Why you might see smoke at Rocky Mountain Arsenal this spring
DENVER (KDVR) — If you live or travel around the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, you will see smoke on Monday, but there is no cause for alarm.
According to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, a prescribed burn is scheduled for Monday. Firefighters will burn 500 acres in the southwest portion of the refuge near the visitor’s center.
The weather conditions have been deemed safe by the firefighters as temperatures will be in the mid-60s. However, winds could be breezy at times with gusts out of the southwest.
The burn will happen from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Firefighters warn that smoke will be visible for several miles, and those living near the refuge may smell the smoke, but there is no need to report it or call 911.
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Monday’s burn isn’t the only one scheduled this spring. The refuge plans to burn 2,305 acres over four weeks with the first one starting on Monday. Temporary closures may be in place during the next three burns.
“The purpose of the burns is to reinvigorate the growth of native prairie vegetation, reduce accumulated litter, manage efforts for weed control and improve habitat to sustain wildlife. Prescribed burns are also an important tool land managers use to reduce the risk of wildfire in the Wildland Urban Interface,” said the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge on its website.
The refuge said safety is the main priority for the wildlife area and crews, so all burns will be weather-dependent.
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a 15,000-acre site located in Commerce City, and it provides a refuge for both wildlife and visitors. Visitors can spot species like the endangered black-footed ferret, bison and raptors.
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