Public Safety Must Come First This Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Like many families across Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Sterling Ranch, Roxborough Park, and the rest of Senate District 30, I look forward to celebrating our nation’s independence with friends, family, and community traditions.

Fireworks have long been part of those celebrations. They bring people together and remind us of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

This year, however, I believe our community faces an important question:

How do we preserve cherished traditions while putting public safety first?

Colorado Enters Peak Wildfire Season

Colorado is entering the heart of wildfire season under concerning conditions.

Much of our state remains in Severe to Extreme Drought, with some regions experiencing Exceptional Drought. The forecast for Highlands Ranch and surrounding communities calls for hot temperatures, low humidity, and breezy afternoons throughout the holiday week—conditions that can rapidly dry vegetation and increase wildfire risk.

Anyone who has lived in Douglas County for long knows that a single spark, under the wrong conditions, can become something much larger.

A Sobering Reminder

Before discussing policy, I want to pause to recognize a heartbreaking tragedy.

Three Colorado wildland firefighters recently lost their lives while battling the Snyder Fire in western Colorado. Two others were seriously injured.

Their sacrifice reminds us that wildfire is not simply about burned acres or statistics. It affects families, neighborhoods, first responders, and entire communities.

As a South Metro Fire Rescue Board Director, I extend my deepest sympathy to their families, friends, and fellow firefighters. We owe them our gratitude—and our commitment to making safety a priority.

A Community Conversation

Many residents are excited to see the return of the Highlands Ranch Fourth of July fireworks display. I understand why. Community traditions matter.

According to Douglas County agenda documents, the display is expected to cost approximately $78,115, funded by Douglas County taxpayers after approval by the Board of County Commissioners.

Reasonable people can disagree about whether this year’s display should proceed. My purpose is not to criticize those who hold a different opinion.

Instead, I believe this is an opportunity to ask an important question:

When wildfire risk is elevated, what factors should guide decisions about community fireworks displays?

Public Safety Before Politics

One principle should unite all of us, regardless of political affiliation:

Public safety should come first.

As someone seeking to represent Senate District 30, I believe decisions involving wildfire risk should be guided by the best available information from firefighters, fire marshals, emergency managers, weather experts, and law enforcement professionals.

Political advocacy is an important part of our democratic process, and citizens have every right to express their views. At the same time, when decisions involve the potential risk to lives, homes, businesses, and first responders, public safety expertise should remain the primary consideration.

Wildfire does not recognize political parties.

It responds only to weather, fuel conditions, wind, and ignition.

Working Together

One of the things I appreciate most about our community is that we can have thoughtful conversations even when we disagree.

Whether you support this year’s fireworks display or believe additional precautions are warranted, I hope we can all agree on one goal:

Protecting our families, supporting our firefighters, and keeping our communities safe.

That commitment is bigger than politics. It reflects the values that make Douglas County such a great place to live.

I wish everyone a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day. Please celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and join me in thanking the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and volunteers who will be serving our communities throughout the holiday weekend.

Happy Fourth of July!