Feb. 28, 2023, 11:25 AM - Update on BLM Southwest District Grandview area prescribed pile burning southeast of Durango, Colorado. Fire resources are reporting favorable conditions with adequate snow cover and winds 5 to 10 mph from the southwest to move smoke out.  

BLM Southwest District will conduct prescribed pile burning on the Tres Rios Field Office BLM-administered lands southeast of Durango, Colorado. If conditions are favorable, piles will be burned in the Grandview area located east and north of Highway 160 on February 28 and March 1, 2023. Pinyon pine and juniper slash piles are from fuels reduction project aimed to decrease wildfire risk, improve forest health, and enhance big game habitat.  

The number of piles burned per a day will be based on smoke dispersal conditions. Smoke maybe visible in the Durango area up to 72 hours after ignition operations.

For more information about prescribed fire smoke and health impacts, visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

For BLM SWD RX Burn and Fire Information follow us on Twitter @SWD_Fire and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BLMMontroseFireUnit.

The San Bernardino National Forest and the Mountain Rim FIRESAFE Council discuss efforts to reduce wildfire risk to communities and how working together, strategically, has proven successful in the past. Watch the video here. 

Safety, Protection, Mitigation: Partnering to Build FIRESAFE Communities on Vimeo

The planned pile burning operations on the Upper Lake Ranger District were suspended today and for the rest of the week due to weather.

The current storm system is causing high winds and snow at low elevations. There are concerns that the winds and wet weather will cause new downed trees or land slides impacting access to the burn project sites as well as making poor conditions for successful prescribed fire.

Conditions will be re-evaluated early next week for resumption of pile burning operations.

Today the Grindstone Ranger District began burning brush piles at the Paskenta work station. Smoke may be visible in the area.

One acre of piles was successfully completed. Firefighters will remain on-scene until this evening. They will continue monitoring until the piles are no longer burning.

Pile burning at the Chico Seed Orchard has been postponed until weather conditions improve. This project will hopefully resume next week.

Forest fuels crews are planning to burn piles this week between Tuesday, Feb. 21 and Friday, Feb. 24, weather permitting.

On the Upper Lake Ranger District, crews will attempt approximately 30 acres of pile burning in the Westshore project or the Pillsbury homesites area.

On the Grindstone Ranger District, crews will attempt 10 acres of pile burning at the Chico Seed Orchard and 2 acres at Paskenta Station.

The National Weather Service is predicting significant low elevation snow, gusty winds and rain at lower elevations for the area. Each day weather will be checked prior to any ignitions.

February 20, 2023 - Evening Update – Today’s burn operations have concluded, there may still be smoke, and flames may be visible through the night, all piles are lined and holding in place. This will be in patrol status and monitored. There was a total of 15 acres accomplished.

#PrescribedBurn #PrescribedFire #ForestHealth #GrassValleyPrescribedBurn

February 20, 2023 - The San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) Mountaintop Ranger District will be conducting pile-burning operations today weather and environmental conditions allowed. Operations will begin around 9:00am and continue until approximately 5:00pm. There is a plan to burn approximately 10 to 15 acres. This will be occurring in the Grass Valley area on the west side of Lake Arrowhead. Residents and visitors will see flames and smoke visible throughout the day and evening. Firefighters will be monitoring the area until all piles are extinguished.

Prescribed fire plays an important role in forest health and in reducing extreme wildfires and their negative impact. These fires also help reduce heavy fuel loads while simultaneously opening the conifer forest structure and maintaining the health of meadow habitats. Fire is also used to enhance native plant communities and cultural landscapes and improve wildlife habitats. Another goal is to provide defensible space for communities and developed areas within and surrounding the SBNF. With all fire comes smoke, and the U.S. Forest Service work to mitigate smoke impacts from prescribed fires on the communities in the area.

#PrescribedBurn #PrescribedFire #ForestHealth #GrassValleyPrescribedBurn

2/18/23 -Evening Update – Today’s burn operations have concluded, there may still be smoke and flames may be visible through the night, all piles are lined and surrounded by snow and holding in place. This will be in patrol status and monitored. Over the last two days, a total of 12 acres have been burned. With predicted good weather conditions, there is an intent to continue this burn operation in the same area tomorrow.

#PrescribedBurn #PrescribedFire #ForestHealth #angeleusoaksprescribedburn

February 18, 2023 - The San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) Front Country Ranger District will be continuing a prescribed pile burn today from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm weather and environmental conditions allowed. There are approximately 12 acres of burning planned. This will be occurring in the Angelus Oaks Community near the north of unit 5. Residents and visitors will see flames and smoke visible throughout the day and evening. Firefighters will be monitoring the area until all piles are extinguished.

Prescribed fire plays an important role in forest health and in reducing extreme wildfires and their negative impact. These fires also help reduce heavy fuel loads while simultaneously opening the conifer forest structure and maintaining the health of meadow habitats. Fire is also used to enhance native plant communities and cultural landscapes and improve wildlife habitats. Another goal is to provide defensible space for communities and developed areas within and surrounding the SBNF. With all fire comes smoke, and the U.S. Forest Service work to mitigate smoke impacts from prescribed fires on the communities in the area.

#PrescribedBurn #PrescribedFire #ForestHealth #angeleusoaksprescribedburn
 

February 17, 2023 -Evening Update – Today’s burn operations have concluded, there may still be smoke, and flames may be visible through the night, all piles are lined and surrounded by snow and holding in place. This will be in patrol status and monitored. With predicted good weather conditions, there is an intent to continue this burn operation in the same area tomorrow.

#PrescribedBurn #PrescribedFire #ForestHealth #angeleusoaksprescribedburn