U.S. Forest Service pile burning underway in Eagle County after first major snow of season

EAGLE COUNTY — Fire managers from the Upper Colorado Interagency Fire and Aviation Management Unit are taking advantage of changing weather conditions to burn slash piles that are the result of multiple fuels reductions and hazardous-tree removal projects. Pile burning will take place at several locations across the Eagle-Holy Cross and Dillon Ranger Districts on the White River National Forest, located in Summit and Eagle counties.

Slash piles have been created for burning in project areas where other means of disposal were not feasible. Hazardous fuels reduction projects create fuel breaks that help reduce the risk of wildfire from encroaching on homes, while giving firefighters a better place from which to defend communities. Firefighters will spend the upcoming winter months burning piles in a number of locations across both districts.

Crews may burn as many as hundreds of piles per day. These prescribed fires will be ignited when fuel, weather and smoke dispersion conditions permit fire specialists to burn in an effective and safe manner. Additionally, when piles are burned with snow on the ground, there is an extremely low chance of the fire spreading to adjacent vegetation. Local residents and travelers through the area should be aware of the likelihood of smoke rising from these areas.

Specific locations for pile burning when conditions warrant in the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District include Moniger Park north of Red and White Mountain, Indian Creek near Lost Lake north of Vail, West Grouse Creek south of Minturn, Intermountain in West Vail, Berry Creek north of Edwards and Triangle Park north of Fulford.