The Journal

San Juan National Forest staff plan to burn slash piles through April.

Operations typically take place after significant weather, such as when snowfall occurs. Piles consist of thinning slash from hazardous fuels reduction projects and timber sales. Hazardous fuels reduction projects target specific areas to reduce wildfire hazards.

Operations will begin as early as this month and could continue through April, when sufficient weather and snow is present to prevent fire spread and will continue as long as conditions allow. Firefighters will ignite and closely monitor pile burning activities. Burning will only occur when all conditions of the state-issued smoke permit are met. Activities should not affect public access or use of the forest.

Columbine Ranger District plans to burn slash piles in areas east of Bayfield in Saul’s Creek near Forest System Road 608 and Fosset Gulch near Forest Service Road 613. Smoke may be visible be visible from the surrounding communities and U.S. Highway 160 east between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health.

For more information, visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

For more information about the burns, contact the fuels management staff in Dolores at 882-7296.