Correction
Last week’s news story “Ease the harm” (News, April 6, 2023) conflated Safe Zones 4 Kids’ chang.org petition, which has more than 1,800 signatures, with its Boulder Direct Democracy Online petition, which has 230 as of press on Wednesday, April 12. We have corrected the online version to reflect this.
PROTECT ANIMALS FROM WILDFIRE
The wildfire burning in Park County, near Florissant, is a reminder that it is not just humans’ lives and homes that are threatened by wildfires. Deer, bears, birds, fish, reptiles and other animals are killed or displaced, too.
The impacts are also immediate, debilitating and often life-threatening: Thick smoke disorients them, irritates their eyes and makes breathing difficult. Larger animals may try to outrun the flames, while small animals may try to shelter under rocks and in burrows. Those with babies or who are trapped by fences or other structures may not escape.
Report unattended fires, extinguish campfires and fire pits, keep vehicles off dry grass, don’t throw lit or smoldering cigarettes from your car or truck and check the weather conditions before burning trash or leaves.
While most naturally occurring wildfires are sparked by lightning, thousands are triggered every year by fireworks. The precaution we can take cannot be clearer.
— Craig Shapiro/Norfolk, VA
