Single Publication

Fort Collins, Colo. (April 9, 2025) — The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest is closely monitoring local conditions to resume prescribed fire operations on the Magic Feather Prescribed Burn, located near Red Feather Lakes, for the end of this week and into next week. The first potential day for ignitions is Friday, April 11, 2025, with favorable forecasts currently extending during various time periods through the end of next week. 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 Magic Feather Project is now in its fifth year of burning, located east and southeast of Red Feather Lakes along Red Feather Lakes Road (County Road 74E). Since April of this year, wildfire managers have successfully treated 500 acres through broadcast burning at Magic Feather.

This project is being executed in a phased manner, with 2,700 acres currently under observation for appropriate conditions. Required prescribed fire conditions include appropriate weather, fuel moistures and smoke dispersal as well as adequate personnel to support the planned project. Weather is monitored throughout the potential burn window and ignitions will not occur 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. Smoke is most likely to be visible from Red Feather Lakes and Northern Front Range communities. Smoke may also impact those using the Dowdy Lake and West Lake recreation areas. Local fire departments and county emergency management officials are collaborating closely on this project, and will be notified when burning begins.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit Wood smoke and your health. Stay informed about scheduled prescribed fires on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests through the forest website, email lists, social media channels and Inciweb