Colorado resident Keith Howell got a surprise late Saturday night.

“I was headed to bed with the window open cause it was pretty warm,” he told CBS Colorado. “Heard the pop and then a bit after smelled the telltale sign of fireworks.”

Within minutes, West Metro Fire arrived and put out a quick grass fire, which happened near Morrison.

“Once we saw the fire a little bit at first it was like ‘Oh, there’s a fire it will get put out soon’ but then it starts to get bigger because it’s all a bunch of dead grass,” Howell continued. “So, a little unnerving.”

While the official cause of the fire is still under investigation, Saturday night’s call to service brings up an important conversation about fireworks and fire safety as the 4th of July comes around.

“The embers or even a bottle rocket can fall in a grassland area and start a fire,” said Capt. Brendan Finnegan of West Metro Fire.

While heat plays a role in wildfire causes, Finnegan says that’s a misconception.

“Wind and relative humidity, fuel moisture and the dryness of those fuels,” he explained. “That’s the big component of this.”

Which is why West Metro Fire and other agencies say Colorado is in “fire years” instead of “fire seasons” anymore. Within their jurisdiction, Wheat Ridge and Lakewood have ordinances prohibiting the use of any fireworks. Lakewood, in particular, is forgoing a traditional fireworks show and moving to a drone exhibition instead.

“It is an alternative to still being able to celebrate and see something pretty in the sky,” Finnegan said.

Some neighborhoods and homeowners associations are prohibiting fireworks while others are preparing for a big week ahead.

“The danger is always there not only for fires but for injuries and burns as well,” said Finnegan.

The impulse to light fireworks is one that Keith understands, but within reason.

“I like the booms as much as the next guy but this time of year when it’s really dry it’s hard to get into it,” said Howell.

West Metro Fire has two hotlines for residents to call in for fireworks related emergencies on the 4th of July and throughout the weekend.

Jefferson County Hotline: 303-980-7340

Douglas County Hotline: 303-814-7118

Despite the heat that lays thick on the unshaded prairie and rock east of Colorado Springs, and despite the gate that keeps the 700-plus acres closed to the general public, people continue to seek Corral Bluffs Open Space.

“The first hike of June, I actually had to spread out over two weekends, because I ended up with 50 people,” said Paula Watkins, who coordinates regular guided tours with nonprofit Corral Bluffs Alliance.

Volunteers well-versed on the city-owned open space’s rugged terrain and internationally acclaimed, prehistoric significance lead tours the first Saturday of every month — depending on weather and interest by hikers who sign up at corralbluffs.org.

With enough interest — at least four or six people, Watkins said — volunteers will lead hikes any day of the week.

“Some weeks we’ll have four (hikes) in one week and some weeks none,” Watkins said. “It really varies on the temperatures, the weather and how interested people are.”

Interest picks up with reported discoveries, such as one Denver Museum of Nature and Science reported ahead of the summer.

In the land famed for illustrating the rise of mammals some 65 million years ago after the dinosaurs’ extinction, fossils yielded another previously unknown animal: a chinchilla-sized creature named Militocodon lydae. The name was in honor of a local volunteer and retired teacher, Sharon Milito, and Colorado Springs philanthropist Lyda Hill.

They have been among advocates who have rallied around Corral Bluffs over the years, going back to the city’s acquisition in 2008. In a vicinity long-eyed for development, the city has steadily added open space in ongoing hopes to connect with Jimmy Camp Creek Park.

The properties have remained gated while research and discoveries continue — closed to all but scientists, rangers and volunteer guides and their guests.

“We have a tremendous amount of repeat customers that want to see Jimmy Camp,” Watkins said.

Hikes there are also scheduled upon request, offering a much different experience with running water, trees and green, waving grasses.

Like Corral Bluffs, hikers should be prepared for tours without trails. Depending on the group, Corral Bluffs hikes can last three to five hours.

Long pants are required, along with sturdy boots, two liters of water and snacks. A per-person $5 donation is suggested to help cover Corral Bluffs Alliance’s insurance costs.

More information at corralbluffs.org/take-a-hike.