Castle Pines ran a wildfire mitigation grant program in 2026 to help homeowners and HOAs create defensible space around their properties. The 2026 application window has closed; here's how it worked, for anyone planning ahead for the next cycle.
What's Covered
HOAs can request up to $5,000 and individual residents up to $250, with a required 50% match, for:
- Tree trimming and removal
- Brush clearing
- Defensible space work on private property (home hardening for residents; open-space and vegetation work for HOAs)
- Other mitigation measures that reduce fire risk
Why It Matters
Castle Pines sits in a high wildfire risk area. Creating defensible space — clearing vegetation within 30-100 feet of your home — significantly improves your property's chances of surviving a wildfire.
These grants help offset the cost of work that can run into the thousands of dollars. The City budgeted $40,000 for the 2026 cycle.
The 2026 Cycle
- Applications released: January 5, 2026
- Applications closed: March 31, 2026
- Notice of awards: April 1, 2026
- Project completion / final report deadline: December 31, 2026, 11:59pm
More info: castlepinesco.gov/wildfiregrant
The City says it's anticipated that funding will be allocated annually, so residents and HOAs who miss the 2026 window are expected to get another chance to apply in 2027 — watch the same page for next year's dates.
Tips for Defensible Space
Zone 1 (0-15 feet from home):
- Remove dead plants, leaves, and pine needles
- Keep gutters clean
- Use fire-resistant landscaping
Zone 2 (15-100 feet from home):
- Create spacing between trees and shrubs
- Remove ladder fuels (vegetation that can carry fire from ground to tree canopy)
- Keep grass mowed to 4 inches or less
Sources: City of Castle Pines, March 2026; Community Wildfire Mitigation Grant page (2026 cycle timeline, funding amounts, $40,000 budget), checked Oct. 12, 2026. The Town's wildfire-mitigation URL changed since our original report; this article now links the current page.