Prescribed Burns will be taking place on city Open Space south of Eldorado Springs Drive this fall and winter (weather and resources permitting).

BOULDER, Colo. – The City of Boulder will be conducting a prescribed burn this fall between mid-October and mid-November, weather and resources permitting. The burns will take place on city open space south of Eldorado Springs Drive and west of HWY 93.

Community members may notice smoke in the area during this time. These burns are carefully planned, closely monitored, and are not emergencies. Residents are asked not to call 911 about visible smoke from this planned event.

Prescribed burns are an important tool for managing Boulder’s landscapes. They:

  • Reduce wildfire risk by lowering the amount of dry vegetation that can fuel dangerous wildfires.
  • Support healthier ecosystems by restoring grasslands and forests that depend on periodic fire.
  • Help control invasive plants that threaten native species.

Every prescribed burn is developed with extensive planning and coordination. Firefighters trained and certified in prescribed fire operations will oversee the burn, supported by additional fire personnel and equipment on-site to ensure safety. Prescribed burns only take place when weather conditions, staffing, and resources meet strict safety standards, including temperature, humidity, wind, and smoke dispersal.

“Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools we have to make Boulder’s landscapes more resilient while also reducing the risk of severe wildfires,” said Michael Calderazzo, Chief of Boulder Fire-Rescue “These burns are conducted with great care and coordination and only under the right conditions.”

Wildfire resilience in the City of Boulder is a shared responsibility. City of Boulder prescribed burns complement the city-wide Wildfire Ready Initiative which brings together projects identified within the CWPP and other city plans that prioritize increasing the community’s wildfire resilience.

How can I stay informed
Community members can learn more about the prescribed burn program and sign up for day-of notifications at: bouldercolorado.gov/PrescribedBurn.

Media
For media opportunities related to upcoming prescribed burns, please contact the PIO.

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