Boulder County Plans Prescribed Burns Amid Community Concerns
The Boulder County Office of Fire Management (OFM) is set to conduct prescribed burns around Marshall Mesa on Tuesday morning, pending favorable weather conditions. These controlled burns are aimed at researching effective fuel management techniques to mitigate wildfire risks in the foothills.
The announcement has raised concerns among local residents, many of whom experienced the devastating Marshall Fire. Terry Corcoran, a former Superior resident, noted the unusuality of wildfires occurring at higher elevations. “People would be concerned,” he remarked, highlighting the sensitivity of the community regarding fire-related activities.
Seth McKinney of Boulder County affirmed that the operation involves several small-scale burns strictly for research purposes. The OFM is prepared for variability in weather, which could influence the decision to proceed. If winds disrupt the operation, the burns will be postponed. However, if conditions are suitable, fire crews—with additional fire trucks on standby—will implement the controlled burns safely.
Despite the intention behind the prescribed burns, concerns linger about potential smoke and its implications for local air quality. Boulder County officials have requested residents not to call 911 regarding smoke sightings in the area, stressing that these operations are routine measures aimed at wildfire prevention.
“We’re empathizing with the community,” McKinney stated, as residents recall the distressing time leading up to the holidays during the Marshall Fire. Efforts are being made to “normalize smoke in the air” as part of a broader goal to integrate prescribed fires into community safety practices.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed as conditions evolve, with the potential for these controlled burns to provide critical data for improving wildfire management in the future.