CWPC Executive Director, Molly Mowery, was interviewed for the recent Colorado Sun Article, “Colorado doesn’t have a statewide fire-resistant construction requirement. In the Marshall fire’s wake, critics say it’s time.” The article highlights discrepancies in how local governments across the state implement fire safe building regulations as a result of limited statewide rules or guidance. Other states such as Oregon and California have statewide rules in place for areas with high risk for wildfires. While there may not be a political appetite for rules that require local governments to adopt standards, Molly suggests that providing model codes or sample planning documents would help build local capacity for implementation of new rules that would protect homes in the future. 

The article also discusses whether homes lost in the recent Marshall Fire in Boulder County will be rebuilt with wildfire mitigation measures – including building materials. While homes in unincorporated areas of the County within a specified fire zone are required to meet wildfire mitigation standards, homes in cities such a Superior or Louisville are not subject to such rules. Some local and leaders interviewed in the article hope that the devastation caused by the Marshal Fire will spur government action.