(Updated 3/30/22 at 1:15pm)
This controlled burn has been canceled.
The Lafayette Fire Department, in collaboration with the Lafayette Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department, is planning to conduct an annual controlled burn along the South Boulder Canon Irrigation Ditch in March. The actual date will be evaluated and set as weather conditions allow. View a map of the ditch location. The City will publish an updated News Flash when the expected controlled burn date is determined. Fire personnel will reschedule or stop burning if weather conditions do not allow for a safe operation or the situation becomes unsafe.
Controlled burns in irrigation ditches, also referred to as prescribed burns, are performed to remove unwanted vegetation to improve water conveyance, nutrient cycling, and planting success. As with all controlled burns, conditions must meet certain criteria for the event to take place. The Canon Ditch controlled burn is contingent on ideal weather forecasts and conditions, including relative humidity, temperatures, fuel moisture, air quality, and wind. Fire personnel will reschedule or stop burning if weather conditions do not allow for a safe operation or the situation becomes unsafe.
The controlled burn will be fully monitored by qualified Lafayette firefighters. The City will publish an updated News Flash when the expected controlled burn date is determined. This notification will occur one to two days prior to the event due to the ongoing and rigorous evaluation of conditions. (Sign up to receive City News Flashes)
For residential homes adjacent to the golf course, it is recommended for those with health concerns or aversion to smoke to keep windows closed during the burn. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's Wood Smoke and Health website and the Boulder County Public Health Wildfire Air Quality & Health website provide tips on how to protect health from smoke.
Questions can be directed to FireDepartment@lafayetteco.gov.
View a map of the South Boulder Ditch location