The 2024/25 prescribed fire (pile burning) season continues. Fire personnel will carry out prescribed fires as weather, fuel, and the availability of fire resources permit. The forests in Southwest Colorado are part of a fire-adapted ecosystem, which historically experienced frequent, low intensity fires on a large scale. Prescribed fire replicates that fire regime and increases the area on our landscape that has been burned at low and moderate conditions. Reintroduction of prescribed fire is necessary to improve and restore vegetative conditions. This effort will reduce hazardous ground fuels, lessen the risk of unplanned large-scale wildfire, help restore ponderosa pine ecosystems, and improve wildlife habitat. Prescribed fire also reduces the ladder fuels that can carry fire into the canopy, killing mature trees. 2025 SPRING BROADCAST BURNING PLANS Dolores Ranger District (see full news release [https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/cosjf-2025-san-juan-national-forest-prescribed-fire-program/prescribed-burns-planned-for-dolores-ranger-district-04-14-2025]): * Boggy Draw, 1,375 acres planned for week of April 28, 2025 * located 5-15 miles northeast of Dolores, along (NFSR) 527 and (NFSR) 532 Pagosa Ranger District: * Brockover-Devil, 885 acres planned for April 30th or later. * located 8 miles northwest of Pagosa Springs and approximately ½ mile from the Hatcher Subdivision, immediately adjacent to NFSR roads 629 (Lower Turkey Springs) and 923 (Newt Jack Road) 2024/25 WINTER PILE BURNING ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Dolores Ranger District * Haycamp Mesa area (250 acres, 800 piles) near FSRs 556, 556.G and 492, south of Beef Pasture Reservoir COMPLETED * Taylor Mesa area (390 acres, 134 piles) near FSRs 545 and 545.J COMPLETED Pagosa Ranger District * Kenney Flats, 30 acres COMPLETED * Quartz Piles, 20 acres COMPLETED Columbine Ranger District: * Saul’s Creek (50 acres, 100 piles) near FS road 755 COMPLETED * Fossett Gulch (17 acres, 100 piles) near FS road 841 COMPLETED * Baldy Mountain (117 acres, 10 piles) near FS roads 69 and 601 COMPLETED _____________ 2024 BROADCAST PRESCRIBED FIRE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: DOLORES RANGER DISTRICT: * Boggy Draw: 1,156 acres * Salter Y Units 34 and 37: 1,279 acres COLUMBINE RANGER DISTRICT: * Vallecito-Piedra: 235 acres * Saul's Creek: 1,615 acres * Southern HDs: 1,080 acres PAGOSA RANGER DISTRICT: * Fawn Gulch 1,100 acres * Mill Creek: 400 acres 2023/24 WINTER PILE BURNING ACCOMPLISHMENTS: DOLORES RANGER DISTRICT: * Haycamp Mesa area (427 acres, 750 piles) near FSRs 556 and 492, south of Beef Pasture Reservoir * Taylor Mesa area (145 acres, 44 piles) near FSRs 545 and 692 * Salter area (321 acres, 267 piles) near FSRs 514, 504, 519 and 293, northwest of Salter Y * Lake Canyon area (518 acres, 336 piles) near FSRs 506, 504, 508, 514, 215, and 216 near Cow Canyon COLUMBINE RANGER DISTRICT: * Sauls Creek (110 acres, 1800 piles) near FS roads 755, 755.A, 131, and 131.C * Junction Creek (90 acres, 75 piles) near FS road 171, in the Log Chutes trail area * Fossett Gulch (40 acres, 100 piles) near FS roads 613 and 841 * Baldy Mountain (623 acres, 60 slash piles) off of Beaver Meadows Road PAGOSA RANGER DISTRICT: * Lower portion of Turkey springs Road (FSR 629) near the powerlines * Turkey Springs Road near the Turkey Springs Guard Station * Brockover Road (FSR 919), Buckles Lake Road (FSR 633) * Huerto Creek timber sale between Piedra Road (FSR 621) and Poison Park Road (FSR 644)
With spring approaching, firefighters are closely monitoring conditions for potential burn windows. Please continue to check this page for the latest information, which will be highlighted in the space above this information. Prescribed fires are used to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. The Magic Feather Project is now in its fifth year of burning, located east and southeast of Red Feather Lakes along Red Feather Lakes Road (County Road 74E). Since April of this year, wildfire managers have successfully treated 500 acres through broadcast burning at Magic Feather. This project is being executed in a phased manner, with 2,700 acres currently under observation for appropriate conditions. Required prescribed fire conditions include appropriate weather, fuel moistures and smoke dispersal as well as adequate personnel to support the planned project. Weather is monitored throughout the potential burn window and ignitions will not occur if conditions fall outside of the required prescriptions. Residents and visitors in the vicinity should anticipate the presence of smoke during the prescribed burning operations. Smoke is most likely to be visible from Red Feather Lakes and Northern Front Range communities. Smoke may also impact those using the Dowdy Lake and West Lake recreation areas Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information about the potential health impacts of smoke, visit Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment [https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health]. To receive updates, follow us on Facebook [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001_4jQevMBOHm3ij4X-dPiBcWzTzhBlKNG7Ak20ATiL5hV8dbH0ztFvQihs44UwsWlSe5bGkI176N1h-l5TyqtuEYfaE-_LANcpc9obrtT3nKEAqFO18PTR_dqaAf8xPtNcyHOtfrqyMKc1KJyLkHLe0bNKsbpmaxc%26c%3Dtu6-bHUBD7B_o7CiWT7VjbjY3EQ2RGUdJBnV-2-5PJc7kz6ezD4ikQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DKkBmbkI9Pj8Pw596zy9vJ8hEwx5R_V70FL4MGPZT38jjcVXICPoHrQ%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7C%7C8d7f5e8910d04f77a0d108db467312f9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638181304112273720%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=P1Ou3zBgeWBfIK4j%2BLeuEVKv5zx3UIfq4QcPlVYZJFY%3D&reserved=0] and X [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.net%2Ftn.jsp%3Ff%3D001_4jQevMBOHm3ij4X-dPiBcWzTzhBlKNG7Ak20ATiL5hV8dbH0ztFvQihs44UwsWlvNfg4L24yNGmpu9fPnYBAJtkHFFkIvXBbTSaxVAht5IWVcU3hkHisQptxY3jQ5vxqilRu7y7KVtWlVz_jX-eqQ%3D%3D%26c%3Dtu6-bHUBD7B_o7CiWT7VjbjY3EQ2RGUdJBnV-2-5PJc7kz6ezD4ikQ%3D%3D%26ch%3DKkBmbkI9Pj8Pw596zy9vJ8hEwx5R_V70FL4MGPZT38jjcVXICPoHrQ%3D%3D&data=05%7C01%7C%7C8d7f5e8910d04f77a0d108db467312f9%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638181304112273720%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xYh6uQsYifWyNPeUQOlhzbPuxGpy9a2r5%2FcjrVk80B0%3D&reserved=0] and join our email list through Constant Contact [https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001IYrlh1STq1nQ4D8XRO5B4Tvbd__skb5DEaSNzAHXRTWsJ95wGZldZ7zrkXvzVXksf3R6x_FiGGtTmBpzdxMnTnede0kaBf28EWf6JhMvjtJ1G2BxcsTGuuXwUui3wHLgc8u79l49Wyo2SYfQARrvjWhWttAZTbd2] and select list "Forest Health & Fire: North of Hwy 14 to Wyoming Border (Red Feather Lakes)."
Firefighters are closely monitoring conditions for potential burn windows for this project. Please continue to check this page for the latest information. ________________________ General Information about the Project: The Forsythe II Project is part of the Forest Service’s on-going effort to improve forest health conditions on the Boulder Ranger District. The project area is located near Gross Reservoir and Winiger Ridge in Boulder County, Colo. The entire project area encompasses 18,954 acres; 9,940 of those acres are National Forest System lands, 1,892 acres are Boulder County Parks and Open Space lands, and 7,122 acres are private lands. Elevation ranges from 6,082 to 8,945 feet. The project is generally located east of Nederland, CO and west of Gross Reservoir. The broadcast burn units from the Forsythe II Decision are located 7 miles southwest of Boulder and 5.5 miles east of Nederland, totalling 931 acres. Forest thinning and pile burning treatments for areas near the planned prescribed burn area are mostly complete. The area has two main burn units that are subdivided into multiple sub-units that vary in size from 18 acres to 130 acres and provides a variety of options for control using existing roads, water, natural features and control lines. Current project plans allow for treatment of up to 340 acres per year. These prescribed burning treatments will be implemented over several years, with the amount treated per year dependent on weather, ground conditions, fuel receptiveness, and available resources. All burning will be implemented in close coordination and with assistance from local cooperating agencies and partners, state and county public health agencies, and multiple local agency fire cooperators. Smoke will be in the air, and fire managers work closely with experts to minimize the impacts to the extent possible. Air quality is carefully monitored before and during a prescribed fire and all prescribed burns comply with state air quality regulations to minimize impacts to communities. To learn more about the potential health impacts of smoke visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health [https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.colorado.gov%2Fpacific%2Fcdphe%2Fwood-smoke-and-health&data=05%7C01%7C%7C8b18517df1f44aaec36f08db314bfac3%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C638157974616252064%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xazvkJjr3gmpTxXj%2FveiaJGxnj%2FnMmUlBLT378zSLO0%3D&reserved=0]. To receive updates, join our email list [https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001IYrlh1STq1nQ4D8XRO5B4Tvbd__skb5DEaSNzAHXRTWsJ95wGZldZ7zrkXvzVXksf3R6x_FiGGtTmBpzdxMnTnede0kaBf28EWf6JhMvjtJ1G2BxcsTGuuXwUui3wHLgc8u79l49Wyo2SYfQARrvjWhWttAZTbd2] and select list "Forest Health & Fire: North of Hwy 72 (Coal Creek Canyon) to Hwy 119 Boulder Canyon (Nederland and Magnolia areas)". Have questions? Email ARPFireInfo@usda.gov. Forsythe II Public Map 2025.jpg Forsythe II Public Map 2025.jpg [ https://inciweb-prod-media-bucket.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2025-04/Forsythe%20II%20Public%20Map%202025.jpg?VersionId=WwHiVH104Q78ivHm0miWgn5_z7sG26Ht ] Fri, 04/04/2025 - 14:06 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forsythe II Public Map 2025.jpg [ https://inciweb-prod-media-bucket.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2025-04/Forsythe%20II%20Public%20Map%202025.jpg?VersionId=WwHiVH104Q78ivHm0miWgn5_z7sG26Ht ] Forsythe II Public Map 2025.jpg
The Front Country Prescribed Fire is a 3000-acre prescribed fire project located in Rocky Mountain National Park. This project will reduce available fuels and the risk of future catastrophic fire by introducing low-to-moderate intensity fire on the landscape. By introducing fire and removing fuels when conditions are favorable, the area will serve as a fire break that can be used to defend the park and surrounding communities against future wildfires. The prescribed fire will also allow fire to play its natural role in the ecosystem by reducing ground fuels, invigorating native grasses, and decreasing stand densities in meadows and montane forests. The overall 3000-acre project is subdivided into several smaller units, one of which is the 334-acre Headquarters Unit, located near Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, south of Highway 36. Firefighters completed approximately 100 acres of the 334-acre Headquarters Unit in November 2024 and 60 acres in mid-April 2025. Additional information on future ignitions will be shared on this page and on RMNP’s official social media channels [https://linktr.ee/RMNP_fire].
WEST DOLORES RIM PRESCRIBED FIRE UPDATE APRIL 22ND, 2025. The planned prescribed burn for West Dolores Rim, Unit 1 has been postponed. Due to high winds and dry fuels, the prescribed burn has been postponed until better weather conditions arise. Firefighters will continue to monitor future burn windows. Please check back for future updates. WEST DOLORES RIM PRESCRIBED FIRE PLANNED FOR APRIL 23RD, 2025. DOLORES, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tres Rios field office plans to conduct prescribed fire treatments starting April 23rd, 2025. Weather conditions have become favorable to conduct a prescribed burn on the West Dolores Rim this week. Fire crews will be slated to burn Unit 1, containing 316 acres. Ignitions are planned for Wednesday April 23rd, 2025. If conditions change, fire crews will continue to monitor the weather for the next available window. This unit consists of mainly Pondera Pine with a needle cast and brushy understory. The overall goals of this prescribed burn is to reduce the hazardous fuel loading within the unit, promote healthy regenerative growth for future Ponderosa Pine trees, and to lessen the catastrophic risk of wildfire within the West Rim area. This project reflects the BLM’s ongoing commitment to protect the public while enhancing wildlife habitat and reducing the risk of wildfire. The BLM obtained smoke permits from the Colorado State Air Pollution Control Division, which identify atmospheric conditions under which the burns can be implemented. While no road closures are expected during the projects, camping near the units is discouraged due to increased traffic and likelihood of smoke in the area, particularly at night. Multiple days of burning may occur as fuel conditions and weather permit. Project areas will be monitored once completed to ensure public safety. While smoke may be visible in the burn area at times, most of the smoke will lift and dissipate during the warmest parts of the day. Expect visible smoke in the area for several days after each burn is completed as vegetation in the interior continues to smolder. Please continue to check back for all current updates with the West Rim prescribed burn. For more information, visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health [https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health]. PRESCRIBED FIRE TO BE INITIATED AT WEST DOLORES RIM SPRING 2025 DOLORES, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tres Rios field office plans to conduct prescribed fire treatments starting April 15th, 2025 – May 2025. Prescribed fire is an important tool for active vegetation management and the reduction of wildfire risk. The West Dolores Rim project area is seven miles east and northeast of Dove Creek. Firefighters will use a combination of hand and aerial ignitions to ignite 977 acres of pine needle cast and mountain brush leaf litter within ponderosa pine stands. “The West Rim project continues to be one of the BLM's greatest successes in reintroducing fire onto the landscape. BLM began implementing prescribed fire in the West Rim project area in 2008, and after 16 years and thousands of acres treated, the BLM continues to see fantastic benefits for the timber stand, wildlife, and public land users, including reduced risk to homes, infrastructure, and resources.” - James Savage, BLM Supervisory Fuels Specialist Prescribed fire mimics natural processes under appropriate weather and vegetative conditions, which improves forage for wildlife, increases plant diversity by creating breaks in the understory where native grasses and forbs can thrive, and effectively reduces hazardous vegetation while enhancing woodland health. This project reflects the BLM’s ongoing commitment to protect the public while enhancing wildlife habitat and reducing the risk of wildfire. The BLM obtained smoke permits from the Colorado State Air Pollution Control Division, which identify atmospheric conditions under which the burns can be implemented. While no road closures are expected during the projects, camping near the units is discouraged due to increased traffic and likelihood of smoke in the area, particularly at night. Multiple days of burning may occur as fuel conditions and weather permit. Project areas will be monitored once completed to ensure public safety. While smoke may be visible in the burn area at times, most of the smoke will lift and dissipate during the warmest parts of the day. Expect visible smoke in the area for several days after each burn is completed as vegetation in the interior continues to smolder. WEST DOLORES RIM PRESCRIBED BURN WILL INCLUDE 3 SEPARATE BURN UNITS. UNITS MAYBE BURN SIMULTANEOUSLY OR INDIVIDUALLY DEPENDING ON PREDICTED WEATHER CONDITIONS. * UNIT 1 316 ACRES * UNIT 18B 291 ACRES * UNIT 42B 370 ACRES Please continue to check back for all current updates with the West Rim prescribed burn. For more information, visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health [https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health].