LARKSPUR
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
Progression | Dedication | Sacrifice
Wildfire Mitigation
It's When, Not If
No one knows when or where wildfires will happen. We do know they have always existed and will continue to threaten lives and property in our area and across the state and nation. So, what to do?
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Register your mobile devices to get emergency alerts from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at DougCoAlert.com This system replaces CodeRed and even if you registered for CodeRed previously, you must re-register in the new system.
Mitigate your own property and work with your neighbors on community mitigation efforts. Mitigation requires continuous effort but can pay off immensely when fires threaten. It's this simple - reducing the amount of fuel on your property will make your property more defensible and more survivable because removing fuel lowers a fire's intensity. Download a checklist of actions you can take.
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Learn more about what you can do to help us, help you by following the links below. And contact us if you would like a free wildfire assessment of your property or if you have any questions. We can offer advice on how to harden your home - what you do with that advice is up to you.
Douglas County's Wildfire Mitigation page
Colorado State Forest Service mitigation page
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Letter from the fire chief
Dear Larkspur Residents,
Multiple wildfires have burned several thousand acres immediately adjacent to our district over the last several weeks. One recent fire occurred just outside of our boundary line and raced across grassy fields and pristine ranches before a large commitment of regional resources slowed and then stopped the fire with the assistance of both an aerial water tanker and helicopter. Wildland fire events require a significant number of both personnel and apparatus from all nearby departments to not only fight the fire, but to also protect structures, assist in evacuations, defend livestock and transport water.
The fast-moving and unpredictable characteristics of wind-driven fires make them highly dangerous to firefighters and residents alike. Historically, the 110 square miles of our district would largely be unaffected by fire in the traditional winter months due to snow and the moisture it brings. This year, past patterns of snow laden storms have not appeared, and current predictions project a continuing period of dry weather. While it could snow soon, the combination of high winds, low moisture levels, and spring-like temperatures are triggering near daily threatening hazards and may potentially contribute to drought-like conditions during our summer months.
Our residents chose our region due to a strong desire to live in an undeveloped area full of natural beauty, stunning sights, and undisturbed natural features. It is rare that, within a short drive of a state’s two largest cities, you can live in an area with no traffic lights and very little commercial activity. Like you, the Larkspur Fire family has a strong and unwavering desire to preserve the rural beauty of our area.
How property owners prepare for fire in the wildland urban interface is an individual choice. Some may choose to fully mitigate their property while others may elect to pursue lesser measures for any number of reasons. While these are individual choices, we can offer information, assistance and support to our citizens as they consider ways to prepare for the potential of fire threatening their homes and families.
We ask that you evaluate how you can prepare your home and property for this season’s risk. To help, our Fire Marshal and other LFPD team members are prepared to assist you with free home and property reviews to help property owners reduce the risks they may face from wildland fire. To make a request, you can call us (303.681.3284) or fill out this form.
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Sincerely,
Timothy L. McCawley
Fire Chief
Large scale mitigation efforts, community-wide efforts, can be effective in slowing big wildfires. Some neighborhoods in the Larkspur area have joined together to create Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs). Take a look at the plan created by the Communities of Greater Sageport.