Dana N. Way

This document outlines Colorado's comprehensive wildfire preparedness plan and outlook for 2026. It highlights increased fire risk due to significant drought conditions across the state. The plan details enhanced state capabilities, including owned and leased aerial assets, ground crews, and advanced intelligence for early detection and rapid aggressive initial attack. It emphasizes a multi-agency collaborative approach involving federal, state, and local partners, alongside encouraging public responsibility for fire prevention. Key strategies include proactive fuels management, hardening homes, creating defensible perimeters, and promoting community resilience to mitigate risks and ensure firefighter and community safety.

The FID Subcommittee of the Colorado Fire Commission aims to evaluate the reasons behind the lack of Forest Improvement Districts (FIDs) formation since 2007. Its primary goals include assessing statutory and administrative barriers, clarifying FIDs' intended use and value to communities, engaging stakeholders for input, and developing clear legislative and administrative recommendations to reduce obstacles and incentivize their appropriate adoption.

The subcommittee meeting focused primarily on reviewing feedback from a previous Fire Commission meeting and discussing research concerning why Forest Improvement Districts (FIDs) have not been widely formed. Key discussion points addressed the lack of awareness regarding the FID statute (Title 32, Article 18), the existence of alternative funding tools, resistance from counties/municipalities desiring more control over tax revenue, up-front formation costs, potential liability issues, and fluctuating political will influenced by recent fire events. The group also discussed reframing the issue to examine why Forest Improvement projects are scarce generally, the role of intergovernmental agreements, and the challenge of creating boundaries that generate sufficient revenue while avoiding duplication of efforts with existing conservation districts and nonprofits. Action items included soliciting representation from the insurance industry, creating a shared resource folder, and reviewing the Boulder County 1A tax matching funds.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss the context for establishing the State Fire Marshal's Office (OSFM) Subcommittee under the Colorado Fire Commission and to set an initial vision and goals. Discussions centered on leveraging expertise to gather reliable information regarding the potential benefits and challenges of establishing an OSFM in Colorado. Key topics raised included the need for consistency in fire codes and standards between jurisdictions, contractor credentialing and licensing, and standardized training. Subcommittee members explored whether an OSFM could ensure a minimum level of life safety throughout Colorado with consistency, while also addressing concerns about preserving home rule authority for local jurisdictions. The group determined the project timeline could range from six months to two years, with meetings planned approximately once per month for the immediate future. Action items included sending the meeting summary, soliciting an insurance industry representative for the subcommittee, editing the subcommittee's vision and goals, and having the DFPC present on its structure compared to other states' Fire Marshal's Offices.

The subcommittee meeting of the Colorado Fire Commission focused on the formation of forest improvement districts (FIDs). Key discussions included exploring the legal framework and financial aspects of FIDs, potential funding sources, and opportunities for stakeholder collaboration. Specific topics covered were the statutory definition of a "forest health project" in light of an upcoming ponderosa pine beetle infestation, the legislative background of forest health definitions, and the ongoing use of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs). Stakeholder engagement strategies involved pursuing water options, considering property tax as a funding alternative to sales tax, and the importance of involving county, municipal, and utility representatives to promote collaboration and ensure implementation of relevant legislation.