other types of debris that is not related to building/structures.

Resources related to air pollution and smoke

Colorado Air Quality
Updated daily, provides air quality summaries, advisories, and forecasts.
Colorado Smoke Blog
Provides updates on wildfire activity, prescribed burning operations, and the transport of smoke from out-of-state sources.
Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Program
CDPHE’s Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Program provides outreach, education, and training for local community partners on responding to wildfire smoke and its impacts on community health.
EPA Smoke-Ready Toolbox
Public health officials can use the resources in the Smoke-Ready Toolbox to help educate people about the risks of smoke exposure and actions they can take to protect their health.
Smoke monitoring instrumentation
CDPHE has a limited amount of fine particulate monitoring instruments that may be available for deployment during wildfire events. For potential long-term air monitoring options, the EPA has established air sensor loan programs.

Resources related to water quality

FAQ about wildfire retardant and drinking water
Colorado Post-Fire Recovery Playbook
Guidance for counties, Tribes, municipalities, and water providers

Resources for Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services

Wildfire preparedness for health facilities
This training module provides information on actions to take before, during, and after fires, protecting against smoke effects, evacuations vs. shelter-in-place, tips for receiving facilitates, and additional resources.

Resources to share with the public

Wildfires and Your Safety
This CDC resource provides information on how to take steps to be ready for a wildfire and prepare your home and landscaping to reduce your risk. Learn how to protect yourself and your family from a wildfire, evacuate safely during a wildfire, and how to stay healthy when you return home.
Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management wildfire "Info Center"
Information on what the public can do before, during, and after wildfires.
Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal
The Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal provides access to information that describes wildland fire risk statewide.
Flowchart – Assessing the damage to private wells after a fire
Boulder County has created this resource for homeowners with private wells.
The Colorado Division of Water Resources has provided guidance on assessing well damage and actions to prevent groundwater contamination.

Resources specific to Colorado

Drought Maps
Updated weekly by the National Integrated Drought Information System.
Colorado Health Care Coalitions
Groups of local health care and responder organizations that collaborate to prepare for emergencies. HCCs reflect the unique needs and characteristics of local jurisdictions.
Colorado Emergency Managers
Contact information for county-level emergency management.