Interior could burn for a few more days
The San Juan National Forest and partner agencies conducted prescribed burns Sept. 13 in Lange Canyon east of Bayfield, shown here, as well as in the Saul's Creek area. The fires burned about 5,000 acres and will continue smoking for a few more days, but ignitions are finished.
The U.S. Forest Service and other agencies have completed prescribed burns for the season around Bayfield.
"It will take a couple of days for the smoke and interior burning to finish, but no more ignitions," wrote Gretchen Fitzgerald of the forest service on Wednesday. The prescribed burns were in low-elevation forests consisting of ponderosa pine, Gambel oak and grass.
The burns reduced forest fuels, reducing the potential for severe wildfires, and will improve wildlife habitat and maintain forest ecosystems, according to federal officials.
Crews burned 2,500 acres in the Yellow Jacket - Lange Canyon areas east of Bayfield, and 2,500 acres at Sauls Creek.
