Wildfire Defense: Defending the High Country: A Local’s Guide
While we often associate wildfires with the dense forests of the mountains, the reality for us on the Wyoming high plains is that the danger moves much faster. Out here, our vast grasslands serve as ‘fine fuels’ that can ignite in an instant and spread at speeds of up to 14 miles per hour when driven by our legendary Cheyenne winds. A prairie fire doesn’t just crawl; it sprints. In the time it takes to finish this article, a fire could travel over a mile. That is why defense must happen before the smoke appears. Because there are fewer natural barriers like rocky ridges or damp canyons to slow it down, a small spark can transform into a fast-moving front that threatens outbuildings and homes in minutes. Stewardship on the plains means recognizing that our open horizons come with a responsibility to keep our ‘sea of grass’ managed and our defensible space secure. Learn more about wildfire defense and actions you can take to protect your homestead.
Growing up in Wyoming, a campfire was the heartbeat of every outdoor adventure.
There’s a specific kind of peace that comes from the crackling wood and the vast, starlit heavens we’re lucky enough to have here. Even now, sitting by a fire pit at home is one of my favorite ways to recharge.
But one thing many people don’t know about me is that I have a deep, healthy fear of fire. I’ve seen it as a living entity—one that, when out of control, wreaks destruction in a matter of seconds.
I’ll never forget being at an event on the open plains a few years ago during a particularly dry spell. Someone went to light a camp stove, and a single lit match slipped from their hand into the parched grass. In an instant, the plains were breathing fire. It took off faster than anyone expected. We were lucky that day; several people ran to help and extinguished the blaze before it could become a disaster.
It was a sobering reminder of how fragile our landscape is when the moisture disappears. With Stage 1 Fire Restrictions currently in place across Laramie County, I’m sharing this to encourage vigilance. We’ve all seen the news—wildfire doesn’t ask for permission. It isn’t a matter of if, but when. Let’s be prepared, stay smart, and protect the homes and land we love with a mindset of wildfire defense.
Current Status: Laramie County (May 2026)
May 2026: Laramie County Stage 1 Restrictions
Drought Level: Extreme (D3). Southeast Wyoming is currently experiencing record-low snowpack and unseasonable warmth, leading to exceptionally dry surface fuels.
Fire Restriction: Stage 1 Restrictions are currently in effect for all of Laramie County.
Burn Status: Open fires and fireworks are strictly prohibited on both public and private lands.
What This Means for You: Wildfire Defense
Keep up to date with current restrictions by visiting the Laramie County public Notices
Creating Your Wildfire Defense Space: The Three-Zone Strategy
A defensible space is simply the buffer you create between your home and the wildland grass or brush surrounding it. In Wyoming, this space is vital—it’s what gives our local firefighters a safe place to stand if they have to defend your property.
Zone 0: The Ember-Resistant Zone (0–5 Feet)
The Goal: Total Ignition Prevention.
Most homes are lost to wildfires from flying embers that land in a “fuel bed” right next to the house.
Remove the Fuel: Clear out dead leaves, pine needles, and dry grass from gutters and roof valleys. Replace wood mulch with river rock or gravel.
Clear the Deck: Move firewood piles, propane tanks, and even wooden patio furniture away from this immediate 5-foot perimeter.
Zone 1: The Lean, Clean, and Green Zone (5–30 Feet)
The Goal: Stopping the Spread.
Mow it Down: Keep your grass irrigated (if possible) and mowed to a height of 4 inches or less.
Prune for Safety: Remove “ladder fuels” by pruning tree branches up to 6–10 feet off the ground. This prevents a ground fire from climbing into the trees.
Space it Out: Ensure there is at least 10 feet of space between tree canopies.
Zone 2: The Reduced Fuel Zone (30–100+ Feet)
The Goal: Slowing the Fire’s Momentum.
Shrub Spacing: If you have clusters of shrubs, ensure they are spaced out.
Outbuildings & Tanks: Ensure propane tanks and sheds have a 10-foot radius of bare soil or gravel around them.
Road Access: This is where your driveway lives. Ensure it’s cleared and wide enough (at least 12 feet) for emergency vehicles to navigate safely.
Hardening the Homestead: Denying the Embers
Defensible space is your first line of defense, but “hardening” your home is the final safeguard. The goal is to eliminate any small “nooks and crannies” where a wind-blown ember could settle and ignite.
1. The 1/8-Inch Rule (Vents)
This is the most important step for any rural Wyoming home. Embers can be sucked into attic, soffit, or crawlspace vents by the very same winds that are driving the fire. Ensure all exterior vents are 1/8-inch metal wire mesh. Anything larger allows embers through; anything smaller can clog with dust and starve your house of needed ventilation.
2. The Roof & Gutters
Your roof is the largest “landing pad” for embers. Clear your roof of any debris such as dry leaves or pine needles. These are essentially kindling for embers. If you’re replacing gutters, opt for metal over plastic. Plastic gutters can melt and drop onto the dry ground below.
3. The Under-Deck Reality
In many of our rural properties, the area under the deck becomes a “catch-all” for extra firewood, lawnmowers, or building materials. Clear everything out from under your deck. If possible, screen in the underside with that same 1/8-inch metal mesh to keep debris from blowing in and accumulating.
Neighborly Stewardship: Fire-Wise Landscaping
If you want to keep the “Green” in your “Lean, Clean, and Green” zone, choose plants that are naturally fire-resistant. In our Zone 4/5 climate, these hardy beauties are great choices because they hold moisture and don’t contain volatile oils (like junipers or pines do).
Perennials: Purple Coneflower, Daylilies, and Penstemon.
Shrubs: Russian Sage (very drought tolerant!) and Serviceberry.
Groundcovers: Creeping Phlox or “Hens and Chicks” succulents.
Local Pro-Tip: Avoid planting “ladder fuels” like tall shrubs directly under windows or tree canopies. You want to keep the fire on the ground where it’s easier to manage.
Beyond the Horizon: Planning Your Exit Strategy
When a grass fire is moving at 14 miles per hour, your decision-making window is measured in minutes, not hours. Being “fire-wise” means having your exit strategy mapped out before the smoke appears on the horizon.
There are many resources online to help you prepare. We never want to think it can happen to us, but preparing is the first step in any plan. The American Red Cross has wonderful resources to help you prepare and endure after a disaster.
1. The 5P’s of Evacuation
If the order comes to leave, don’t waste time wondering what to grab. Focus on the 5 P’s:
Having a go-bag put together is a fantastic idea. With perishables it may not always be feasible to store these in a “go-bag”, so have them handy in a quick “grab and go” spot.
2. Livestock & Large Animals: The Rural Reality
On a Wyoming acreage, evacuations are complicated by trailers and livestock. Laramie County Emergency Management
3. Sign Up for Laramie County Alerts
Laramie County Alerts: Sign up for the official emergency notification system to get texts and calls directly from the Sheriff’s Office.
Watch Duty App: I utilize the Watch Duty app. It’s a free app that provides real-time updates from dispatch centers and first responders, often faster than local news.
A Final Thought on Stewardship
Preparing your home for wildfire defense isn’t just a weekend chore—it’s a commitment to the land and the people who live on it. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer finding your first frontier, being Firewise USA® is how we ensure that our “High Country” remains beautiful for generations to come.
Stay safe, stay vigilant, and let’s look out for one another.
From wildfire defense to rural land management, I help my clients navigate the complexities of Wyoming living. Contact me about your next frontier—let’s make sure it’s a safe and sustainable one.
Content and insights curated by Frontier Key | Christy Rewinkel, Licensed WY Real Estate Agent | Brokered by eXp Realty
The views and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of Frontier Key and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of eXp Realty.
Market conditions vary; this content is provided for general informational and educational purposes, not a guarantee of value or outcome. Because Wyoming properties present unique high-plains and infrastructure factors, verify all details against official public records prior to contract execution.
Frontier Key provides specialized real estate advisory services. For specific legal, tax, lending, or structural/engineering advice, we recommend consulting a qualified attorney, CPA, licensed lender, or certified inspector.
