San Juan NF Prescribed Fire Program

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The San Juan National Forest Fuels Management Staff are planning to burn slash piles this fall and winter. Operations typically take place after significant weather such as when snowfall occurs. These piles consist of thinning slash from hazardous fuels reduction projects and timber sales. Hazardous fuels reduction projects target specific areas to reduce wildfire hazards to nearby private residences, land, and other infrastructure.

Operations will begin as early as this month and could continue through April, when sufficient weather and snow is present to prevent fire spread and will continue as long as conditions allow. Firefighters will ignite and closely monitor pile burning activities. Burning will only occur when all conditions of the state issued smoke permit are met. These activities should not affect public access or use of the forest.

TheColumbine Ranger District plans to burn slash piles in areas east of Bayfield in Saul’s Creek near Forest System Road (FSR) 608 and Fosset Gulch near FSR 613. Smoke may be visible be visible from the surrounding communities and Highway 160 east between Bayfield and Pagosa.

The Dolores Ranger District plans to burn slash piles in areas north of Mancos, east of Dolores, and east of Dove Creek. Slash piles will be burned in the Chicken Creek area near FSR 385 northeast of Joe Moore Reservoir; in the Haycamp Mesa area near FSR 556 and FSR 556.D south of Beef Pasture Reservoir; in the Spring Creek area near FSR 327 and FSR 382 northeast of Jackson Gulch Reservoir; and in the Lake Canyon area near FSR 506 and FSR 215. Smoke may be visible from the surrounding communities, Highway 145, Highway 184, and Highway 491.

The Pagosa Ranger District plans to burn slash piles near the following locations northwest of Pagosa Springs: Turkey Springs Road (FSR 629), East Monument Road (FSR 630), Newt Jack Road (FSR 923), Turkey Springs Guard Station Road (FSR 629.B), and Monument Park C1 Road (FSR 630.C1).  Smoke may be visible from Pagosa Springs and Highway 160.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For information, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

For additional information on planned pile burns, please contact the specific Fuels Management Staff at:

• Columbine Ranger District (970) 884-2512

• Dolores Ranger District (970) 882-7296

• Pagosa Ranger District (970) 264-2268