Residents on the west side of the metro area may notice smoke rising above Lakewood starting this week, as West Metro Fire Rescue begins a series of prescribed burns in Bear Creek Lake Park that will carry into the spring.
The intentionally set fires are designed to improve conditions in the park for native plants and wildlife, as well as provide firefighters opportunities to train in a real fire situation. The burns will cover 220 acres in two parts of the park and should take place this week as weather allows, March 11 through 13, and April 8 through 10.
The fires are designed to eradicate invasive species that have begun encroaching on the native plants and grasses that grow in the park. The burns will also remove some of the dry vegetation in Bear Creek Lake Park that can serve as fuel for wildfires.
Residents who live near the park are advised to close windows and doors and avoid exercise or other strenuous activities due to the possibility of smoke in the area.
