The U.S. Forest Service has submitted plans for three prescribed fires in the Columbine Ranger District this fall. The operations are pending approval from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
According to a Sept. 9 news release from the Forest Service, the three burns will mitigate a total of 6,851 acres of forest. Prescribed burns help clear brush and other flammable material from the forest floor, which reduces wildfire danger and helps improve the health of the forest.
“Objectives of the burns include reduction of hazardous fuels, improving forage conditions for wildlife species and reducing the risk of wildfire impacts to communities,” the release said.
The burns will encompass three distinct zones in the Columbine Ranger District, according to the release:
- The northern HDs prescribed fire will mitigate 3,383 acres of forest in Saul’s Creek, east of Bayfield and south of U.S. Highway 160.
- The Vallecit-Piedra prescribed fire will cover 1,863 acres of forest near the Beaver Meadows area north of Highway 160 and northeast of Bayfield.
- The southern HDs prescribed fire will encompass two units – one in the Fosset Gulch area and another west of Chimney Rock National Monument – that will make up a total of 1,605 acres.
The burns are each expected to take multiple days to complete. Smoke from the burns is expected to move north-northeast, and will be visible from Pagosa Springs, Arboles and Bayfield, as well as the Highway 160 and Colorado Highway 151 corridors, the release said.
“Nighttime smoke is expected to travel downslope into the Piedra and Pine River drainages,” the release said. “Smoke will be heavier in the mornings that follow burning operations, although it will clear by midday.”
Operations could begin as early as early as this month and could last until November, depending on weather conditions, personnel availability and fire danger. Additional prescribed burn projects are slated for the Pagosa and Dolores ranger districts.
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
