Single Publication

The Eldorado National Forest Pacific Ranger District has planned an understory-prescribed fire operation for up to 250 acres in the vicinity of Jaybird Canyon Road and Peavine Ridge Road. Ignition operations will occur from October 17th through the 19th.

Every understory burning operation follows a specialized burn plan, in which temperature, humidity, wind, vegetation moisture, and smoke dispersal conditions are considered daily before ignitions occur. This operation is a part of the Wharf Whale Fuel Break project, an ongoing fuels treatment project in the Eldorado National Forest. Weather permitting, the operational goal is to conduct ignitions between October 17th and October 19th, with additional days dedicated to mop-up securement and patrolling as needed. There will be no closures in the area during operations. 

By removing excess vegetation, prescribed fire reduces the severity of future wildfires which helps protect communities and makes the landscape more resilient. It also makes room for new growth, which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil, and helps reduce the spread of insects and diseases in forests. 

With all fire comes smoke, and the U.S. Forest Service works to mitigate smoke impacts from prescribed fires on the communities in the area. While smoke may be visible in the area during the prescribed fire operation, individuals with respiratory issues or sensitive conditions should take precautions to avoid exposure to smoke. Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after an ignition depending on the project size, conditions, and weather. Prescribed fire smoke is generally less intense and of much shorter duration than smoke produced by unwanted wildfires. Fire managers consider optimal conditions for dispersal and duration of smoke impacts when planning prescribed burns. 

The Eldorado Nation Forest will provide updates and information about the prescribed fire operation to the public as needed.