VAIL, Colorado — A series of controlled burns will be set in Vail this week.

Crews will burns trees cut down during work done in recent years to reduce the risk of wildfire and cope with the spread of pine beetles.

The schedule is as follows:

• Today: Above and to the west of Arosa Drive (approximately 40 piles)

• Tuesday: Above Tahoe Drive in Matterhorn (approximately 10 piles)

• Wednesday: Above Fairway Court near the Vail Golf Course (12-18 piles)

Burns are conducted when weather conditions allow smoke to rise and disperse rather than settle onto the highway and into residential areas. In most cases, burning will only occur when there is adequate snow cover to minimize risks. Smoke and flames may be visible from various points along Interstate 70 and some smoke may settle into lower elevations in the evening hours.

Anyone who may have health problems that may be aggravated by smoke production, should notify Tom Talbot with Vail Fire and Emergency Services at 970-401-4202.