GMUG Announces Forest Wide Prescribed Fire Projects

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Publication Type: News Mon, 03/15/2021 - 12:00

Delta, Colorado, March 15, 2021 – Fire Management Officials from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests have announced plans to conduct prescribed burns this spring. The vegetation treatments will occur March through June depending upon weather and appropriate ground and vegetation conditions.

The objectives are to reduce vegetation (fuels) to help reduce the risk of larger wildfires, for wildlife habitat improvement and ecosystem health. Prescribed fire in these areas will burn with less intensity under moderated conditions which will improve the resiliency of the landscape against wildfire.

Safety of firefighters and the public are the most important factors considered when planning a prescribed burn. Fire Management Officers and Fuels Specialists spend countless hours developing detailed prescribed fire plans that detail specific weather, fuel conditions and staffing and safety requirements. Ignitions will occur using ground and aerial techniques. Ignitions only occur if conditions are conductive to a safe, effective operation and within appropriate smoke dispersal parameters set by the State of Colorado. The prescribed burns will be accomplished using joint-agency fire resources, mitigation measures and protocols that are in place to reduce the risk and transmission of COVID-19. Air quality will be closely monitored to mitigate smoke related impacts to communities.

The following burns are planned:

West Zone – Norwood/Ouray Ranger Districts

Glencoe Pine: Located approximately 13 miles northeast of Nucla, CO off 25 Mesa road (National Forest System Road (NFSR) #503). Approximately 450 acres are planned to be burned to increase the resiliency and reproduction of native ponderosa pine stands.

Sanborn Park: Located approximately 5 miles northeast of Norwood, CO near Sanborn Park road (NFSRs #530, #515 and #526). Approximately 300 acres are planned to be burned to increase the resiliency and reproduction of native ponderosa pine stands and protect adjacent private property from the spread of unplanned wildfires.

Thunder Road: Located approximately 6 miles southwest of Norwood, CO adjacent to Thunder road (NFSR #609). Approximately 350 acres are planned to be burned to increase the resiliency and reproduction of native ponderosa pine stands, improve wildlife habitat, increase range forage production and protect adjacent private property from the spread of large unplanned wildfires.

25 Mesa: Located approximately 25 miles west of Delta, CO on 25 Mesa road (NFSR #503). Approximately 1,406 acres are planned to be burned to increase the resiliency and reproduction of native ponderosa pine stands, protect adjacent private property from the spread of unplanned wildfires and reduce slash from mechanical treatments.

East Zone – Gunnison Ranger District

Los Pinos: Located approximately 35 miles south of Gunnison in the Cochetopa Park area. Approximately 1,000 acres are planned to be burned to reduce vegetation (fuels) and improve wildlife habitat improvement.

West Elk: Located approximately 14 miles west of Gunnison and about 4-6 miles north of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Approximately 600 acres are planned to be burned to reduce vegetation (fuels) and improve wildlife habitat.

North Zone – Grand Valley/Paonia Ranger District

Calamity Hills - Located 28 miles southwest of Grand Junction, CO within Mesa County on the northwest portion of the Uncompahgre National Forest. Approximately 1,727 acres are planned to be burned to maintain and enhance productivity vegetation to benefit wildlife and to reduce the natural buildup of vegetation (fuels).

Calamity Understory - Located on the northwest portion of the Uncompahgre National Forest, roughly 28 miles southwest of Grand Junction CO within Mesa County. Approximately 400 acres are planned to be burned to reduce vegetation (fuels) and to improve wildlife habitat.

Steamboat Rocks- Located on the Lands Ends road (NFSR #101) roughly 6 miles south of Grand Junction within Mesa County. Approximately 1,100 acres are planned to be burned to reduce the threat of wildfire and improve wildlife habitat.

“Prescribed fire remains an important way to minimize the risk of large, severe wildfires to a variety of values and resources by reducing fuel loadings in strategic locations. It is also an important ecological disturbance and nutrient provider, which is vital to wildlife habitat improvement. The primary objectives for these prescribed fires remain focused on firefighter and public safety.” said Stewart Robertson, Fuels Management Officer.

For information on prescribed burns, pile burns, wildfires and fire restrictions on National Forest System lands and other areas, call the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Fire Information line at (970) 874-6602, visit the GMUG Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/gmug, GMUG Fire Information: https://www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo/ or Twitter: https://twitter.com/GMUG_NF.

For more information on how prescribed burning and pile burning smoke may affect your health, please visit: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

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The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests manage approximately 3 million acres of land in Southwest Colorado within Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, Saguache, San Juan and San Miguel counties.

Onion Fire Update

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Publication Type: News Thu, 04/08/2021 - 12:00

Onion Fire Update

April 8, 2021

Media Contact: Kirstie Butler

Kirstie.butler@usda.gov

Phone: (760) 920-7149

Incident Start Date: 04/07/2021 Cause: Human (abandoned campfire) Size: 85 acres Containment: 40% Incident Type: Full Suppression Vegetation Type: Brush Agency: Inyo National Forest, U.S Forest Service Resources Assigned: Engines: 12 Helicopters: 2 Crews: 6 Total Personnel: 150

Current Situation: The Onion fire was caused by a campfire that was not fully extinguished. While there was a rock fire ring and vegetation clearance directly around the ring, high winds blew embers into adjacent brush causing the fire to start. As the weather warms up and more and more people use the forest for recreation, it is important to stay vigilant and be mindful of what impact your activity may have on the beautiful forest. It is up to you to keep the places you love beautiful. Make the place you camp better than you found it. Always carry enough water to extinguish your campfire till it is cold to the touch. And educate people in a friendly way, that may be new to the great outdoors.

The Onion Fire grew rapidly during the evening of April 7th due to strong winds. Crews made a lot of progress working throughout the night and throughout today. A combination of hand line and dozer line was completed around the entire fire area. Ground resources continued to enhance and patrol the established line for hot spots today as the wind was again gusty and testing the containment lines.

Huron Zone Projects for April 23 2021

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Publication Type: Announcement Fri, 04/23/2021 - 12:00

The Huron Zone will be implementing Brittle Block 20 and 23 prescribed fire project on Friday April 23, 2021 using hand ignition and aerial support.

The goal of the Brittle Block 20 and 23 RX project is to treat 1,086 acres of a Red Pine, Jack Pine and Oak forests adjacent to Oak and Pine forests south of Iargo Road towards Webb Road between Allen and National Trout Pond Roads in Plainfield Twp., Iosco County to reduce hazardous fuels, restore ecosystem function with fire adapted vegetation and enhance wildlife habitat. The intent of the project is to create an opening and fuel break to provide safe firefighter access in a high risk fuels area, as well as improving wildlife habitat.

Residents and motorists may see and smell smoke in the vicinity of Iargo Road between Allen and National Trout Pond Roads, and north of Webb Road in Plainfield Twp., Iosco County. Fire personnel and heavy equipment, including helicopters, will be active in the area. Residents and motorists are asked to be careful around firefighters and equipment.

When prescribed fire personnel utilize helicopters to complete a project, the public and media are urged to refrain from using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) in the project area. Use of drones can impact firefighter safety and the ability for personnel to complete the project.

Burn locations are subject to change due to fuel and/or other conditions. Updates will be made as the changes are reported.

Manistee Zone Projects for April 23 2021

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Publication Type: Announcement Fri, 04/23/2021 - 12:00

The Manistee Zone will be implementing the Southeast Peacock Unit 1 and Eagle prescribed fire (RX) projects on Friday April 23, 2021 using hand ignition and aerial support.

The goal of the SE Peacock Unit 1 RX project is to treat 482 acres of timber litter adjacent to grass and timber litter to reduce hazardous fuels, restore ecosystem function with fire adapted vegetation and enhance wildlife habitat. This activity will occur near FR 6529 and 1 ½ mile Roads in Peacock Township, Lake County. The SE Peacock Unit 1 RX project will implement aerial ignitions to treat the 482 acres of timber litter. The intent of the project is to create an opening and fuel break to provide safe firefighter access in a high risk fuels area, as well as improving wildlife habitat.

The goal of the Eagle RX project is to treat 260 acres of timber litter adjacent to grass and timber litter to reduce hazardous fuels, restore ecosystem function with fire adapted vegetation and enhance wildlife habitat. This activity will occur south of the South County Line Road and North Schoenherr Roads, Freesoil Township, Lake County. The Eagle RX Project will implement hand ignitions to treat the acres of timber litter. The intent of the project is to create an opening and fuel break to provide safe firefighter access in a high risk fuels area, as well as improving wildlife habitat.

Residents and motorists may see and smell smoke in the vicinity of South County Line Road and North Schoenherr Roads, as well as Black Lake in Freesoil Township, Lake County and in the vicinity of North Peacock Trail and W 1 ½ mile Road in Peacock Township, Lake County.

Fire personnel and heavy equipment, including helicopters, will be active in the area of North Peacock Trail and W 1 ½ mile Road in Peacock Township, Lake County. Residents and motorists are asked to be careful around firefighters and equipment.

When prescribed fire personnel are utilizing helicopters to complete a project, the public and media are urged to refrain from using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) in the project area. Use of drones can impact firefighter safety and the ability for personnel to complete the project.

Burn locations are subject to change due to fuel and/or other conditions. Updates will be made as the changes are reported.

Manistee Zone Projects for April 22 2021

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Publication Type: Announcement Thu, 04/22/2021 - 12:00

The Manistee Zone will be implementing the Baldwin Fuels Units 1, 2, 6 and 8 prescribed fire project on Thursday April 22, 2021 to treat 1038 acres of grass and timber litter adjacent to Red Pine and mixed hardwood forests. The goal of the Baldwin Fuels Units 1, 2, 6 and 8 prescribed fire project is to reduce hazardous fuels, restore ecosystem function with fire adapted vegetation and enhance wildlife habitat. This activity will occur near the intersection of between 52nd Street and Jenks Road, Lake Township, Lake County, directly north of Gleason’s Landing.

The Baldwin Fuels Units 1, 2, 6 and 8 prescribed fire project will utilize hand and aerial ignitions to treat the 1038 acres of grass and timber litter. The intent of the project is to create an opening and fuel break to provide safe firefighter access in a high risk fuels area, as well as improving wildlife habitat. Residents and motorists may see and smell smoke in the vicinity of 52nd Street and Jenks Road, Lake Township, Lake County.

Fire personnel and heavy equipment, including helicopters, will be active in the area. Residents and motorists are asked to be careful around firefighters and equipment.

Prescribed fire personnel will be utilizing aerial ignitions by helicopter to complete this project. The public and media are urged to refrain from the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) in the project area. Use of drone can impact firefighter safety and the ability for personnel to complete the project.

Burn locations are subject to change due to fuel and/or other conditions. Updates will be made as the changes are reported.

Huron Zone Projects for April 22 2021

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Publication Type: Announcement Thu, 04/22/2021 - 12:00

The Huron Zone will be implementing the Mack/McKinley Unit 4 and the River Road Units 30 and 31 prescribed fire project on Thursday April 22, 2021 using hand ignition and aerial support.

The goal of the Mack/McKinley Unit 4 prescribed fire project is to treat 174 acres of a Red Pine plantation adjacent to Oak and Pine forests along Winton Road, between E Bull Gap and Loud Roads in Mentor Township, Oscoda County. This activity will implement hand ignitions to treat the acres of Red Pine to reduce hazardous fuels, restore ecosystem function with fire adapted vegetation and enhance wildlife habitat. The intent of the project is to create an opening and fuel break to provide safe firefighter access in a high risk fuels area, as well as improving wildlife habitat. Residents and motorists may see and smell smoke in the vicinity of Winton Road, between E Bull Gap and Loud Roads in Mentor Township, Oscoda County.

The goal of the River Road Units 30 and 31 prescribed fire project is to treat 454 acres of a Jack Pine and Oak woodland forest along Bissonette Road, between FR4396 and Pine River Roads in Oscoda Township, Iosco County. The River Road Units 30 and 31 will implement aerial ignitions to treat the acres of Red Pine to reduce hazardous fuels, restore ecosystem function with fire adapted vegetation and enhance wildlife habitat. The intent of the project is to create an opening and fuel break to provide safe firefighter access in a high risk fuels area, as well as improving wildlife habitat.

Residents and motorists may see and smell smoke in the vicinity of Bissonette Road, between FR4396 and Pine River Roads in Oscoda Township, Iosco County. Fire personnel and heavy equipment, including helicopters, will be active in the area. Residents and motorists are asked to be careful around firefighters and equipment.

Prescribed fire personnel will be utilizing helicopters to complete this project. The public and media are urged to restrains from using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) in the project area. Use of drones can impact firefighter safety and the ability for personnel to complete the project.

Burn locations are subject to change due to fuel and/or other conditions. Updates will be made as the changes are reported.

Huron Zone Projects for April 21 2021

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Publication Type: Announcement Wed, 04/21/2021 - 12:00

The Huron Zone will be implementing the Tuttle Opening and Lost Creek Unit 8 prescribed fire projects to reduce 530 acres of grass and brush fuels Wilber Township, Iosco County and Big Creek Township, Oscoda County on Wednesday April 21, 2021.

The Tuttle Opening prescribed fire project will reduce 213 acres of grass and brushy fuels adjacent to Pine and Oak stands in Wilber Township, Iosco County. Residents and motorists may smell or see smoke and encounter fire personnel and equipment in the vicinity of East Davison and Tuttle Marsh Roads in Wilber twp., Iosco County.

The Lost Creek Unit 8 prescribed fire project will reduce 317 acres of grass, brush and Jack Pine regeneration adjacent to Pine and Oak stands in Big Creek Township, Oscoda County. Residents and motorists may smell or see smoke and encounter fire personnel and equipment in the vicinity of Nichols Road between Mapes and Club Roads in Big Creek Twp., Oscoda County.

By reducing flashy fuels such as grasses and brush, the risk for active and aggressive fire behavior is reduced thereby creating safer conditions for the public and firefighters. Please use extreme caution when traveling in these areas.

Burn locations are subject to change due to fuel and/or other conditions. Updates will be made as the changes are reported.

Manistee Zone Projects for April 21 2021

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Publication Type: Announcement Wed, 04/21/2021 - 12:00

The Manistee Zone will be implementing the Shooting Range 163 and Idlewild 5 prescribed fire projects to reduce 275 acres of grass fuels and timber litter adjacent to Red Pine and mixed fuels in Meade Township, Mason County and Yates Township, Lake County on Wednesday April 21, 2021. By reducing flashy fuels such as grasses and heat sustaining timber litter, the risk for active and aggressive fire behavior is reduced thereby creating safer conditions for the public and firefighters. Residents and motorists may smell or see smoke and encounter fire personnel and equipment in the vicinity of the N Larson and E Koenig Roads in Meade Twp., Mason County and W 76th Street and S Forman Road in Yates Twp., Lake County. Please use extreme caution when travelling in these areas.

Burn locations are subject to change due to fuel and/or other conditions. Updates will be made as the changes are reported.

Manistee Zone Projects for April 20 2021

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Publication Type: Announcement Tue, 04/20/2021 - 12:00

The Manistee Zone will be implementing the Shooting Range 37 prescribed fire project to reduce 40 acres of grass fuels and timber litter adjacent to Red Pine in Meade Township, Mason County on Tuesday April 20, 2021. By reducing flashy fuels such as grasses, the risk for active and aggressive fire behavior is reduced thereby creating safer conditions for the public and firefighters. Residents and motorists may smell or see smoke and encounter fire personnel in the vicinity of the Koenig and Taylor Roads in Meade Twp., Mason County. Please use extreme caution when travelling in this area.

Burn locations are subject to change due to fuel and/or other conditions. Updates will be made as the changes are reported.

Manistee Zone Projects for April 18 2021

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Publication Type: Announcement Mon, 04/19/2021 - 12:00

The Manistee Zone will be implementing the Southeast Peacock Unit 8 prescribed fire project on Sunday April 18, 2021 using hand ignition and aerial support. The goal of the SE Peacock Unit 8 prescribed fire project is to treat 357 acres of Oak and Pine adjacent to Oak and Pine forests to reduce hazardous fuels, restore ecosystem function with fire adapted vegetation and enhance wildlife habitat. This activity will occur on West 7 Mile Road between North Irons and North Brooks Roads in Eden Township, Lake County. The SE Peacock Unit 8 will implement aerial ignitions to treat the acres of Red Pine and Oak. The intent of the project is to create an opening and fuel break to provide safe firefighter access in a high risk fuels area, as well as improving wildlife habitat. Residents and motorists may see and smell smoke in the vicinity of North Brook, North Irons, and West 7 Mile Roads in Eden Township, Lake County.

Fire personnel and heavy equipment will be active in the area. Residents and motorists are asked to be careful around firefighters and equipment. Prescribed fire personnel will be utilizing aerial ignitions by helicopter to complete this project. The public and media are urged to not use drones in the project area. Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) can impact firefighter safety and the ability for personnel to complete the project.

Burn locations are subject to change due to fuel and/or other conditions. Updates will be made as the changes are reported.

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