After an unusually mild winter with little snowfall, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is taking an uncommon step—repurposing approximately $12 million in unused snowplowing funds to help reduce wildfire risk across the state.
With fewer winter storms than expected, CDOT officials say the surplus funding will now be used for wildfire mitigation efforts, with a primary focus on removing dead or dying trees along roadways. These trees can act as fuel for fast-moving fires, especially during Colorado’s increasingly dry and warm seasons.
In addition to these prevention efforts, CDOT is urging travelers to take extra precautions as fire danger rises:
- Do not throw cigarettes from vehicles
- Ensure trailer chains and towing equipment are secure to prevent sparks
- Avoid stopping in dry grass or fire-prone areas, especially if your vehicle is experiencing mechanical issues
Officials emphasize that even small sparks can quickly ignite dangerous wildfires under current conditions. With fire season approaching, both mitigation work and public awareness will play a key role in keeping Colorado communities safe.
