Firefighters plan to burn up to 1,200 acres on White River National Forest lands to reduce dense vegetation and other fuels, which improves wildlife habitat by stimulating new vegetation growth and lowers the risk of large wildfires. 

“We are monitoring the conditions on the ground along with site-specific weather forecasts very carefully,” said Dan Nielsen, Central Zone Prescribed Fire and Fuels Specialist with the White River National Forest. “If conditions are not within the pre-identified prescription, we will not ignite the prescribed fire.”

Fire conditions currently vary widely across western Colorado based on elevation, slope, aspect, and other factors. While some lower elevations are seeing high fire danger, higher elevations are still covered in snow. The Hunter Creek Prescribed Fire area is above 7,500 feet elevation and bordered by snow, which will be used to help keep the prescribed fire within the desired perimeter.   

Firefighters will ignite small, manageable sections of the burn area by helicopter. Firefighters on the ground will help ensure the fire stays within the planned perimeter. Potentially large amounts of smoke may be visible, particularly in the early afternoon. Most smoke should transport out of the area with the forecasted westerly transport winds.

Fire managers have developed a detailed prescribed fire plan and obtained smoke permits from the State of Colorado for the planned burn. Please contact Dan Nielsen 970-309-8198 for additional information. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.