Residents and hikers around Larkspur and Spruce Meadows Open Space should prepare to see smoke on the horizon as a part of a controlled burn planned by Douglas County officials. According to Douglas County, this prescribed fire is set to scorch approximately 382 acres in the Spruce Meadows, Mathews Pasture to help reduce the risk of future wildfires. The burn is expected to start as soon as November, weather permitting, and locals will be alerted about 24 hours in advance.
The decision to conduct a prescribed burn is a strategic move to not only safeguard the community but also to bolster the health of the ecosystem for the long haul. Despite the potential worry that smoke may cause, Douglas County authorities want to emphasize the safety and efficacy of these measures. "Prescribed fire is a safe, science-based tool that reduces hazardous fuels, improves habitat, and helps prevent catastrophic wildfires," Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon told Douglas County. They have planned to conduct the operation under stringent conditions to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The controlled fire is part of a larger commitment by the County to address the wildfire concerns that plague Douglas County. It's an initiative that includes mitigation grant programs and the support of a year-round helitack team. This burn aims to reduce fuel that has built up over a century due to fire suppression and to confront invasive species, decreasing the risk to neighboring areas and improving the condition of wildlife habitats and water quality.
The actual burn is anticipated to last fewer than one hour, and smoke from the fire is likely to be visible in the Larkspur area and nearby locations. Residents may experience smoke during the burn and nighttime hours, and those with health concerns due to smoke are advised to stay indoors with windows closed. In preparation for the burn, local utilities have been engaged, and road closures are expected. Douglas County has urged residents not to call 911 to report smoke in the area unless it is clearly an emergency, with a promise from crews to monitor containment lines post-burn rigorously.
