A Little Clean Up by the Fire Department at Villa High

Colby Fire Department closing monitoring a controlled fire at Villa High Park on Friday morning.

The Colby Fire Department stayed busy Friday morning following an active overnight shift, conducting a controlled burn around Villa High Pond.

With calm winds and cool temperatures creating ideal conditions, firefighters carried out the planned burn to remove brush and weeds that grow in the rocks surrounding the pond. The vegetation around the shoreline is removed and burned each year as part of routine maintenance.

Residents in the area may have noticed smoke Friday morning as crews worked around the pond. The controlled burn was closely monitored by several firefighters to ensure it remained safe and contained throughout the process.

Removing brush and weeds around the pond is important for several reasons. It helps prevent heavy overgrowth that can block drainage, create future fire hazards, and provide habitat for pests. Using fire instead of chemicals is also safer around water sources, avoiding herbicides that could run off into the pond and impact water quality, fish, and wildlife.

City officials say the yearly controlled burn helps keep the pond area healthy while maintaining a safe and clean environment for the community.