Firewise of Southwest Colorado has teamed up with Southwest Conservation Corps to defend rural homes and neighborhoods from wildfires.

The project is funded by a $23,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and targets low-income residents.

Last week, crews created fire breaks on homes near Narraguinnep Reservoir and on Lebanon Road.

"We focused on elderly homeowners for part of this project," said Firewise coordinator Rebecca Samulski. "They understand the work needs to be done, but can't afford it and need help with the heavy work."

At Pumpkin Yeager's property, overgrown oak brush, pine and juniper trees were selectively cleared away from the home.

"I had too many trees," Yeager said. "I signed up for the program because if a lightening strike hits here, it threatens my homes and my neighbors. The help has been a real blessing."

Crews use chain saws to create breaks in vegetation and tree stands to eliminate a fuel path to the home.

Firewise works with landowners on which trees and shrubs to save.

"The homeowner is elderly and still cleans her own gutters," Samulski said. "She has been a pleasure to work with."

Yeager took time to control buildup of pine needles, which can catch fire and travel on wind currents for miles.

Properties with defensible space are more likely to be spared fire damage because the fire will be low-intensity and burn near the ground.

To prevent more destructive crown fires, trees and shrubbery were cut back to reduce ladder fuels. Growth and pine needles around propane tanks are reduced.

Slash piles are chipped and composted at the Montezuma County landfill, which waived tipping fees. Trees are also cut and stacked for firewood.

"You could not see the house yesterday from all the brush," said field crew leader Zach Cardosi. "Our work has a lasting impact, and the homeowner is very grateful."

A 15-acre field break will be created on the south and west sides of the Vista Verde Village mobile home park in Cortez. Sagebrush there is a fire hazard, and will be reduced into a mosaic pattern, Samulski said.

In Towaoc, fields between neighborhoods will receive brush mitigation this fall.

Samulski said public education is needed regarding the risk of wildfire to homes.

"Embers from a distant fires could easily ignite old wooden fences that act like fire wicks," she said. "It can then spread to firewood stacks, onto decks and homes. Better planning and awareness can prevent catastrophe."

Southwest Corp members seem to relish the work

"We're out here to improve the safety of the community," said Andrew Olegario, 24, of Seattle. "A hundred years of fire suppression has created forests that are too dense and vulnerable to large fires. We're here to thin them out and create a more natural landscape."

Hannah Green, 18, of Vermont, headed west for the adventure and outdoor work.

"My mom told me about it and so I applied and drove out," she said. "We went through a lot of safety instruction and learned how to use chain saws to make different cuts."

Firewise is looking for volunteers. If interested, call Rebecca at (970) 564-7860.