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Prescribed Fire: Wildland firefighters to burn slash piles in Mesa County

Colorado
Upper Colorado River DO
Grand Junction FO
Media Contact
Heather S. Marsh
970-852-9272

 

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Fire managers with the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit plan to burn slash piles in Mesa County now through April 2025. Firefighters will only burn the piles if conditions are ideal for a safe, effective burn, as well as for good smoke dispersal. Smoke may be visible in surrounding areas during burning operations and days following as the piles smolder.

Firefighters with the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit monitor the scheduled burning of slash piles. (BLM photo)
Firefighters with the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit monitor prescribed burns of slash piles. (BLM photo)

“These piles are the results of fuels reduction projects, which are key to a fire-resilient landscape,” said UCR Interagency Fire Management Officer Thomas Hayes. “During past wildfires, we have seen a decrease in fire spread and intensity directly related to fuels reduction projects.” 

The locations for the planned burns are generally remote and fire managers do not expect smoke issues. However, firefighters will follow a pre-approved contingency plan in the event of any visibility issues.

Fire operations are planned in the following locations:

  • Farmers Canyon Unit, 15 miles southwest of Whitewater
  • Little Dolores Unit, 13 miles southwest of Glade Park
  • Black Rocks Unit, 8 miles southwest of Mack
  • Crow Bottom Unit, 3 miles south of Mack
  • Dolores Units, 11 to 16 miles south of Gateway; 3 units along Hwy 141
  • Miller Canyon Road, 13 miles southwest of Grand Junction

Fire managers have developed a detailed prescribed fire plan and obtained smoke permits from the State of Colorado for these burn projects. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, please visit the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division’s website: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.