Alert: Burns Scheduled Thursday Near Rabbit Mountain

BOULDER, CO -- A prescribed burn is scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 28, weather permitting, according to a press release from Boulder County Parks & Open Space. The county will conduct the burn together with the Boulder County Sheriff's Office Wildland Fire Management Program.

Fire crews plan to conduct a 35-acre grass fire in the South Dowe Flats area. During the burn, county representatives explain, Ron Stewart Preserve will remain open as it is a safe distance from any recreation area.If time allows, fire operations will also burn the Howell Ditch on the Wittemyer property, at N. 119th St. and Mineral Rd., in the afternoon.

Fire managers assess fuel moisture levels and continuously monitor current and projected weather forecasts to determine if conditions are suitable for a burn, according to the county. Weather considerations will include wind, temperature, relative humidity, and air quality, and overall conditions must meet certain criteria in order for the prescribed burn to proceed. Fire personnel will stop burning if weather conditions change and do not allow for a safe operation, or the situation becomes unsafe. Weather and safety conditions will be monitored constantly.

Smoke and flames may be visible for days to weeks following a prescribed burn. There may be heavy smoke in the air. The county requests that residents do not call 911 since a prescribed burn is not an emergency, and has stated that the areas will be monitored to ensure fires are completely out.

You can see a map of the affected area at www.BoulderCountyOpenSpace.org/burns.

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