By Arielle Hodgson, Management Analyst III, Emergency & Risk Manager
Fifteen of the top 20 largest wildfires by acreage in Colorado’s history have occurred in the last 10 years, with the top three all taking place in 2020 (Cameron Peak, East Troublesome, Pine Gulch). As the wildland-urban interface grows, so does the risk of larger, more destructive fires.
At the May 3 Lone Tree City Council Meeting, Mayor Jackie Millet signed a proclamation declaring May 2022 as Wildfire Awareness Month for the City of Lone Tree, an observance to encourage residents to better prepare their homes and neighborhoods for wildfires. With nearly half of all Coloradans – about 3 million people – living in the wildland-urban interface, it is important that people take action to increase their safety and reduce the risk to life and property.
The City of Lone Tree is currently working with South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFRA) to create a wildfire mitigation plan. The plan will include mitigation strategies specific to neighborhoods and higher-risk areas, public education and outreach, updates to building and zoning codes, and development design guidelines and standards.
In the meantime, 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
Free Home Assessments
SMFRA offers free, 30-minute home assessments, wherein one of SMFRA’s Life Safety Educators will walk the property and discuss strategies for improving safety.
To schedule a free home assessment, call 720-989- 2271, or email LifeSafetyEducation@southmetro.org.
For more information on wildfire mitigation, including updates on the Lone Tree Wildfire Mitigation Plan, resources, and additional alert subscription options, visit cityoflonetree.com/ wildfire. Also, be sure to follow the City of Lone Tree on social media for even more tips and resources throughout Wildfire Awareness Month of May!
