To protect against the risk of wildfires, Castle Pines is rounding up tree limbs, pine needles and other yard waste.

The third annual spring “slash collection” will take place May 11. “Slash” is a term for debris from nature that raises the potential for fires, according to the city.

The city started the event months after the Marshall fire struck in Boulder County, destroying about 1,000 homes. But that wildfire isn’t what drove Castle Pines to help collect slash.

“The first slash collection event in 2022 was held following a snowstorm that had large accumulations that resulted in downed tree limbs throughout the community,” said Camden Bender, spokesperson for the city. “Feedback from residents following the event were extremely positive, so the city has continued to offer a slash collection event each year since while encouraging wildfire mitigation efforts.”

The city urges residents to create a “defensible space” around their home to protect against wildfires.

“Defensible space” means creating an area of reduced wildfire risk around a property, Bender said.

“This can include removing tree limbs or vegetation that is touching or close to your home,” Bender said. “It can also mean removing existing vegetation and replanting with fire-resistant plants.”

You can find more information on fire-resistant plants and more resources on the city’s website at www.castlepinesco.gov/WildfireMitigation.

Castle Pines residents can bring yard debris to Elk Ridge Park for free disposal from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 11. The park sits at 7005 Mira Vista Lane, southwest of Castle Pines Parkway and Lagae Road.

No lumber is allowed, according to the city website. The city asks residents to limit the diameter of trunks or limbs to less than 16 inches and to ensure there is no metal, such as nails or screws, or rocks in the materials dropped off.