A Forest Gate neighborhood wildfire-preparedness program was launched immediately following the Black Forest Fire of 2013, which burned over 14,280 acres and destroyed 509 homes. This devasting fire came within 1⁄4 of a mile of the Forest Gate Community, forcing the evacuation of our homes. Through an extensive and sustained voluntary efforts by homeowners to address essential wildfire preparedness, the Forest Gate subdivision has subsequently been designated a National Firewise Community every year since 2014.
The Firewise Committee is not an enforcement driven organization but rather pursues a low-key helping hand approach intended to create a collaborative environment designed inspire and encourage homeowners to voluntarily mitigate as part of the neighborhood. Beginning in 2021 we expanded our helping hand approach by seeking and being awarded grant funding from the Colorado State Forestry Service to help homeowners offset the cost of their wildfire and health of the forest efforts.
The Forest Gate Firewise Committee consists of Scott Braeger, Mal Johnson (Chair), Kevin Koenke, Craig Meeks, and Mark Schreder.
Forest Gate Resources
- Firewise Certificate
- Firewise Newsletter
- Wildfire Plan of Action
- CSFS The Home Ignition Zone
- CSFS Matching Fund Grant