Are you at risk?
More than 3 million Coloradans live in the wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). Are you one of them?
Inspection & Assessment
Take proactive steps to protect your home and property from the threat of wildfire.
ABOUT EFM
With a focus on safety, our goal is to provide affordable solutions to protect homes and property. We take a practical approach to assessing the highest priority actions you can take, always with your goals and needs in mind. We work with State and Local agencies to utilize grant funding and incentives for property owners for fuels reduction and protecting their homes. Our crew will be courteous to you and respectful of your property. We offer premium services at a fair cost, provided with integrity.
MEET THE CREW
STEVE BARBOUR
As the owner of EFM, I am dedicated to protecting homes and natural landscapes from the devastating effects of wildfires. I’m your neighbor and believe we all have to do our part to protect our homes, and in the process, we protect the forests and communities around us. I enjoy being outside and getting projects done, and I’m kind of a geek about machines and heavy equipment.
With a hands-on approach, I ensure that every project is completed with precision and care. I take pride in serving my community, and making a meaningful impact through fire safety education and risk reduction efforts.
When I’m not on the job, you’ll find me exploring the great outdoors with my family and our dog, Bentley.
Let’s work together to protect what matters most.
BRIAN
Groundsman
As a former Marine and longtime resident of Bailey, I understand the importance of the work we do. It allows me to make a real difference, contributing to the safety of the people and places I care about. I take pride in the work I do, knowing it plays a crucial role in preventing disasters and keeping our landscapes safe.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, camping under Colorado’s wide-open skies, gaming, and D&D. Whether out in the field or enjoying the outdoors, I’m always up for a challenge and ready to serve.
KIRSTEN
Groundsman
High energy, high focus (well, sometimes), and always on the move—that’s me. I thrive in this field where every day brings new challenges and a new way to keep my mind and body engaged. Fitness is my outlet, and whether I’m moving slash or hitting the gym, I bring the same level of intensity and dedication.
I’m also a serious dog lover—if there’s a pup around, you can bet I’ll be the first to say hello. I’m not just here to clear defensible space—I’m also the civilizing force that keeps the crew in line and operations running (mostly) smoothly.
Off the clock, you’ll find me running, biking, chasing the dogs, or keeping my crew at home from going completely feral.
WHAT IS FIRE MITIGATION?
Fire mitigation is the act of reducing the risk of wildfire damage to homes and communities. This is accomplished by vegetation management to reduce the fuels around structures, home hardening efforts to increase the fire resistance of structures, and property maintenance.
We work with our local Fire Departments and Foresters to evaluate and establish Defensible Space around your structures to provide the best odds of protecting your home should wildfire affect your community.
WHERE IS THIS MOST IMPORTANT?
Wildland urban interface (WUI)
Is the zone where human development meets undeveloped wildland. It’s where I live and includes the communities that I work in along the 285 corridor and Evergreen. Here, we live among unparalleled beauty and face challenges. Wildland fires are the scariest part of living here. Though, there’s a lot we can do to protect our homes and the landscapes we love.
There are Federal, State, and Local funds available to help homeowners in WUI zones protect their homes and properties. Give us a call to discuss what grants and benefits may be available to help with your Fire Mitigation needs.
Defensible Space means reducing flammable vegetation and materials creating a buffer zone around your house and other structures.
Ground Fuels
Removing the buildup of dried pine needles, leaves, dead wood, etc. can slow and cool the intensity of the fire as it burns through an area.
Ladder Fuels
Removing vegetation that would carry fire vertically from the ground into the canopy of taller trees may keep fire on the ground, which may reduce the destruction of larger trees and reduce heat and ember transition to structures.
Canopy Spacing
Providing adequate spacing between mature trees can defend against fire being able to jump from tree to tree like a domino effect of destruction. Also, a healthy forest is a resilient forest. Thinning the density of trees reduces competition for limited resources. Trees with reduced competition for moisture and nutrients will have a better chance of fighting off attacks from insects like the Pine Beatle and other diseases. Yes, we love the trees, it’s a big reason we chose to live here, and thinning some of them will help the rest of them be more resilient whether there is a fire or not.
Our goal is to leave your property beautiful and resilient.
Fire Mitigation does not mean clear-cutting or barren landscapes.
Let us help you protect your home and your trees.
SERVICES
Fire Mitigation Services
- Tree removal
- Climbing / Technical Removal
- Hazzard Trees
- Slash hauling and / or Chipping
- Fire Breaks and fuels reduction
- Decorative Rock install
- Home Hardening Solutions
- Masonry Retaining walls and Patios
- Property Maintenance
