U.S. Forest Service Planning Slash Pile Burning in Lake & Chaffee Counties

The U.S. Forest Service - Salida and Leadville Ranger Districts, are planning prescribed burn projects in Chaffee and Lake Counties. The projects involve burning slash piles which are scheduled to begin in late February and continue through May 2013. Weather and wind conditions may affect the dates for ignition.

Fire personnel will monitor conditions to determine if ignition should take place. Smoke will be present for several days after the project begins and fire personnel will continue to monitor piles until they have been declared out.

The most effective method for removing slash piles is by igniting the pile when weather and conditions are conducive for burning, yet surrounding vegetation is less likely to spread fire from airborne sparks. The slash piles consist of woody debris from thinning projects which removed hazardous fuels on U.S. Forest Service lands. Burning these piles will further reduce the hazardous fuel buildup in these areas. The majority of the slash piles will be burned with snow present.

The general areas selected to be burned may include:

Chaffee County:
* Four Elk Creek, west of Heckendorf State Wildlife area.

Lake County:
* South and West of Mount Elbert Forebay Reservoir.
* North of Leadville east of Hwy 24.

More information is available by calling the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591 or Leadville Ranger District at 719-486-0749.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com