In an era where wildfire risks are intensifying across the American West, the City of Lone Tree has proactively developed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), approved by the State and adopted by City Council in May.  The 2025 Lone Tree Community Wildfire Protection Plan represents a forward-thinking, community-driven approach to wildfire resilience. By blending technical expertise, public engagement, and a clear roadmap for action, Lone Tree is taking definitive steps to protect lives, property, and natural resources from the escalating threat of wildfires.  

Background and Process 

Building upon the framework of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA), this strategic plan represents a collaborative effort between City departments, fire and emergency services, regional partners, and the community. Its core mission is to provide a detailed assessment of wildfire risks and actionable strategies at the community-, neighborhood-, and individual property-levels to mitigate potential threats in the Lone Tree community.  

Wildfires like the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire and 2021 Marshall Fire underscored how rapidly fire can devastate urban communities. Recognizing similar vulnerabilities in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas of Lone Tree, City leaders began collaborating with partners and key stakeholders in 2022 to assess and address wildfire risks. 

The City’s 6 Big Ideas include a deep, active commitment to public safety (Big Idea #1) by fostering awareness and preparedness via citizen and staff engagement. Wildfire risk is discussed in the City’s Comprehensive Plan as an environmental hazard, and the development of a CWPP is identified as a priority goal for implementation. Wildfire Protection and Mitigation Planning is also identified in the 2021 Douglas County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan as an action item for the City of Lone Tree.  

The CWPP further supplements recently updated City policies related to protecting the community from the risk of wildfire; these policies include the 2022 update to the City’s open burn ordinance (Ordinance 22-03), and the 2023 updates to zoning and subdivision codes related to assessing wildfire risk of new developments and requiring further mitigation action for high-risk areas (Ordinance 23-06 [Zoning] and Ordinance 23-07 [Subdivisions]).  

The Colorado State Forest Service oversees all Colorado CWPPs and has established minimum standards they must meet. Lone Tree’s CWPP was approved by the State in March 2025; meeting State standards is the first step in the approval process and signifies that various procedural and data analysis components were completed in accordance with State requirements.  

Notably, whereas most CWPPs are completed by a hired consultant, Lone Tree’s was authored entirely in-house by City staff. Not only did this save the City considerable funding, but it also enhanced the in-house knowledge of wildfire behavior and Lone Tree’s specific risk, allowing the team to tailor mitigation efforts uniquely to the community.  

Community Collaboration 

Part of the State’s CWPP standards includes convening a Core Team comprised of various key stakeholders, who lead the development of the plan. Lone Tree’s CWPP Core Team consisted of representatives from: South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR), Douglas County, Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), South Suburban Parks & Recreation District (SSPRD), Rampart Range Metropolitan District (RRMD), and City of Lone Tree staff. The team gathered public feedback through surveys and worked directly with HOA representatives and community members.  

Key Recommendations for the Community 

Two factors have emerged as the primary determinants of a home’s ability to survive a wildfire: the quality of the defensible space and a structure’s ignitability. Together, these two factors create a concept called the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ), which includes the structure and the space immediately surrounding the structure. The condition of the HIZ principally determines the potential for structure ignitions during a wildfire. Defensible space is defined as an area around a structure that has been modified to reduce fire hazards and is categorized by three zones: Zone 1 is the area 0 to 5 feet from the home; Zone 2 extends 5 to 30 feet from the home; and Zone 3 is 30 to 100 feet from the home. 

Zone 1, the immediate 5-foot area around a structure, is one of the most critical elements for protecting a home from wildfire. This area should be clear of debris and combustible material, such as mulch, propane grills, and wooden or wicker patio furniture and cushions. This also includes vegetation and trees, such as junipers, that are highly flammable and capable of quick, intense fires.  

The reason quality defensible space is so important – particularly Zone 1 – is because most structures ignite from flying embers during wildfire. Embers are burning chunks that get lofted above a fire through the rising heat, and can travel extensive distances with strong wind. Even pea-sized embers can start fires if they land on anything flammable, including things like dead leaves in nooks and crannies of homes or decks. Eliminating or reducing fuels and ignition sources within the 5-foot area around a home help decrease the risk of anything catching on fire, and thereby reduce the potential for the fire to spread to the home. 

In addition to resources to enhance a home’s defensible space, the CWPP also includes information on low-flammability landscape plants, tips for implementing neighborhood-wide measures, strategies for the City and its partners, resources for understanding the community’s risk, and tools to enhance resiliency against wildfire. 

Residents Play a Key Role  

Implementing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for the Lone Tree community is a great step toward improving safety and resilience. Here are practical, actionable tips for residents to follow: 

Create Defensible Space (at least 100 feet if possible): 

• Clear dead vegetation, dry leaves, and pine needles from your yard, roof, gutters, and under decks. 
• Trim tree branches at least 10 feet away from chimneys and other trees. 
• Maintain lawns and keep vegetation low and well-watered. 

Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials: 

• Replace wood shake roofs with Class A fire-rated roofing 
• Use ember-resistant vents and double-paned or tempered glass windows 
• Install non-combustible fencing within 5 feet of the home. 

Zone Your Property: 

• Zone 0 (0–5 feet): Remove all flammable materials (mulch, plants, furniture). 
• Zone 1 (5–30 feet): Keep grass short and space out plants. 
• Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Thin trees and remove ladder fuels. 

Create a Wildfire Action Plan: 

• Know at least two evacuation routes. 
• Establish a family communication plan. 
• Practice evacuation drills regularly. 

Pack a Go-Bag: 

• Include essentials: water, food, clothing, medications, important documents, chargers, and a flashlight. 

Stay Informed: 

• Sign up for local emergency alerts and fire notifications through the City’s CodeRed Emergency Notification System. To learn more and sign up for CodeRed, visit dcsheriff.net/codered.  

Review Your Home Insurance: 

• Make sure you’re covered for wildfire damage. 
• Document your home’s contents with photos or videos.