GCWC offers a Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Cost-Share Program for wildfire risk reduction. The program is meant to incentivize landowners to complete defensible space projects to make their homes safer, protect egress routes, and reduce risk to structures in the event of a wildfire.

Program Details

• The HIZ cost-share program is designed for projects focusing on Zone 1 (0-5 feet), Zone 2 (5-30 feet), Zone 3 (30-100 feet), & the egress (20 feet on either side). Please see the image below for a visual example or The Home Ignition Zone guide from CSFS for more information.
• Cost-sharing is limited to a one-time reimbursement broken down by Zone:
  • Zones 1, 2, & the Egress are eligible for a one-time reimbursment of up to $3,000 or 50% of the project cost, whichever is least.
  • Zone 3 is eligible for a one-time reimbursment of $2,000 per acre, with a maximum of $3,000 per property, or 50% of the project cost, whichever is least.
  • Zones 1, 2, & the Egress must be completed for Zone 3 to be eligible for reimbursment.
  • The maximum HIZ cost-share reimbursment is $6,000 ($3,000 for Zones 1, 2, & the Egress and $3,000 for 1.5 acres of Zones 3).
• Due to limited funding, projects are accepted on a first-come basis beginning in the spring.
• Equipment rented by the property owner and used solely for hazardous fuels treatment within the HIZ may be eligible for reimbursement. All other program parameters apply.
• The Grand County Wildfire Council Board of Directors reserves the right to approve, approve with modifications, and/or reject any application.

Step 1.) Wildfire Risk Assessment

• You MUST have a home ignition zone (HIZ) assessment completed by your local fire district or by GCWC prior to any work being completed to be eligible for a reimbursement. You can request a free assessment using the button below:

Step 2.) HIZ Cost-Share Application

• If you have undergone a HIZ assessment with a GCWC or fire district representative and your project meets the requirments of the HIZ Cost-Share program, please fill out the application below:

Step 3.) Project Preparation & Implementation

• GCWC will provide a prescription (Rx) and/or project requirements that must be met to be eligible for reimbursement.
• It is the responsibility of the property owner to contact contractors and receive bids for their project. Please see the 2025 Contractor List below, however, it is not required that you use a contractor from the list.
• The selected bid will be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for review, alignment with prescription plan and/or project description, grant allocation, and planning purposes.
• The HIZ assessment will likely include 'Before' Photos, but it is highly encouraged that property owners collect their own before-work photos to ensure grant eligibility.
• Once the below-listed items have been completed, applicant will be notified that work may begin:
  
  • HIZ Assessment & Before Photos
  • HIZ Cost-Share Application
  • Project Rx provided to contractor
  • Selected contractor bid sent to GCWC

Step 4.) Project Completion & Reimbursement

• When the project is nearing completion or has been completed, it is solely the property owner's responsibility to notify GCWC. It is recommended to notify GCWC while work is still underway in case the contractor's work does not follow the prescription plan and/or project description.
• A post-work inspection will be conducted before reimbursment is issued.
• Required paperwork must be submitted to GCWC before reimbursement is issued. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Before & After Photos
  • Proof of Payment
  • Invoice
  • IRS Form W9
• Once all paperwork has been received and project completion has been verified, property owners will be notified of their final reimbursement amount and status.
• Please note, reimbursment may take up to 60 days depending on availability of funding.

Cost share funds have been generously donated by: 

• Congressionally-Delegated Funding sponsored by Colorado Senator Bennet

• Bureau of Land Management

• Colorado State Forest Service

• Weathertop Foundation

• Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District

• Middle Park Conservation District

• Grand Fire Protection District

• Coalitions and Collaboratives Inc. (COCO) through the Action, Implementation and Mitigation (AIM) Program

• Grand Foundation (Grand County Wildfire Emergency Fund)

• Grand County Open Lands, Rivers, & Trails Fund (OLRT)