Douglas County signs five‑year fire operating plan with federal and state partners

Douglas County commissioners on June 24 approved a five‑year Fire Operating Plan that formalizes cooperative wildfire response and standard operating procedures among Douglas County, the U.S. Forest Service and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

Mike Alexander, director of Douglas County Emergency Management, told the board the document "sets forth standard operating procedures and protocols, roles and responsibilities to implement cooperative wildfire protection and cooperation on all lands within Douglas County." Alexander said the county’s approach rests on partnerships, early detection, emerging technologies and an aggressive initial attack strategy that uses the county’s dedicated helitack helicopter team.

Alexander and the county’s public relations materials noted recent operational results: Douglas County helitack located a recently reported fire within about 30 minutes of an AI detection alert and contained it at roughly 3 acres. Alexander said the county put out 34 wildfires last year, nine of which were outside the county and reimbursed; in 2025 the county had responded to five wildfires within county boundaries, none exceeding 3 acres.

Commissioners and staff framed the plan as a mitigation and response priority given the county’s wildfire risk, noting that a single square mile of property in Douglas County represents an estimated $150 million in property value. Alexander said the county’s helitack program and use of detection technology have positioned Douglas County as a national example; the video shown at the meeting is scheduled to be presented to a congressional subcommittee on emerging fire‑prevention technologies.

A motion to approve the Fire Operating Plan was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.