Controlled burn slated for Avon area Thursday

AVON, Colorado – The Mountain Star community, located north of Avon, will be burning slash piles beginning around 7 a.m. Thursday. Flames and smoke will likely be visible throughout the day. This effort is done to reduce the amount of deadfall and improve the overall health of the forest.

Flames will be visible from a wide area of the valley floor, from Eagle-Vail to Wolcott.

“The fire will have flame lengths of up to 20 or 30 feet and will produce smoke throughout the day,” said Charles Moore, fire chief for Eagle River Fire Protection District. “This fire occurs with great consideration given to safety and smoke dispersal. We want to make as many people aware so as to avoid unnecessary calls to the 911 center.”