What changed in Colorado

HB25-1182 requires Colorado insurers that use wildfire risk models to explain wildfire risk scores or classifications, recognize property and community mitigation in underwriting or pricing, and give homeowners a process to appeal risk information. The state wildfire resiliency code also gives WUI communities a construction and defensible-space framework for roof, vent, exterior, deck, access, and vegetation conditions.

The Colorado proof categories

FireSafeProof maps Colorado evidence against the same practical file an insurer needs to review: hardened structure, clean immediate zone, defensible space, documented contractor work, local inspection records, and community-level mitigation.

Roof and roof edges

  • Full roof from every accessible side
  • Closeups of roof material, valleys, gutters, and debris-free edges
  • Invoice, product sheet, or inspection note showing fire-rated material

Ember entry points

  • Closeup of every attic, crawlspace, gable, soffit, and foundation vent
  • Step-back photo showing where each vent sits on the structure
  • Product label or receipt for ember- and flame-resistant vent upgrades

Immediate zone

  • The first five feet around every exterior wall
  • Fence, gate, deck, stair, and porch connections to the house
  • Noncombustible surface, bare soil, or cleared material against the foundation

Defensible space

  • Wide photos from each side of the house out to the property edge
  • Tree spacing, limbed-up trunks, thinned brush, and removed ladder fuels
  • Receipts for thinning, fuel breaks, hauling, or other documented mitigation work

Colorado inspection and community records

  • Wildfire Partners, fire district, HOA, or local mitigation assessment reports
  • Certificates, community mitigation notices, and completed-work letters
  • Carrier notices showing wildfire risk score, classification, discount, or appeal outcome

Colorado also offers a wildfire mitigation tax credit for eligible documented out-of-pocket mitigation work. Keep receipts and contractor descriptions with the same care as your insurance packet.

Sources
Colorado HB25-1182: wildfire risk model transparency, mitigation recognition, notices, and appeals
8 CCR 1507-39: Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
Colorado State Forest Service: Protect Your Home and Property from Wildfire
Colorado Department of Revenue: wildfire mitigation measures tax credit
Wildfire Partners: wildfire mitigation assessment and certification guidance