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Douglas County deputies warn of extreme fire danger, roll out two-step evacuation protocol and upgraded online reporting
Summary
Division Chief Joel White briefed the district board on extreme fire danger, a simplified pre-evacuation/evacuation order protocol, vehicle-mounted sirens with prerecorded messages, and a new online reporting system for non-emergency incidents; officials urged residents to enroll in the voluntary DougCo Alert system.
Division Chief Joel White of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office updated the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District board on Feb. 24 that fire danger in the area is currently rated extreme and described steps the Sheriff’s Office is taking to improve evacuations and resident reporting.
White said the county has adopted a simplified two-step evacuation protocol—Pre‑Evacuation Notice followed by an Evacuation Order—to align with Front Range partners and speed response. He said the Sheriff’s Office will deploy a new high‑low siren mounted on patrol vehicles accompanied by a prerecorded evacuation message and county alert notifications; door‑to‑door notifications will be used as needed.
White also described an upgraded online reporting system for non-emergency, non-active incidents that allows residents to file reports and upload evidence 24/7 and receive case numbers for insurance and documentation; he emphasized that 911 remains the route for active emergencies. The county continues outreach to increase enrollment in its voluntary DougCo Alert sign-up system.
White reviewed recent incidents, including an officer-involved shooting, a vehicle pursuit, and a road‑rage shooting, and said technology such as license‑plate readers is aiding investigations. Board members asked questions and thanked White for the briefing.
