Key facts: Colorado Springs Fire Damage
Ember-driven losses
Embers land on decks and in vents. Homes can burn long after the front passes, so return only with clearance.
Smoke-damaged survivors
Homes that stand can still hold soot in attics and ducts. Don't let visible cleanliness end the inspection.
Fire history in El Paso County
FEMA lists 5 fire-related federal declarations covering El Paso County, most recently Black Forest Wildfire in 2013.
Across all incident types, El Paso County has 20 federal declarations on record, and any of them may open aid for Colorado Springs residents that insurance does not cover.
Protecting a fire-damaged Colorado Springs home
Colorado Springs averages 16 inches of precipitation a year, with December the driest month and May and July the wettest. Fire-damaged homes opened up by firefighting are exposed to that weather, so board-up and roof tarping matter quickly.
Hard freezes on about 67 nights a year can burst pipes in a house without heat, so ask about draining the plumbing if the home stays empty.
Fire services in Colorado Springs
Questions
Colorado Springs fire damage questions
Can a home near a wildfire be saved?
Usually, with proper smoke and ash cleaning.
What should I document?
Photos of every room, including attic and ducts.