FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2026
Contact: Office of Communications, fws_press_r6@ios.doi.gov

COMMERCE CITY, Co. — Weather permitting, prescribed burning will begin Monday, Oct. 19, at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Burns will take place over several weeks between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Service plans to burn up to 1,462 acres. Smoke may be visible for several miles beyond the refuge perimeter, and people in the surrounding area may smell smoke.

Prescribed burns are used to reduce accumulated plant litter, reinvigorate growth of native prairie vegetation, control weeds, and improve wildlife habitat. They also help land managers reduce wildfire risk in areas with high fuel loads.

Interagency fire crews, local fire departments, and other federal agencies will participate in the prescribed burns. Each burn is carefully planned with the safety of the surrounding community, the public, and firefighters as the highest priority.

Smoke from prescribed fires may affect health. For more information about wood smoke and health, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov and connect with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Flickr, and YouTube.