Prescribed Burning Planned For Open Space Land In Boulder Area

BOULDER, CO — The City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks and Fire-Rescue departments are planning to conduct prescribed burning on city open space lands west of the city’s Flatirons Vista Trailhead this fall. The prescribed burning south of Boulder could occur between Tuesday, Oct. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 30, depending on weather conditions, city officials said.

"Fire is an important part of Boulder’s native ecosystems and is essential for cycling nutrients, keeping weeds in check and stimulating the growth of native plant species," the city said in a media release. "Prescribed burning in grassland ecosystems west of the Flatirons Vista Trailhead will help enhance habitat for native plant and wildlife species, improve forage for ranching operations in the area and reduce fuels that would otherwise increase fire intensity in the event of a wildfire."

The prescribed burn also will provide city wildland firefighters, Open Space and Mountain Parks staff and cooperating agencies with wildfire training opportunities.

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OSMP may close all or portions of the following trails while the burning occurs:

• Greenbelt Connector
• Prairie Vista
• Flatirons Vista North
• Flatirons Vista South

Ignitions will begin after 10 a.m., and will end before 4 p.m. Residents and drivers along state Highway 93 and U.S. Highway 36 will see smoke from the planned burn, officials said. Open space visitors may also see residual smoke after the burn has been completed. OSMP encourages community members to visit the Open Space website to plan alternate open space destinations should burning occur.

"The City of Boulder only conducts prescribed burning if, and when, weather and vegetation conditions are acceptable to assure the safety of the public, to minimize the potential impacts of smoke and to meet fire-management objectives," the city said.

Boulder Fire-Rescue will supervise the planned burn, and firefighters will monitor the burn until it is safely extinguished, the city said. People who live in the area are encouraged to learn more about how the prescribed fire smoke may affect their health.