Ken-Caryl Ranch Evacuation Maps
As a result of the 2024 Firewise survey, the Master Association, in partnership with the Firewise Committee and our Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, has developed evacuation route maps to help promote community education and awareness. Evacuation route maps for The Valley and The Plains are available below. While these maps are meant to help educate residents, it is the responsibility of all community members and guests to exercise good judgement and follow first responders directions in determining the best evacuation routes, depending on their location and the current location of an active fire.
Ken-Caryl Ranch Firewise Community Survey
In March 2024, the Master Association hosted a community survey to gather feedback on the direction of the Ken-Caryl Ranch Firewise Committee and wildfire mitigation efforts directed by the MA. The goal was to better understand the value these efforts by staff and the Firewise Committee provide, and how we can better serve the needs of the Ken-Caryl community in terms of fire mitigation efforts, initiatives, education, risk reduction and how to adapt to living with wildfire.
The survey is now closed. To view the survey results and analysis, please click on the button below.
Fuel Hazard Assessment
Schedule a consultation with a Fire Mitigation Specialist to identify mitigation measures for potential hazards on and around your property.
Community Wildfire Preparedness
Start with these two simple steps:
- Register with LookoutAlert (formerly CodeRed) to receive notifications of emergencies including wildfire evacuation notices.
- Review the Home Ignition Zone Checklist for a step-by-step checklist. Choose one item at a time and check it off the list!
Once you’ve completed the two steps above, check out the other Firewise Resources below.
Community Wildfire Preparedness Meeting
Ken-Caryl hosted an online meeting in February 2022 addressing LookoutAlert (Formerly CodeRED) and evacuations, Preparing for Wildfire in Ken-Caryl, Jefferson County Wildfire Commission Update, Wildfire Risks, Mitigation, and Preparation, and Open Space Concerns.
The meeting recording is available below.
2021 Community Wildfire Protection Plan
West Metro Fire District, in conjunction with local fire and land management agencies, has developed a 2021 Wildfire Protection Plan. The plan identifies and prioritizes areas for hazardous fuel reductions treatments and recommends the types of treatment that will aid in protecting communities in the study area. The plan also recommends measures to reduce the ignitability of structures. The study area includes the Ken-Caryl Ranch Valley and North Ranch.
Ken-Caryl Ranch Becomes a Firewise Community
Ken-Caryl Ranch is taking action to reduce our wildfire risk and improve safety. We are one of 1,200 recognized Firewise communities across the nation taking action and ownership in preparing and protecting their homes against the threat of wildfire. Using a five-step process, communities develop an action plan that guides their residential risk reduction activities, while engaging and encouraging their neighbors to become active participants in building a safer place to live.
KCR Resources
Video Resources
Handouts, Links & Other Resources
- After the Fire Handout
- Creating a Defensive Space*
- LookoutAlert (Formerly CodeRED)
- Fire Escape Plan*
- Firewise Plant Material
- Firewise Wildfire Safety Tips
- Jeffco Slash Collection (drop off site for branches etc. each fall)
- Protect Yourself and Your Community Flier
- Ready.Gov Wildfire Information
- Red Cross Fire Safety Guide
- Wildfire Evacuation Tips
- Wildfire Mitigation Income Tax Credit
*Thank you to Liam from Scout Troop 218 for sharing these resources!
Guidelines for Residents Living Next to Open Space
The most effective way to reduce wildfire risks at your property is to limit the amount of flammable vegetation around your home, choose ignition resistant building materials and construction techniques, and conduct regular exterior maintenance in the home ignition zones (see more details at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire).
For residents living adjacent to open space, you are allowed to maintain a 10’ wide buffer zone in open space to reinforce defensible space treatments on your property. See below for details of allowed maintenance activities in the buffer zone:
DO:
- Mow grasses to height of no less than 4”.
- Remove woody vegetation 4” in diameter or less (measured at the base of the tree or shrub).
- Remove dead branches or logs that are lying on the ground.
DON’T:
- Do not mow or remove any vegetation beyond the 10’ buffer zone
- Do not remove or prune branches from trees larger than 4” in diameter at the base (if there is a concern about woody vegetation larger than 4” in diameter at the base, contact the Open Space Department Staff and they will evaluate the concern and determine if additional removal/pruning is necessary).
- Do not dump or store anything including slash, grass clippings, dirt, other landscaping debris.
- Do not alter, build, or install anything including landscaping, play equipment, decks, walls, fences, buried invisible pet fences or bird feeders/houses.
*NOTE: FAILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF THE ABOVE RULES COULD LEAD TO A VIOLATION NOTICE INCLUDING POSSIBLE FINES AND LOSS OF ASSOCIATION PRIVILEGES.
Be aware that by maintaining the 10’ buffer zone in open space and choosing not to address fire hazards on your own property will do very little if nothing to protect your home. The most effective way to protect your property from fire is to implement defensible space recommendations starting at the house and moving out from there.
Firewise Contacts
Ken-Caryl Ranch Park Rangers: 303-979-1876, ext. 170
Colorado State Forest Service: 303-279-9757