Crews in Fruita are working to lower fire risks in Little Salt Wash. This is in an area near Dan Williams Park. The purpose is to get rid of overgrown trees and bushes that could be fuel for fires. Lower Valley Fire District is working with the Bureau of Land Management and City of Fruita to clear the area. The BLM has given about $15,000 to the project, to protect dozens of homes along the Little Salt Wash area.
"If this was to ignite a wildfire, it could be catastrophic to the neighborhoods, and many houses would be at risk. So if we go in now, and cut the fire load back and reduce the fuel load, in case of a fire, it would be less severe. And we've got a better chance of getting ahead of it and keeping it contained,” said Zach Shouse, Lower Valley Fire District.