If you live near Larkspur or hike at Spruce Meadows Open Space, you may soon see smoke in the sky — but don’t be alarmed. It’s part of a carefully planned prescribed fire designed to make your community safer and the land healthier for generations to come.
When weather and air-quality conditions allow, Douglas County will conduct a prescribed fire on approximately 382 acres in the Spruce Meadows – Mathews Pasture area, located about five miles south of Larkspur. This prescribed burn will take place as early as November, and residents will be notified approximately 24 hours in advance.
This prescribed burn is part of the County’s commitment to public safety and land stewardship, reducing the risk of future wildfires while improving the health of local ecosystems. In addition to wildfire mitigation matching grant programs and the year-round support of the County’s wildfire helitack team, prescribed fire is one more tool being used to prevent wildfires.
Stay Informed
To receive updates on this and future prescribed fires in your area:
- Sign up for Prescribed Fire text alerts by texting BURNUPDATES to 21000
- Follow Douglas County on Facebook, X and Nextdoor
- Visit our Prescribed Fire webpage for more information
“Prescribed fire is a safe, science-based tool that reduces hazardous fuels, improves habitat, and helps prevent catastrophic wildfires,” said Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon. “Public safety is our top priority, and our team of experienced professionals will closely monitor every step of this operation.”
Why Prescribed Fire?
Wildfire is the most common natural hazard in Douglas County. More than a century of suppressing fire management has allowed fuels such as dead grass, brush, and invasive plants to accumulate — creating conditions that can lead to unplanned wildfires. Prescribed burns offer a proactive, cost-effective, and environmentally sound solution to this growing threat.
This project will help:
- Reduce wildfire risk to nearby communities like Larkspur, Perry Park, and Palmer Lake
- Improve wildlife habitat, soil health, and water quality
- Suppress invasive species such as tall oatgrass, knapweed, bull thistle, and yellow toadflax
- Provide critical training for local fire and emergency response teams in a non-emergent, collaborative environment, allowing agencies to refine communication protocols and practice real-world response techniques without the pressure and unpredictability of an actual emergency
Burning will take place only when conditions meet strict parameters related to wind, humidity, smoke dispersion, and air quality under the Colorado State Smoke Management Program.
What to Expect
The burn is expected to be completed in under an hour. Smoke will be visible, especially in the Larkspur area, and may be noticeable in Perry Park, Palmer Lake, and along the Cook Creek and East Plum Creek drainages during nighttime hours.
Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. Please consider keeping windows closed and limiting outdoor activities if smoke sensitivity is a concern. For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s website to learn about wood smoke and your health.
Local utility companies are aware of the burn and have been involved in the planning. Road closures and traffic detours will be required near the burn area. Please follow signage and check for closure information on our Prescribed Fire webpage.
Smoke from prescribed fires is short-lived and actively managed. Residents are asked not to call 911 to report smoke in the area unless it is clearly an emergency. Crews will remain on site after the fire is out to monitor containment lines and ensure safety.