By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open fires, open burning, and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open fires, open burning, and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
Residents should charge electronics and gather supplies in preparation
Posted on December 16, 2025 2025
Douglas County residents should be prepared for unplanned power outages on Wednesday, Dec. 17, as strong winds and extremely dry conditions increase wildfire risk across the Front Range.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning, and high winds may damage power lines and increase wildfire danger.
While not currently planned in Douglas County, Xcel Energy is preparing for a likely Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) beginning around 10 a.m. Wednesday, in other areas of the Front Range. A PSPS is a preventative step that temporarily turns off power to reduce the risk of wildfires caused by damaged power lines. Visit Xcel’s webpage to begin planning and for updates.
Although Douglas County is not in the PSPS area, residents should be aware that these conditions may lead to unplanned outages due to Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings will be activated. These settings may result in additional outages if problems are detected, and they can extend restoration times because crews must inspect lines before restoring power. It is important that residents do not call 911 to report the outage.
“While power shutoffs are never ideal, preparing ahead of time can make a big difference,” said Mike Alexander, Director of Emergency Management for Douglas County. “We encourage residents to take a few simple steps now, stay informed, and look out for one another, especially neighbors who may need extra help.”
Specific neighborhoods and the number of customers affected may change as conditions evolve. Xcel Energy expects to confirm impacted areas and will make a final decision on the use of a PSPS by Wednesday morning.
What to Expect
Traffic Safety
If traffic signals lose power:
Xcel Energy will notify potentially affected customers by phone, text, and email. Residents should ensure contact information is up to date with their utility provider and continue to monitor updates from Douglas County, Xcel Energy, and the National Weather Service.
Douglas County Emergency Management teams and local fire departments are actively monitoring conditions and are prepared to respond quickly if a wildfire starts. Resources and coordination plans are in place to support fire response, evacuations, and public safety if needed.
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