Breckenridge Tree Fire Mitigation Proposal

The goal of the proposal is to help protect homes in Breckenridge from wildfires. The Fire Chief indicated the first goal of the fire department is to save lives, and they are working on evacuation plans with the county. The second goal is to save homes. Studies have shown that creating a defensible space around homes is likely to save the home. Under the proposal, landowners (vacant lots) and homeowners would be required to create this defensible space in zones around their homes. The first zone would go out 30 feet from the eave of the home. Homeowners would not be required to clear cut trees, but would be required to cut a few trees down, clear ground fuel (fallen trees), and limb up existing trees. New plantings would not be required to be cut down. Zone 2- (30-75 feet from the eave) would be where more trees would be cut down. Dead, diseased trees would be required to be removed, and crown spacing would also be required. The town has said they would allow clumpings of trees to ensure some level of privacy in this zone. The fire department would send people out to each home to develop an individualized plan of action for that property. Each homeowner would be required to obtain a permit and pay $45 for that permit. Then homeowners would be given a year to implement that plan. The town is also imposing the ordinance on themselves and will be working to create defensible spaces around town property. Open space is also working on creating defensible spaces, too.

It appeared to be a good plan with a laudable goal. The county expects 95% of lodge poles to be dead within 4 years. Wildfires are imminent and it make sense to have a plan. However, there are a number of concerns with the plan in its current form:

1. The town is working on identifying “priority areas” within Breckenridge for immediate mitigation. Several homeowners raised concerns that by identifying priority areas, people who live within these areas may have a difficult time obtaining homeowners insurance, or if they have insurance, their rates may go through the roof.

The Council was very concerned about this issue and unanimously wanted to ensure that the ordinance would not raise homeowners insurance rates.

2. The cost of creating a defensible space could be high for homeowners, depending on the property, and the amount of mitigation needed. Staff indicated the cost could range from $400-$4800, but one of the planners did see a few cases where homeowners spent $10-$30,000 on beetle kill removal, which is slightly different.

The council was also concerned about imposing financial hardships on citizens. Staff indicated they would be trying to get as much grant money as possible, or that they could work with homeowners to allow them 2 years to fully create a defensible space.

3. The requirement of a fee to create the defensible space. Citizens thought it was ridiculous that they would have to pay a fee when it was required by the town. Town staff said the fee would cover the cost of having the fire department come to your home to create a plan. The fee would also not be required if no work was needed at the property.

4. Some citizens were also concerned that the 30 feet requirement was much worse than a 15 ft requirement. The fire department and council indicated the 30 foot requirement would actually require that less trees be cut down and allow for more flexibility.

5. The council was also concerned that it may be too arbitrary and unfair.

The issue will come up again at the March 10th town council work session. Town staff is attending HOA meetings, and they will host a town hall on March 16th. Red White and Blue will be hosting a meeting on March 30th. This is not an ordinance that will be passed quickly. There will be lots of opportunity for community input before any ordinance is passed.