Commerce City advances wildfire mitigation efforts

Published on May 26, 2026

In 2025, the City of Commerce City was awarded a $300,000 National Disaster Mitigation Enterprises (NDME) grant from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). This grant has helped fund wildland fire mitigation projects within the city. Commerce City Office of Emergency Management and Public Works Parks Division has partnered in the planning and execution of wildland fire mitigation projects. As of June, four projects have been completed, removal of dead trees along Highway 2, wildland fire mitigation work in the Prairie Gateway Open Space, Second Creek Open Space, and Ragweed Draw Open Space. 

Next on the project list is wildland fire mitigation work along Sand Creek starting end of May. These wildland fire mitigation projects are even more critical now as much of Colorado remains under moderate to exceptional drought conditions. 

The wildland fire mitigation projects provide a framework to reduce wildfire risk across city-managed open spaces while protecting residents, infrastructure and natural resources.  

The wildland fire mitigation projects focus on four key priorities: reducing wildfire risk, protecting life and property, maintaining ecological health and increasing community awareness. These goals guide vegetation management, emergency access improvements and public outreach efforts. 

Crews are using mowing, tree thinning and debris removal to break up continuous vegetation thereby reducing fire intensity. In total, the projects outline more than 340,000 linear feet of mowing and nearly one million square feet of vegetation treatment across multiple open space areas. 

The city is also establishing defensible space buffers near neighborhoods, trails and infrastructure. These buffer zones are typically 5 to 15 feet wide. These buffers are especially important during drought, helping slow or stop fire before it can reach homes and critical assets. 

Fuel breaks are being created in high-risk corridors, particularly where open space meets residential development. Trail systems, roadways and strategically managed vegetation will serve as key barriers to limit wildfire spread. 

To support emergency response, Commerce City is improving access for fire personnel, maintaining clear routes and identifying water sources near open spaces. Enhanced signage and emergency location markers will further support faster, more effective response during an incident. Commerce City will continue working with local fire districts, state agencies and regional partners to strengthen wildfire resilience. 

“Fire mitigation isn't just prevention-it's responsibility. Our team has taken meaningful steps to reduce risk and protect what matters most. We are proactively investing in fire mitigation across our parks and open spaces; preserving the places people love while safeguarding the community around them”.  Said Parks Maintenance Supervisor Rogelio Moncada.  

The wildland fire mitigation projects also emphasize ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure long-term effectiveness. Grass mowing will occur one to two times per season, while larger treatments such as brush removal and tree thinning will follow multi-year cycles. 

Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise

The enterprise awards natural disaster mitigation grants to assist in the implementation of resilience and natural disaster mitigation measures. Learn more at: dhsem.colorado.gov/NDME