Prescribed Fires Planned on Green Mountain

Article and photography courtesy of West Metro Fire Rescue

West Metro Fire Fighters monitor the conditions of a prescribed burn on Green Mountain in Lakewood March 12.

City of Lakewood park rangersWest Metro Fire Rescue are hoping to conduct several small prescribed burns during the months of March and April. The first burn occurred March 12.

The primary focus for the burns is the southwestern slope of Green Mountain near C470 and Interstate 70. Burns began March 12 and can occur at various times through April 30, 2008. Because the prescription burns are dependent upon weather and wind conditions, there will often be no more then 24 hours notice. Notification can be found in the forms of yard signs at neighborhood entrance, highway signage, and through television, radio, and print media.

Smoke may be visible to homeowners and travelers on C470 near the Alameda Overpass and the Interstate 70 interchange. West Metro encourages people who are not sure whether the smoke is part of the prescribed burn to call 9-1-1 immediately. Anyone who has concerns or questions may contact West Metro Fire Rescue at 303-989-4307.

Through these prescribed burns, West Metro Fire Rescue and the City of Lakewood hope to:

• Rejuvenate and increase the vigor of native grass stands.
• Remove thatch and noxious weeds to aid in the competitiveness for desirable grasses.
• Increasing the nutrient recycling rate.
• Increase accessibility on site for follow-up chemical controls of noxious weeds.
• Reduce personnel hours and pesticides used for noxious weed management.
• Minimize the risk potential of wildland fires by decreasing the fuel loads.
• Support fire rescue services by providing an area for wildland firefighting training.

The burned areas typically recover quickly once the spring rains and warm weather have an opportunity to feed new, green growth.

Prescribed burns are part of an elaborate preservation program by the state and national forest service, as well as local fire departments. These burns also help firefighters train and prepare for wildland fire season. For more information, please call 303-989-4307 or visit westmetrofire.org.