New Murals in Boulder County Promote Wildfire Awareness and Resilience

In a vibrant initiative to combat the increasing threat of wildfires, Boulder County has unveiled two new murals designed to raise awareness and empower local residents. These artworks serve as a call to action, encouraging the community to engage in proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks at home.

Commissioned by Wildfire Partners, a Boulder County program dedicated to helping residents reduce wildfire risks, the murals aim to spark conversations about the actions individuals can take to protect their homes. With Boulder County consistently ranked among the top 10 most wildfire-prone areas in the Rocky Mountain Region, the need for community mobilization has never been more critical.

The murals are part of the ‘Home Sweet Mitigated Home’ campaign, which emphasizes that having a wildfire-resilient home can tremendously enhance safety and quality of life. Recent findings from Colorado State University indicate a concerning increase in the average number of wildfires in Colorado, jumping from 13 per year in the 1990s to over 70 in recent years.

Jim Webster, the program manager for Wildfire Partners, expressed the importance of the initiative, stating, "This community is acutely aware of the wildfire risks but may not know how to start protecting their homes. These murals are meant to remind residents that wildfire mitigation is achievable and should be part of home maintenance."

The murals, created in collaboration with local artists Taylor Shaw and Rachel Dinda, are located at crucial community spots: one in Nederland at the Nederland Feed and Pet, and another in Lyons on Broadway. Each mural is punctuated with striking colors and beautiful landscapes, complemented by the headline ‘Home Sweet Mitigated Home.’ The distinct styles of the artists ensure that each piece of art stands out while also serving a practical purpose.

To promote engagement, Wildfire Partners has integrated interactive components into the mural initiative. They are offering merchandise such as tote bags and stickers to the first 20 individuals who share a photo of themselves with the murals on social media, using the tag @wildfirepartners. This effort aims to foster community engagement and inspire individuals to discuss and adopt wildfire mitigation measures.

Each mural also incorporates images of homes that exemplify proper wildfire mitigation techniques. This clever design choice not only raises awareness but also informs residents about practical steps they can take to protect their homes, such as removing combustible juniper plants that may ignite during wildfires. Since June 2026, online searches related to juniper removal in Boulder County have seen a marked increase, indicating growing interest in preventive measures.

Recognizing that wildfire preparedness is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing process, Wildfire Partners encourages residents to start with manageable tasks. Simple actions like cleaning gutters, raking leaves, and removing clutter from underneath decks contribute significantly to wildfire mitigation without requiring substantial financial investment.

For residents seeking financial assistance, Boulder County offers a rebate program up to $500 for completing approved mitigation tasks—funded by the Wildfire Mitigation Sales Tax approved by voters in 2022. This financial support is designed to help homeowners make necessary improvements sustainably.

As Boulder County continues to face the reality of wildfires as an ever-present threat, initiatives like the murals and the broader engagement from Wildfire Partners represent essential steps toward building a more resilient community. For more information, visit wildfirepartners.org.

About Wildfire Partners

Wildfire Partners is an esteemed Boulder County government program focused on preparing residents for wildfires. It offers a variety of technical and financial resources including custom wildfire mitigation assessments, grants, educational events, and community programs tailored to enhance wildfire resilience.

For further inquiries, residents can reach out to Wildfire Partners at 303-441-1420 or via email at [email protected].