The San Juan National Forest’s Dolores Ranger District ignited a prescribed burn Oct. 17 near Boggy Draw, about 5 miles northeast of Dolores, in an attempt to provide a healthy forest.
The burn is west of Colorado Highway 145 near the intersection of Forest Roads 528 and 405.
Mike De Fries, San Juan National Forest public information officer, said he was confident that crews would reach their goal of 1,094 acres on Tuesday, although the burn could continue Wednesday.
The burn is expected to help restore ponderosa pine ecosystems, lessen the risk of an unplanned large-scale wildfire, improve wildlife habitat and reduce hazardous ground fuels. It also lessens the chance for future fires to reach mature trees’ canopies by reducing ladder fuels.
According to a news release, smoke could be seen from Dolores, Cortez and Mancos, and from the highway corridors of U.S. 491 and Colorado 145 and 184. People were asked not to call 911.
The smoke could settle in low-lying valleys and the Dolores River Canyon later in the evening.
All roads are still open, but drivers were advised to be cautious when traveling in the area since fire crews and engines are operating in the region.
