The Journal

Mesa Verde National Park plans a prescribed fire between Jan. 13 and March 29 in the Chapin Mesa area.

The burn will dispose of material created during fuel reduction projects from summer.

The burn area is 1 acre, and fuels are primarily composed of gambel oak, piñon and juniper.

Burning in winter should produce low intensity fire behavior. Ignition operations should take one day, but the unit may produce smoke for several days afterward. Visitors to Mesa Verde may see smoke in the southwestern part of the park during the prescribed burn.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect health. For information, visit www.colorado.gov/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

For more information, contact Rob Smolczynski at 529-5062.