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Douglas County captain reports open arson probe, outlines fireworks hotline and event security plans
Summary
Captain Dan McMillan told Castle Pines City Council of an active arson investigation in open space, described helicopter 'intel flights', announced a July 4 fireworks hotline (303‑814‑7118) and outlined security and traffic planning for the upcoming BMW/PGA events; he also described FLAC license‑plate camera benefits.
Captain Dan McMillan of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office updated city council on public‑safety issues, including an active arson investigation in county open space, expanded operations for the July 4 holiday and planning for the upcoming BMW/PGA events.
McMillan said the sheriff’s office is investigating an open‑space fire and that, when needed, the county leases a helicopter June through October and will launch 'intel flights' to gather information. "There is an active arson investigation going on at the open space," McMillan said, adding that some investigative details could not be released because the matter involves juveniles.
For July 4 McMillan said the county will field extra patrols and operate a fireworks hotline from July 4 through July 6, 6 p.m. to about midnight; the hotline number he gave was (303) 814‑7118. Deputies will be empowered to cite and confiscate illegal fireworks and the county asked residents to provide probable cause and witness information to help enforcement.
McMillan also described planning for the BMW/PGA event dates (mid‑August to late August). He said law enforcement and event security partners are meeting weekly, the state patrol and event security lead are coordinating access and parking options, and the county will deploy layered security resources — including explosive detection dogs and screening at gates — as appropriate. He noted shuttle plans and that crowds will create traffic impacts on I‑25 and surrounding routes.
On investigative technology, McMillan described the county’s use of FLAC license‑plate cameras as a force multiplier: the cameras capture license‑plate images (not driver photos) and have helped track stolen vehicles and identify suspects across jurisdictions. He said the county plans camera expansions and enhancements (including infrared for better night images), and stressed that data access is limited and the system is not a general surveillance camera for drivers.
Council members thanked the sheriff’s office for the update and asked questions about coordination with the city, the PGA event’s potential local impacts and how camera data is used. McMillan said he is involved in ongoing regional planning and will keep the city updated as event plans finalize.
The sheriff’s office update concluded with reminders about vehicle security and community reporting: "Please lock your vehicles," McMillan said, and he urged residents to report suspicious activity to dispatch or the special fireworks hotline during the holiday period.
