1 week Ago By News release
The arrival of autumn brings cooler temps, shorter days and preparation for prescribed burning on the Eldorado National Forest. Fire specialists have begun preparing for prescribed burn projects across all four districts, while waiting for favorable conditions to begin operations. Burning operations will continue through the fall and winter as weather and conditions allow.
Prescribed fires reduce hazardous fuels, minimizes the spread of pest insects and disease, provides forage for game, improves habitat, recycles nutrients back to the soil and promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers and other plants, contributing to overall forest health. It also helps us protect people’s livelihoods, property and critical infrastructure, such as powerlines and telecommunication links, thus reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire impacting local communities. Prescribed burns are conducted within a “prescription” that is determined by fuel moisture, temperature, humidity, wind and ventilation.
Experienced fire and fuels specialists on the Eldorado National Forest build prescribed burn plans using the most up-to-date science and modeling along with their combined on the ground fire and fuels experience. Fire personnel implement, evaluate, check, and patrol each burn to ensure it meets the goals and objectives outlined in the prescribed fire plans. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, in which temperature, humidity, wind, vegetation moisture and smoke dispersal conditions are considered daily before a prescribed fire is implemented.
The Forest Service will post signs on roads likely to be affected by operations as work begins in each of the project areas this season. Please use caution while driving through these areas and slow down for the safety of firefighters and the public. Check for smoke impacts in your area at airnow.
gov . Access the latest news and information about the Eldorado National Forest at fs.usda.
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