A slash pile is seen burning.

Pile burning to begin across the White River National Forest

Firefighters plan to burn piles on Aspen-Sopris, Dillon, and Eagle-Holy Cross ranger districts

USFS PRESS RELEASE
November 1, 2023

Fire managers with the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit are planning to begin burning slash piles in the coming weeks on the Aspen-Sopris, Dillon, and Eagle-Holy Cross ranger districts. These slash piles are the result of multiple fuel reduction and hazardous tree removal projects across the White River National Forest.

“The slash piles are the result of past work we’ve completed thinning and clearing vegetation to reduce the risk of unwanted wildfires and to improve wildlife habitat,” said Mathew Walls, White River National Forest East Zone Fuels Specialist. “We’ll only burn slash piles when there is sufficient moisture in the form of snow or rain and weather conditions allow for a safe, effective burn and optimal smoke dispersal.”

Crews may burn tens to hundreds of piles per day depending on location and conditions. Most of the smoke will dissipate during the day; however, some smoke could remain in valley bottoms and drainages at night for short durations. Personnel will monitor the project areas for several days following pile burning.

If conditions allow, pile burning will occur across the three districts in the following locations. On the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, burn piles are located near the Sunlight Mountain Communication Site, southwest of Glenwood. On the Dillon Ranger District, burn piles are located in the Breckenridge area (White Cloud Drive, Tiger Road, Highlands Drive, and Barton Gulch to Peak 7), Keystone area (Frey Gulch, Keystone Gulch), Silverthorne area (Ruby Ranch, Harrigan to Rock Creek) and Frisco area (Heaton Bay, Ophir Mountain). On the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, burn piles are located in the Piney Salvage area near Red and White Mountain north of Vail, and Third Gulch along the Hard Scrabble Road.

Fire managers have developed a detailed prescribed fire plan and obtained smoke permits from the State of Colorado. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information about these prescribed fires and pile burns, please call Olivia Blake at (970) 200-6195.