Prescribed Burns Decrease Risk of Wildfire, Improve Habitat, Provides Hands-on Training

Frederick, CO – Frederick Firestone Fire District (FFFD), in cooperation with partner agencies, is planning to conduct prescribed fire operations at 9551 Road 11 the week of August 25, weather permitting. The burns are designed to improve conditions for native plants and wildlife and give firefighters valuable hands-on training with live fire.

FFFD works closely with other agencies, such as the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, and other local authorities in developing and implementing any burning project. Burning will only be conducted under specific guidelines established by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, including having acceptable weather forecasts and fuels conditions that meet guidelines for safe and effective burning and adequate smoke dispersal.

The targeted area is a 10-acre unit on the west half of 9551 Road 11. Most of the site is bordered by roads, ditches, or gravel sites. FFFD will mow additional control lines around the perimeter of the property, and firefighters will strengthen the control lines by blacklining (burning off small widths of vegetation) to reinforce the perimeter. Then, the interior of the area will be burned throughout the week of August 25. 

Smoke from the burns will be very visible to neighborhoods along Road 11, Road 20, and Road 22. If you live in the area, it is possible the smoke could affect your health. Residents can protect themselves and their families by closing windows and doors, staying inside, and avoiding exercise or other strenuous activities. Elderly people, young children under 7, and those with preexisting respiratory or circulatory conditions should take precautions. For more information, visit:

https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health

Safety for the public and our firefighters is the top priority when considering any prescribed fire operation. The weather forecast and condition of the fuel (vegetation) may affect the dates for the burns. FFFD crews will monitor conditions to determine if ignition should take place.

Prescribed burns help reinvigorate the growth of native vegetation, reduce accumulated litter, burn area of weeds and excess debris, and improve habitat to sustain wildlife. Prescribed burns are also an important tool that reduces the risk of wildfire in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). 

Once the pastures have been treated, they may be blackened for a little while, but it is amazing how quickly the plants green up, and soon the prairie will return to a lush green hue reflective of healthy growth and enriched vitality for herbivores that feed on the pasture.

Media Contact:

 Summer Campos
 Public Information Officer
 Frederick-Firestone Fire District
 scampos@fffd.us
 720-526-6593 / 720-383-3730