Voices of Open Space

Wildfire has always been part of Colorado’s landscape, but the way we experience it is changing.In this episode, host Sarah Quiroga speaks with David Garcia, Water Resources Wildfire Mitigation Specialist for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, about the evolving relationship between people, land, and fire.Together, they explore how wildfire behaves, why mitigation matters more than ever, and what individuals and communities can do to reduce risk. From historic ditch systems to modern neighborhoods, this conversation highlights the importance of preparation, awareness, and collective action.In This Episode:Understanding wildfire as a natural processThe shift from suppression to mitigationClimate change and year-round fire riskLessons from the Marshall FireManaging fuel along ditch corridorsWhat defensible space really looks likeEasy steps to protect your homeWhy neighbors matter in wildfire mitigationLocal programs and financial support for homeownersFeatured Resources:Ditch Wildfire Mitigation Program: Ditch Wildfire Mitigation Program - Boulder CountyBoulder County Wildfire Mitigation Program: https://bouldercounty.gov/disasters/wildfires/mitigation/wildfire-mitigation-programs/Boulder County $500 Wildfire Mitigation Rebate: https://bouldercounty.gov/news/500-wildfire-mitigation-rebate-opens-two-months-early/Wildfire Partners Rebate: https://wildfirepartners.org/rebate/City of Boulder’s Wildfire Resilience Assistance Program: https://bouldercolorado.gov/WRAPCity of Boulder’s Be Wildfire Ready: https://bouldercolorado.gov/wildfirereadyOriginal music, including the theme song and all transitional pieces, was composed and performed by Tim Ostdiek.