Slash piles were generated from forest thinning, timber sales and fuel-reduction projects in areas targeted to reduce wildfire hazards will be burned this week, according to the Dolores Ranger District.

Although burning could continue through the winter, the burns should not affect public access or use of the forest. Operations typically take place after significant precipitation events, and firefighters will closely monitor pile-burning activities.

Pile burning will take place in the following locations:

Chicken Creek area, 7 miles north of Mancos, near Forest Service Road 385, two miles northeast of Joe Moore Reservoir. Piles may also be burned adjacent to Joe Moore Reservoir along FSR 693. Smoke may be visible from Colorado Highway 184.Haycamp Mesa area, near FSR 556 and 556.D, South of Beef Pasture Reservoir. Smoke may be visible from Colorado Highway 184.Spring Creek area, 12 miles north of Mancos, near FSR 327 and 382. Smoke may be visible from Colorado Highway 184.Taylor Mesa Area, 8 miles northeast of the confluence of the Dolores and West Dolores Rivers, near FSR 547 and Fox Den Creek. Smoke may be visible along Colorado Highway 145.Lake Canyon Area, 10 miles east of Dove Creek, FSR 504/505 near Big Water Spring, FSR 509 near Glade Point, and FSR 506 near Cow Canyon. Smoke may be visible from U.S. Highway 491.Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health.

For additional information, visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health or call the Dolores Ranger District Office at 882-6838.