The Castle Pines Community Wildfire Prevention Implementation Plan was adopted by the City Council during the June 25 meeting. The plan addresses the most immediate wildfire mitigation needs for open space parcels in the community and establishes guidelines and best practices for conducting effective wildfire mitigation work, ensuring long-term fire resilience.
During the June 25 meeting, the City Council also authorized mechanical wildfire mitigation work for 255 acres of City-maintained open space around the community. This work will begin in the coming weeks and is expected to be completed later this year. A map of identified properties by phase is available on the project webpage.
Mechanical wildfire mitigation is necessary to create defensible spaces, reduce fuel loads, and protect lives, property, and the environment from the devastating impacts of wildfires. Mechanical mitigation enhances community safety, protects property, reduces the intensity of wildfires, and promotes overall fire resilience. It's a proactive measure to prevent wildfire disasters.
Mechanical fire mitigation also benefits firefighters. When communities have created defensible spaces and reduced fuel loads, it becomes safer for firefighters to defend homes and properties during a wildfire.
The 255 acres that were identified as mitigation priorities were selected based on recommendations from wildfire mitigation specialists who used data to identify high-risk areas. Every open space parcel under the City's jurisdiction was also physically evaluated through on-site inspections.