First of two planned burns sends smoke over Bear Creek Lake Park

LAKEWOOD – The smoke seen rising over southwestern Lakewood Thursday was the result of a controlled burn designed to reduce potential wildfire fuels and rid Bear Creek Lake Park of noxious weeds and invasive vegetation.

And West Metro Fire Rescue District firefighters and city parks staff plan another burn Friday if weather permits.

Plans call for burning about West Metro 100 acres on the south side of the park each day on the south side of Bear Creek Lake Park.

“The burn will clear away debris, weeds and undesirable plants to allow for new growth and soil rejuvenation.,” according to a West Metro spokeswoman.

Such prescribed burns provide a means of clearing land for fresh growth, as well as a mitigating fuel sources that could result in wildfires, which move quickly through dead or overgrown vegetation.

The West Metro spokeswoman said the burns also provide training opportunities fire fighters, including valuable experience with ignition, suppression and fire behavior.

Fire fighters from West Metro Fire Rescue, Colorado Springs Fire Department, South Metro Fire Rescue and Fairmont Fire along with park rangers from Bear Creek Lake Park participated in the prescribed burn.

Residents of the area can expect to see and smell smoke in the area between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The burns follow Monday’s end of countywide fire restrictions that had been in place for weeks, prompted by warm dry and windy weather.

“Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have reduced the danger of wildfire; however, people are encouraged to be vigilant as the danger of fire is always present in the high country,” Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Jacki Kelley said in a statement announcing the end of the restrictions.

“Many people will continue to enjoy the mountains and parks through the remainder of the season and citizens should be reminded to use caution when starting and extinguishing campfires, disposing of lighted cigarettes, and other activities that involve the use of fire or sparks,” according to Kelley.

But Kelley also said a return of warm, windy days “can quickly lower the fuel moisture content of trees and grasses, making them susceptible to ignition.”

Earlier this month, Lakewood lifted companion fire restrictions on campfires and charcoal barbecues at Bear Creek Lake Park and other park lands in the city and city staff and West Metro Fire District hope to conduct controlled burns at Bear Creek Park this week, if the windy weather abates.

The end of the city’s restrictions followed Jefferson County’s Oct. 14 replacement of its full fire ban with a set of temporary restrictions that were in place until Monday’s announcement.

Lakewood parks have returned to normal operating regulations and campfires again are allowed at the Bear Creek Lake Park campground. Even under the September restrictions, charcoal barbecues were permitted in the existing grates at picnic shelters in Lakewood ’s neighborhood and other urban parks.