It’s Friday, August 2, 2024.

Happy Friday, Boulder. Here’s the news.

First, the two wildfires burning in Boulder County appear to have come under control as quickly as one could hope. The Lake Shore Fire near Gross Reservoir is being mopped up, with all evacuations lifted. Evacuations for the Stone Canyon Fire have also been lifted. The latter hasn’t gained significant acreage in more than a day and is 30% contained.

This week has shown us that we are experiencing an intense wildfire season. To help you stay safe, we’ve created a guide to Boulder’s opt-in emergency alert systems. There are three key services. Por Jaijongkit explains each one and how to sign up.

We also have an August restaurant roundup for your dining pleasure. In addition to news about peach and mushroom festivals and restaurant openings, food writer T.M. Spring offers ways to help provide sandwiches and sides for those fighting the wildfires. Some restaurants are offering free meals to wildfire evacuees.

Finally, we appreciate you reading BRL. You make this newsroom possible. Next week, we’re taking a planned break from BRL Today, but we’ll be here if there’s breaking news. Given the current pace of wildfires, it seems likely. We’re a small team, and while we’d love to publish 365 days a year, everyone needs a break. We’ll be rejuvenated and ready to press on after that. If you appreciate what we’re doing as much as we appreciate you, please consider becoming a member with a donation of any amount. Your support helps us move closer to operating every day of the year.

Have a tremendous weekend.

— Tim, reporter

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P.S. Not a subscriber to BRL Today yet? Sign up here.

In other news

More heat through the weekend

It’ll be hot through Monday, but there are signs the heat might break, with temperatures falling toward 80 by the end of next week. Thunderstorms could bring some rain, but they might also bring lightning strikes that start wildfires. Let’s hope for rain and only rain.

Boulder city clerk rules pro-airport campaign violated election rules

Boulder City Clerk Elesha Johnson said on Wednesday, July 31, that the Boulder Airport Association—Save the Airport, a committee advocating to keep the airport open, violated city election rules concerning financial disclosures.

The ruling followed a complaint filed by proponents of two proposed ballot measures — one to close the airport and another to repurpose the land for housing. The complaint centered on two Facebook posts by the pro-airport campaign. One post highlighted the Boulder Chamber’s opposition to the ballot measure, while the other suggested that the Federal Aviation Administration would not permit the city to close the airport.

Johnson said these posts required disclosures indicating they were paid for by the Boulder Airport Association—Save the Airport campaign and should have named any major contributors to the campaign. She said further action would be taken by the city if the campaign continues to post ads without the necessary disclosures. Read more on BRL.

Don’t be scammed by wildfire fundraisers

Yesterday, Boulder County issued an alert warning residents about fundraising scams emerging as wildfires continue to burn in the area. Before providing any financial information to a purported charitable organization, ensure that it is legitimate.

For example, the Community Foundation Boulder County has a Lyons-specific fund that supports the community. This includes areas like the local food pantry and school enrichment, as well as local ecology and landscape restoration, which can enhance the town’s wildfire resilience in the future.

In the area affected by the Lake Shore Fire, potential donors might consider the Boulder Watershed Collective. This nonprofit works to protect the Boulder Creek watershed, including the area around Gross Reservoir and forests surrounding several of the City of Boulder’s water sources. In addition to stabilizing mine tailings that can introduce heavy metals into local creeks, the collective funds significant forest health projects to reduce the severity of future wildfires. It also helps communities improve their wildfire resilience, as it did in Gold Hill in 2022.

The collective accepts donations in various forms, with the easiest methods being checks sent to 1740 Fourmile Canyon Drive, 80302, or donations made through PayPal. You don’t need a PayPal account; you can simply use a credit card.

The Boulder Creek watershed, where the Boulder Watershed Collective works to reduce risks to water sources, including those posed by wildfires. Courtesy of the Boulder Watershed Collective.

Fire restrictions increased

Yesterday, Sheriff Curtis Johnson and the Board of County Commissioners imposed Stage 2 fire restrictions across all of unincorporated Boulder County. Previously, only the western part of the county was under Stage 1 restrictions since July 1. The ongoing wildfires and persistent hot, dry weather necessitated this escalation.

Activities prohibited under Stage 2 restrictions include:

Open fires. Campfires and stove fires on both private and public lands, including charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves.

Recreational discharge of firearms.

Smoking. Except in specified safe areas.

Chainsaw operation. Without proper spark arresters and safety equipment.

Outdoor welding or use of open-flame torches.

Off-road motor vehicle use. Except in designated areas.

Violating the fire ban may result in a $500 fine and additional civil penalties, with higher fines for repeat offenses. These restrictions do not apply within incorporated cities and towns, which have their own regulations. The fire restrictions will remain in place until conditions improve.

The City of Boulder also entered Stage 2 restrictions yesterday.

“The weather right now is hot and dry. The dew point is low in the morning and the humidity is low during the day. Vegetation is also dry which means that a small spark is likely to escalate,” Boulder Fire-Rescue Chief Michael Calderazzo said. “With stretched resources, we all need to do our part to reduce the need for another large-scale fire response.”

Colorado lawmakers want additional firefighting crews

Rep. Joe Neguse, Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and Rep. Brittany Petersen have urged the National Interagency Fire Center to provide additional support to Colorado as it battles several ongoing wildfires.

“We understand the pressures facing our wildland firefighting workforce, with wildfires raging across the western United States and continuing to threaten many of our communities. Existing resources are stretched thin to meet those demands,” the lawmakers wrote. “Time is of the essence to save lives and homes.” Read their full letter here.

Tussock moths adding to wildfire concerns

In the Boulder Heights area up Lee Hill Drive, tree care professionals have been running ragged over the last few weeks to stem the damage caused by moth larvae munching their way through Douglas firs.

“The tree damage is pretty significant,” Sam Dilettoso, a local manager for Bartlett Tree Experts, told Boulder Reporting Lab.

As of Aug. 1, however, Dilettoso said the caterpillars seem to be done feeding and are now using their energy to spin cocoons. The damage may be done for this year, but the moths will likely be back, and trees may die in the meantime.

Moths tend to go through boom-and-bust cycles based on a multitude of factors, from pathogens to weather. Dilettoso said viruses will periodically come through and wipe out populations, causing years-long recovery periods before damaging levels are reached. Whatever took them out last time, the moths have recovered. Hot and dry weather is also preferable for the moths, and Boulder has been very hot and dry this year.

A Douglas Fir eaten by Tussock Moths. Courtesy of Sam Dilettoso

None of this is good for a neighborhood situated in Boulder’s flammable foothills. Dead trees become tinder that raise the heat and intensity of future wildfire. Because each female moth lays 300 eggs, Dilettoso thinks this year is just a preview of what’s to come.

“I think it’s going to be bad next year,” he said. “I think it’s going to be worse.” Read more on BRL.

Taco Fest coming soon

The seventh annual Boulder Taco Fest, happening on Aug. 10, has several new additions to make the event better than ever. The festival, set along Boulder Creek, promises more than 20,000 tacos, fresh margaritas, luchadores, live bands and more.

Festivities will kick off at noon with the 5K Taco Run around Boulder Creek and the CU campus. Participants will receive Mexican blanket-themed socks and churros. For a different kind of competition, the costume contest will allow participants to showcase their style, with prizes for the top individual and group costumes.

Kids will enjoy the new dunk tank and inflatable jousting ring, alongside the popular obstacle course and piñatas. More than 4,000 taco fans are expected at the Downtown Library and Civic Area from 1 to 7 p.m.

Wristbands are on sale at BoulderTacoFest.com.

Illegal Pete’s offering Meow Wolf burritos

Meow Wolf and Illegal Pete’s have teamed up to offer burritos, tacos and quesadillas in all-natural tie-dye tortillas from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31.

“We’re psyched for this collaboration because it was a true creative partnership where we made something together just for fun,” said Pete Turner, founder of Illegal Pete’s.

To celebrate, the partnership also created an absurd video ad titled “Memoritos.” Exclusive merchandise, including limited-edition t-shirts and stickers, will also be available.

Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.

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