Two brush fires in Lone Tree open space, one in March that scorched roughly 20 acres and a much smaller blaze on June 13 that burned about a quarter-acre, have nearby residents on edge about an Xcel Energy substation and the overhead power lines that loom over the area. South Metro Fire Rescue responded to both scenes, and officials say no structures were damaged, but neighbors say a video showing a blue, flickering light at the substation has turned concern into real anxiety. With investigators still digging into both incidents, residents are pressing for clearer inspections and more aggressive vegetation management around the equipment.
Resident Frann Beg told reporters he recorded a video showing a blue flicker coming from the substation and said, "It was arcing." According to Denver7, Xcel Energy said it could not verify when or where the video was taken and added that "electrical activity near power lines can occur for a variety of reasons." The utility also told Denver7 that balloons contacted a power line during the June 13 response, causing two circuits to trip while crews were already battling a grass fire.
March blaze burned about 20 acres
On March 21 a fast-moving brush fire near RidgeGate Parkway and South Peoria burned an estimated 20 acres before crews stopped forward progress and brought the incident under control, the Denver Gazette reported. Westbound RidgeGate Parkway was briefly closed as firefighters worked the scene, and city posts noted the response involved South Metro Fire Rescue, Lone Tree police and Douglas County agencies. Officials warned at the time that dry conditions and high temperatures increased the risk that any spark could spread quickly.
Neighbors say grass and equipment raise risk
People who live in the Meridian neighborhood told Denver7 that long stretches of dry grass between backyards and the substation make the area feel vulnerable, and they want more frequent inspections and vegetation clearing around the site. "Saw the smoke, and smelled it, and then heard all the sirens," resident Jillian Mara said of the March fire. Neighbors say they hope utility and city crews will share inspection results and concrete mitigation plans to reduce the chance of another blaze.
Officials: investigation ongoing
The City of Lone Tree posted that South Metro Fire Rescue’s fire marshal is investigating both incidents and reiterated that no structures were damaged, the City of Lone Tree said. Fire departments and utilities typically coordinate post-incident inspections, and residents were told Xcel will work with local agencies as inquiries continue. For now, emergency managers urge people to be cautious with outdoor activities while fuels remain dry across the metro area.
