Single Publication

Animas City Mountain Prescribed Burn Update

Tres Rios Field Office, Colorado

Information:  970-501-5665

Call Center Hours:  9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Email: 2022.CO.ACMRX@firenet.gov

Planned Prescribed Fire Dates:  May 8 – 15, 2023

Location:  BLM Land Animas City Mountain, Durango, CO

InciWeb:  Animas City Mountain Prescribed Burn: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7688/

Social Media:  https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontroseFireUnit & SWD Fire Twitter @SWD_Fire

Air Quality Information: https://www.airnow.gov/

Saturday, May 13th Update:

This will be the Final Update. The Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office finished prescribed fire operations on the Animas City Mountain project. Ignitions were completed on Friday, May 12th, for a total of 228 acres treated and a final acreage of 495. Ignition crews black lined the flanks of the control lines, while Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) conducted aerial ignitions. Two UAS units flew throughout the shift. The Bureau of Land Management and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) piloted the drones. UAS resources utilized infrared cameras to identify residual heat or heat outside of control lines. Firefighters patrolled and conducted mop up actions on the units that were ignited. Resources remained in place late into the night, holding and monitoring the prescribed fire area.

Prescribed fire resources will continue to secure ignited areas for multiple days. Moisture is forecasted for the weekend. Saturday evening and Sunday wetting rain is expected over the burn area.

Residual smoke is expected to dissipate within a day or two. Smoke from the prescribed fire was heavy at times for short durations. During a wildfire incident smoke can persist for weeks or even months. Treatment of the project area is concluded.

Smoke from the prescribed burn:

Several smoke monitors are placed within the community. Go to airnow.gov for current air quality.

Closures:

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a Temporary Closure Order (COS01-23-02) on May 8th, that will remain in effect until rescinded. This includes all trail systems within the Animas City Mountain area, for all public use to provide for public safety.

City of Durango - All trails, trailheads, and parking lots at Animas City Mountain, Dalla Mountain Park, Tanque Verde and X-Rock will be closed to public access during the prescribed fire.

Non-fire Drone (UAS) & Aircraft Restrictions:

Thank you to the public for not using your personal UAS or drone. If flight space is intruded, it places danger for the UAS Pilot, firefighters, and public. During any wildfire or prescribed fire remember to keep your drone grounded.