Single Publication

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest is closely monitoring local conditions to resume prescribed fire operations on the Forsythe II Prescribed Burn area, located 7 miles southwest of Boulder and 5 miles east of Nederland. Operations could begin as early as tomorrow, Friday, May 16, if conditions allow. In the interest of public and firefighter safety, this area will be closed to the public during operations. Watch for warning signs along roads and trails near all prescribed fire areas, before, after, and during prescribed burns. 

Prescribed fires are used to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires. The Forsythe II Project is now in it's third consecutive year of broadcast burning. Since April 2023, wildfire managers have successfully treated 457 acres through broadcast burning at Forsythe II.

This project is being executed in a phased manner, with 125 acres currently under observation for appropriate conditions. Required prescribed fire conditions include appropriate weather, fuel moistures, smoke dispersal and adequate personnel in order to support the planned project. Weather is monitored throughout the burn window, and ignitions will be halted if conditions fall outside of the required prescriptions.

Residents and visitors in the vicinity should anticipate the presence of smoke during the prescribed burning operations. The smoke is most likely to be visible in the following areas: Lakeshore Subdivision, Crescent Village, Crescent Meadows, Gross Reservoir, Walker Mountain Ranch Park, Miramonte, Wondervu, Eldorado State park and various areas within Eastern Boulder County. Local fire departments and county emergency management officials are collaborating closely, and will be notified when burning begins.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit CDPHE's guide to wood smoke and your health.

Fire managers may implement additional burn days as conditions allow. Stay informed about scheduled prescribed fires on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests through the forest website, email lists, social media channels and here on InciWeb.