Wildfire Mitigation
What is Wildfire Mitigation?
Colorado ranks 3rd in the U.S. for number of properties at high or extreme risk for wildfire (Verisk Wildfire Risk Analysis). Wildfire mitigation is the implementation of various measures designed to reduce the damage a wildfire may have on one’s property and increase human safety. Some measures are designed to modify the environment surrounding a structure that puts the structure at higher risk of destruction by a wildfire. Other measures focus on modifying the structure itself or establishing new practices to improve its ability to withstand a wildfire.
Within the City of Lone Tree and the surrounding area, wildfire risk ranges from low to high, depending on the area. The City partners with South Metro Fire Rescue to provide wildfire mitigation measures and resources.
Lone Tree Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The City of Lone Tree is currently working with South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR), Douglas County, and Colorado State Forest Service to create a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The plan will include risk assessments; mitigation strategies specific to neighborhoods and higher-risk areas; public education and outreach; and updates to building and zoning codes and development design guidelines and standards. Continue to check back to this page for updates to the plan and how you can get involved.
Wildfire Mitigation Zoning and Subdivision Codes
In July 2023, the Lone Tree City Council adopted changes to the City’s Zoning and Subdivision codes for the purposes of assessing wildfire risk for new developments in Lone Tree. These regulations will require applicable new development applications to include a professionally developed wildfire risk assessment. Depending on the assessment, developers may be required to submit a wildfire mitigation plan as part of their development application, which may be used to apply additional protections to the new development. Examples of possible mitigation requirements include prohibitions on certain landscaping treatments or plants in high-risk areas, additional setback requirements between structures, and/or wildfire risk disclosures on subdivision plats to inform future residents. Read the full ordinances through the following links:
- Ordinance 23-06 Wildfire Mitigation and Development
- Ordinance 23-07 Wildfire Mitigation and Subdivisions
With questions related to the wildfire mitigation zoning and subdivision codes, please contact the Planning Division, or call (720) 509-1180.
Preparing for a Wildfire
Properties near open space or undeveloped land are at higher risk for wildfire hazard. However, given the unpredictable nature and behavior of wildfire, property and business owners in densely developed urban areas should also consider the wildfire hazard presented to their property and take action to mitigate its effects. By learning about and adopting wildfire mitigation practices, homeowners can substantially increase their safety and reduce the risk to life and property.
Here are some proactive steps you can take to mitigate risk to your safety and property right now:
- Sign up for CodeRED – Douglas County’s Reverse 911 system that alerts users of emergencies in the area
- Clear gutters and roof valleys of pine needles, leaves, and debris
- Mow grasses regularly; keep grass short and well-watered to hinder the spread of flames
- Space out trees and shrubs from each other and from the exterior of your home, making it harder for flames to travel
- If you have a wooden roof, improve it with fire-resistant ceramic tiles, slate or composite shingles, or metal sheets
- Don’t leave flammable material such as trash, lawn furniture, or propane tanks against the exterior of your home or under decks
Stay informed!
Use the following links to stay informed about wildfire risk where you live.
Free Home Assessments
South Metro Fire Rescue has created a free self-guided survey to help you determine the level of wildfire risk for your home. Homeowners who score in the higher-risk categories will be prompted to contact SMFR’s Risk Reduction Specialist for a free follow-up assessment to walk the property and discuss strategies to protect your home from wildfire. If you have any additional questions on your home’s wildfire risk, please email [email protected].
Preparedness Resources
The following resources, provided by SMFR, Douglas County, and other partners, offer helpful information on how to create and maintain effective wildfire mitigation on your property.
Properly Insure Your Home Against Wildfire
Throughout the country, wildfires continue to expose an important issue: most homes are significantly underinsured against wildfire. Current estimates of the insurance gap in homes affected by the 2021 Marshall Fire range between $100,000-250,000 per family. Underinsurance can lead to untold financial hardship, that’s often only realized after the damage has been done. Learning your insurance only covers a percentage of losses after losing your home can be a devastating realization, amid already-challenging circumstances.
Insurance Resources
The The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Insurance provides resources for insuring your property and reducing risk. For information on how to prepare for a natural disaster event, view the Colorado Property & Insurance Wildfire Preparedness Guide, or visit the Division’s Disaster-Ready webpage.
Following the Marshall Fire, the Division also created a fire-response document addressing frequently asked questions from impacted homeowners. The document contains information on specific types of coverage to consider in your policy, and answers to questions that can be used to guide preparedness considerations.
Bottom Line: Contact your insurance company to find out or update your coverage related to wildfire, and take steps to help reduce your home’s wildfire risk.