The Journal

Cortez Fire Protection District, in cooperation with private landowners, will perform prescribed pile burns across the district over the next few months.

Conditions are evaluated each day to determine if ignition will take place. Ignitions are generally expected to begin after 9 a.m. and will cease several hours before sunset. Smoke may be visible.

Precipitation, wind, temperature, fuel moisture and staffing are considerations for when and whether ignition occurs. Firefighters and landowners monitor the area after burning is complete. Public and firefighter safety is always the No. 1 priority in burning operations.

Wind helps disperse smoke created during pile burning operations, and snow helps keep the piles contained. Seeing flames and smoke, even after dark, is part of normal operations. This reduces fuels on the landscape under the safest conditions.

Smoke may be visible in the area both during and after the burn operations, the public is reminded to avoid the burn area for the duration of the burn.

For additional information, call Matt Shethar at 565-3157 or Jay Balfour at 565-3157.