A Year of Preparedness and Much to Be Thankful For

As the year draws to a close, the Coal Creek Canyon Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Implementation Committee is taking a moment to reflect on the tremendous support, collaboration, and progress our community has achieved together. In a year marked by significant strides in wildfire preparedness, we want to share what we are most grateful for, and to highlight the people, voters, and partners who made this progress possible.

First and foremost, we extend our sincere gratitude to every Coal Creek Canyon resident who voted “yes” on the mill levy increase during the November 2025 election. This community decision was not only a milestone—it was a resounding demonstration of collective trust and shared responsibility for our fire district. Thanks to your support, the Coal Creek Canyon Fire Protection District (CCCFPD) can continue protecting our community with the resources and tools needed for modern wildfire challenges.

This mill levy increase directly supports the safety and wellbeing of our volunteer firefighters, who give countless hours of service each year. It also provides the district with the ability to update critical firefighting technology and maintain operational readiness. Additionally, this funding helps lay the groundwork for the next update of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, scheduled for 2029, a process that will guide our community’s mitigation efforts for the next decade. For all of these reasons, the Committee is deeply thankful for the community’s confidence and investment.

We are also profoundly grateful for Jefferson County’s continued dedication to wildfire mitigation and preparedness. In June 2025, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a landmark $7 million budget request from the Sheriff’s Office to establish the new Wildland Fire Management Program. This decision represents one of the most significant county-level commitments to wildfire risk reduction in recent years. It signals a strong alignment between county leadership and communities like ours.

This program will fund 37 new staff positions, dramatically expanding Jefferson County’s capacity to support wildfire preparedness. These new roles include:

●     A fully staffed wildland fire engine, equipped with two eight-person crews who will support both wildfire response and important mitigation work.

●     A strengthened planning and analytics team, dedicated to data-driven wildfire risk assessment, project prioritization, and long-term strategic planning.

●     New community engagement and risk-assessment personnel, who will work directly with residents to help them understand their wildfire risk and take practical steps to reduce it.

These investments will support Coal Creek Canyon and other high-risk communities across Jefferson County, helping ensure that residents have the resources, information, and assistance they need. The Committee recognizes that meaningful wildfire resilience requires this kind of regional support and partnership.

Finally, the Coal Creek Canyon CWPP Committee is thankful for the ongoing commitment of our local volunteers, CWPP Community Ambassadors, partner organizations, and community members. Whether you lead your community wildfire mitigation group, attend meetings, cut defensible space around your home, participate in CWPP initiatives, help a neighbor prepare, or simply stay informed, you are part of a larger effort that truly makes a difference. Wildfire preparedness is a community-wide responsibility, and Coal Creek Canyon continues to demonstrate what it looks like when neighbors work together with intention and care.

As we move into a new year of planning and continued mitigation efforts, the Committee remains grateful for every resident and partner who plays a part in keeping our community safe. Your support fuels this work and makes a safer, more resilient Coal Creek Canyon possible. For more information on how you can protect your home and family from wildfire please see the CWPP website at www.CoalCreekCWPP.org.