Dear Editor,

Ever since moving to our Dory Lakes home, we have been concerned about the prospect of wildfire.  Everyone who lives in these beautiful mountains should be concerned about the possibility of wildfire!

A few months ago, I attended a Timberline Fire Protection District program which included information about wildfire mitigation. When I later contacted Timberline, I spoke with Jen Lomeli who quickly arranged a meeting and a little later Andrew Steffe arrived at our house, walked the property, and explained that mitigation doesn’t require stripping the forest of trees and leaving barren wasteland. After a thorough review, trees were identified for removal and a date was set for the work.  Note: the estimated cost was a lot less than I had previously paid a private contractor for similar work.

On the agreed date, Brandon Briardy, team leader, arrived with his crew and equipment.   While his team unloaded and got to work, Brandon went over the work plan, schedule, and process. They got right to work and for the next two and a half days, the pace never slowed, no lollygagging for these tireless workers! I can’t recall ever having engaged a crew of workers who were so efficient, diligent, courteous, and respectful. 

All 31 trees were dropped, bucked into manageable lengths, and stacked, slash was carefully picked up and transported offsite, the ground was raked and debris scattered around the forest floor because, as Brandon explained, the health of the forest is a priority. I was very impressed with Brandon, Ethan, Quinn, Nova, and Zack. If they exemplify the current younger generation, there’s hope for the future.

Wildfire is a very real threat. Do a favor for yourselves, your neighbors, and everyone in Gilpin County, give some serious thought to the potential for fire on your land and confidently contact your fire authority if you have any questions or concerns about wildfire.

Smoky the Bear may have been a little hyperbolic when he advised “Only YOU can prevent forest fire!” but the point is very serious!

Jack Hidahl

Black Hawk

P.S. At this time of the year, governments are busy preparing their 2026 Budgets. Contact your local officials and ask about their plan to address forest fires and whether it’s funded.