Building Wildfire Resilience in Coal Creek: Highlights from Fire Lives Here Screening

On February 19th, 2026, members of the Coal Creek community gathered for a screening of Fire Lives Here, a documentary that explores what it means to live with wildfire in the front range and how communities can take action to prepare for it. The event brought together residents, local partners, and wildfire professionals for an evening focused on learning, conversation, and shared responsibility around wildfire resilience.

The screening was made possible thanks to our incredible partners: Northern Colorado Fireshed Collaborative (NCFC), Jefferson Conservation District, Wildfire Partners, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, ISET International, Coal Creek Canyon Fire Protection District (CCCFPD), the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association, and the Coal Creek Community Wildfire Protection Plan Implementation Committee. Events like this reflect the growing collaboration between agencies, nonprofits, and community groups working together to reduce wildfire risk in Coal Creek Canyon and throughout the foothills.

Fire Lives Here highlights communities that are shifting their approach to wildfire, moving from reacting to fires after they start toward proactively reducing risk and preparing for the reality that fire is a natural part of western landscapes. Through stories from fire practitioners, scientists, and residents, the film illustrates how collaboration, education, and mitigation work can help communities better coexist with wildfire.

Following the film, attendees participated in a panel discussion with local wildfire professionals and partners about what the themes of the film mean for Coal Creek Canyon. Panelists included Izzy Sofio from NCFC, Mike Smith from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Garrett Ball, Chief of CCCFPD. The discussion focused on the canyon’s ongoing wildfire risk and the importance of taking proactive steps now, especially after a dry and warm winter paired with frequent wind events that can quickly dry vegetation. Panelists emphasized that much of the land in the canyon is privately owned, meaning community resilience depends heavily on property owners taking steps to reduce hazardous fuels around their homes and structures. The conversation also highlighted the importance of evacuation preparedness, encouraging residents to make plans ahead of time, stay informed about local emergency alerts, and understand how they would leave safely if a wildfire threatened the area.

The event saw strong turnout from across the canyon, reflecting the community’s continued interest in wildfire preparedness and mitigation. Residents asked thoughtful questions, shared their own experiences living with wildfire risk, and engaged in meaningful conversations with fire professionals and partner organizations working on wildfire resilience throughout the region.

For those who were unable to attend, there are still opportunities to watch the film and continue the conversation. Timberline Fire Protection District will be hosting a free screening of Fire Lives Here on April 25, 2026, from 1:00–2:30 pm at Timberline Fire Station 3, 19126 Highway 119, Black Hawk, CO 80422. The event will include a discussion and Q&A on wildfire preparedness, new fire and building codes, defensible space, and mitigation, with an optional tour of the new fire station immediately afterward. Space is limited, and registration is required. You can find full event details and sign up here. The documentary is also available to watch online for anyone interested in learning more about how communities across the West are preparing for an increasingly fire-prone future.