Headlines — March 25, 2022

Headlines March 25, 2022

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Fires AroundThe Front Range:

Boulder Apartment Fire Displaces 24 Boulder Families 

Boulder firefighters responded to an early morning fire at two apartment buildings in the 2800 block of Kalmia Avenue. Dispatchers received a call regarding smoke at 4:53 a.m. 

There were no reported injuries, but the fire displaced 24 families, according to The Daily Camera. Firefighters believe that all residents have evacuated. Boulder Fire-Rescue completely put out the blaze by about 9 a.m. The cause of the fire is unknown at the time, but investigators believe that it began in the upper part of one building and spread through the attic.

Fire Damages Parts Of Broncos Stadium In Denver 

A fire broke out in parts of the Denver Broncos’s Empower Field at Mile High Stadium on Thursday. According to stadium officials, the fire started in a construction zone near the East Club Lounge. Officials said that it burned through about 1,000 square feet until the fire was contained at about 2:45 PM. No one was injured by the fire and the area was quickly evacuated as a precaution. 

The sprinkler system inside the stadium worked properly, but some of the blaze reached the outdoor seating area, which the sprinklers did not cover. Around 75 firefighters responded to the scene over the course of the day. Parts of the fourth and third levels of the stadium were damaged during the fire. Investigators don’t yet know what sparked the fire, but will assess structural damage to the stadium.

City of Longmont Conducting Prescribed Burns 

The City of Longmont began conducting three prescribed burns to clear vegetation on Thursday. The city is planning two additional burns that could take place before March 31. Officials say Longmont’s Ecosystem Management team will target three areas within the eastern, northeastern and southeastern parts of the city. 

Longmont’s Fire Department will supervise the work. The city has asked residents to not call 911 if they see smoke or fire from those areas.Roads and walkways around the areas will be closed during the days of the prescribed burns. The city cautions that those with underlying health conditions should close their windows and stay inside if they smell smoke. 

Prescribed burns can help the health of impacted ecosystems by controlling invasive species. They also clear excess dried plant life to reduce the risk of wildland fires.

Two neighboring cities, Louisville and Superior, were devastated by the Marshall Fire that destroyed 1,000 homes last year. Since that time, Longmont has reevaluated the city’s wildfire risks. On Wednesday, the City of Boulder announced it will conduct its own prescribed burns in open space agricultural areas throughout the year. 

Boulder County Announces 2022 Sustainable Food And Agriculture Fund Recipients 

With Colorado’s Ag Week underway, Boulder County announced its 2022 Sustainable Food & Agriculture Fund recipients. The County named seven recipients, and an additional six recipients for smaller projects on Thursday. 

Funding will go toward accelerating and launching environmental sustainability projects in Boulder County. The Sustainability Tax supports the fund.

This year’s recipients will use the funds to develop educational programs, support local food production, provide food and safety equipment for front line workers, implement regenerative practices, preserve heirloom grain seeds, and create pollinator habitats. 

Climate Change Grant Program Receives Bipartisan Support 

The Denver Post reported Thursday that Colorado Democratic Rep. Jason Crow is working with Rep. David Rouzer of North Carolina to propose a $1.2 billion program to fund environmental protection initiatives. National and state-level environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, are among the supporters of this proposed bill.

If passed, the bill will provide $200 million each year as a part of a six-year grant program. State governments and Native American tribes will be able to apply for grants. The money will fund the development of natural disaster recovery programs to help reduce the impacts of climate change.

Colorado Sees Its First Legally Composted Human Remains

On Sunday, a funeral home composted an unnamed person’s body after Colorado legalized the process as a greener alternative to cremation and traditional burial practices. The person elected to have their body transformed into the soil after passing away. 

In May, Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill that legalizes the natural reduction process as a more environmentally friendly way to handle human remains.

The natural decomposition begins when a body is placed in an air-filtered chamber with wood chips, alfalfa, straw and microbes. The unnamed person’s body turned into compost after six months of this process. The remains were spread at the newly dedicated burial preserve outside of Colorado Springs. The state still prohibits the commercial sale of the soil that was used. 

Boulder’s Fort Chambers Management Plan Underway 

Boulder is moving forward with a management plan for the Fort Chambers building. The structure is part of the historic 110-acre Boulder County Poor Farm located in East Boulder. The fort was used to train men into Company D of the Third Colorado Cavalry, who later took part in the Sand Creek Massacre. The multiyear endeavor comes when Americans are reevaluating community histories.

In 2018, the Boulder City Council approved the $5.2 million purchase of the property. Prior to the sale, the property served as a farm and a home for less fortunate county residents. 

The city plans to change the marker on the site to accurately describe Company D’s role in the Sand Creek Massacre. They are seeking input from Tribal Nations regarding development plans. The city says there will also be opportunities for public engagement. Officials expect planning efforts to conclude at the end of 2023.

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