CAR Looks to Expand Project Wildfire With Growing Member Engagement

Thankfully, this last year brought Colorado homeowners a smaller and less-intense wildfire season, but CAR’s Colorado Project Wildfire (CPW) is ramping up to contend with a warmer, dryer La Niña winter and the ensuing wildfire risk for property owners across Colorado in the months and years ahead.

This year-round, long-term group is comprised of dedicated REALTOR® members from across the state who volunteer their time to help educate homebuyers about wildfire mitigation and resources available throughout their communities.

“More than any governmental organization or trade industry, REALTORS® have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face discussions with homebuyers and sellers about these important issues and resources,” says Ulrich Salzgeber, 2021 CPW Chair. “It’s crucial that every REALTOR® and every community pitches in to educate consumers and help save homes.”

CAR initially created CPW in 2015 as a Task Force to help educate REALTOR® members about the risks of wildfire and make community resources available. Eventually CPW members saw the need expand to a yearround effort with a focus on relationships and knowledge of the local organizations, expert sources and resources available to homeowners.

Over the past several years, CPW has created and nurtured partnerships with local and state agencies including fire districts, the National Fire Protection Association, the Colorado State Forest Service and the insurance industry association. CPW Committee members’ hard work and dedication in addition to CAR’s lobbying efforts has earned property owners a place on the Colorado Fire Commission, which has just a few roles on its board for ex- officio private sector members.

As a member of CPW, you can:

•Be a direct resource for wildfire mitigation to prospective homebuyers and sellers.

•Bring an expert voice in your community by coordinating and promoting local educational programs at community centers, libraries, or other community group meetings.

•Use CPW grant dollars to help fund local efforts and give direct access to proven resources, (See the Summit County example)

• Work with the CAR lobby team and Government Affairs Division to contact legislators and organizations advocating for property rights.

“There is a need and a way for every REALTOR® who joins CPW to have a seat at the table and make an impact in their community and their business,” says Sarah Thorsteinson, CPW Vice Chair. “It’s critically important that we make the commitment to these issues and help create and implement solutions for ourselves, our clients and our communities.”

"It’s crucial that every REALTOR® and every community pitches in to educate consumers and help save homes.”

The next CPW meeting is on Feb. 22, 2022. To get the meeting link, please contact Bridget Garcia, bgarcia@coloradorealtors.com or 303-785-7118. Learn more at www.ColoradoREALTORS.com/projectwildfire