Longmont plans three prescribed burns in city limits

Three prescribed burns are expected to be conducted within Longmont city limits through the end of this month, weather dependent.

Longmont’s Ecosystem Management team, in coordination with Longmont Public Safety and Public Works Operations, plan to conduct three prescribed burns in Longmont between Thursday and March 31, according to an announcement from Longmont Public Safety.

These burns will be monitored by the Longmont Fire Department, the announcement said, and dates are broadly set to allow personnel the opportunity to wait for ideal weather conditions.

The three burn areas are Spring Gulch No. 2, in northeast Longmont south of 17th Avenue for approximately 400 yards to the first pedestrian bridge; Bonus Ditch, in southeast Longmont south of Ken Pratt Boulevard east of the Harvest Junction Apartment complexes; and Sherwood Open Space, in eastern Longmont northern of Weld County Road 20.5 and east of County Line Road by 1.3 miles.

All access to the areas including walking trails will be closed during the day of the burns.

Residents are asked to not call 911 if they see fire or smoke in those areas. The public should refrain from entering the areas during the burns.

Those with underlying medical conditions who can smell smoke are encouraged to close their windows and remain inside during the burn.

The city said prescribed burns help improve overall ecosystem health by controlling invasive species such as mosquitoes, improving the movement of water and promoting better native plant reproduction and plant diversity. The burns also reduce the risk of wildfires by clearing overgrown vegetation.