Controlled burn planned for Green Mountain

LAKEWOOD – Green Mountain’s southwest slope will be the site of a multi-purpose prescribed burn Tuesday if weather conditions permit.

West Metro Fire Rescue District personnel and Lakewood’s city Park Rangers plan to burn about 50 acres of the selected Green Mountain site near C470 and West Alameda Parkway. 

 Smoke may be visible to homeowners and travelers on C470 near the Alameda Overpass and the Interstate 70 interchange during the operation.

But residents of the are who see smoke or fire but are not certain it is from the controlled burn should call emergency dispatchers immediately, a West Metro spokeswoman said Monday.

Anyone with concerns or questions may contact West Metro Fire Rescue at 303-989-4307.

The burn is being conducted for a number of reasons, including rejuvenating and increasing the vigor of native grass stands, removing thatch and noxious weeds to encourage the spread of native grasses, increase the rate of nutrient recycling; making the site more accessible for follow-up noxious weed control, minimizing the risk of wildland fires by decreasing the brush, weeds and grass that fuel them.

The prescribed burn also will be used to providing wildland fire training in a natural area.

The burn area is expected to recover quickly once the spring rains and warm weather have an opportunity to feed new, green growth, according to West Metro spokeswoman Cindy Matthews.

Prescribed burns are part of a preservation program by local fire departments, and the state and national forest services. For more information, call the department or visit www.westmetrofire.org.