CRFD wildfire protection plan tops Town Council’s Jan. 18 meeting agenda

Protecting the community from the threat of wildland fire is a top priority for Castle Rock Fire and Rescue. A plan has been in the works since 2016, and a resolution to finalize the department’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be a topic on Town Council’s Jan. 18 meeting agenda. View the full agenda online.

Here is a closer look:

Resolution finalizing Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s 2022 Community Wildfire Protection Plan – Town Council will be asked to approve and adopt Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s 2022 Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The plan was developed through a series of comprehensive, scientifically based analyses of wildfire-related hazards and risks in areas the CRFD serves where wildland and urban areas meet.

This plan was a collaborative effort among the Town, Douglas County, and the Colorado State Forest Service. It provides mitigation strategies and tactics to protect life; homes and other property; infrastructure; and recreation and environmental resources in the case of a significant wildfire. Recommendations include public education, fuel management, and the identification of home ignition zones, water supplies and access/evacuation.

During the assessment, the Town was broken into 19 residential hazard zones. Each zone was evaluated for a hazard risk of either moderate, high or very high. As a result, two zones were rated as moderate, 12 were rated as high and five were rated as very high. Implementing this plan will help the Town move forward on projects to reduce risks associated with wildland fire, with a priority first on very high-rated areas.

Castle Rock Fire and Rescue is an internationally accredited agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and is responsible for all aspects of wildland fire including planning, mitigation and response in the department’s service area.

Learn more about the Community Wildfire Protection plan at CRgov.com/WildfireSafety.

Also on the agenda, Council will be asked to approve the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of $30 million in bonds for Castle Rock Water. The funding would be used for projects including a pipeline through Parker Water and Sanitation District to transport additional WISE water to the community; a new 822-acre-foot reservoir in Sedalia; and a new pipeline and pump station to move water from the Plum Creek Basin to Rueter-Hess Reservoir for storage.

Stay tuned

Town Council generally meets twice a month to make decisions that impact the community. Whether it’s a road project, construction contract or budget amendment, Town Council is working to represent you.

Wondering what happens next? Keep an eye on your inbox. A follow-up email will be sent detailing the outcomes of this meeting.

This will be a hybrid meeting, with both virtual and in-person attendance options available. Those planning to participate virtually are requested to visit CRgov.com/CouncilComments by 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, to provide written feedback, or to sign up to speak during the meeting by phone or web. Public comment may also be provided live in person and online during the meeting, which will be accessible virtually at CRgov.com/CouncilMeeting.

Questions? Email Council.

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