Prescribed Fire Operations Set for Monday, October 12

Firefighters Expect to Burn Around 118 Acres Near Visitor Center 

Lakewood, CO — West Metro Fire Rescue, working with the City of Lakewood and Bear Creek Lake Park, plans to conduct prescribed fire operations at the park on Monday, October 12, beginning around 10 am. The operations are dependent on weather and fuel (vegetation) conditions and will center on three predetermined burn “units” to the east of the park’s Visitor Center. 

West Metro crews, with the assistance of firefighters from several agencies, will work throughout the day to conduct the burns, monitor fire behavior, and ensure that the fire remains within the designated areas. 

Prescribed fire operations at Bear Creek Lake Park are designed to reduce wildfire risk, improve habitat for native plants and wildlife, and provide firefighters with valuable hands-on training in live fire conditions.

Smoke Visibility and Health Precautions 

Smoke will likely be highly visible, particularly to neighborhoods near C-470 and Highway 285. People who live nearby may experience smoke and temporary impacts to air quality. Residents can help reduce exposure by:

·      Closing windows and doors

·      Staying indoors when smoke is present

·      Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity

Older adults, young children and people with preexisting respiratory or circulatory conditions should take extra precautions. More information about smoke and health is available through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health

Public Safety is Priority

While operations are planned for Monday, the decision to ignite will be made based on conditions that day. Prescribed fire requires a specific combination of weather, wind and vegetation moisture levels to be conducted safely. Firefighters will closely evaluate those factors before ignition and monitor conditions throughout the operation.

 

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