The Journal

Mesa Verde National Park is planning to implement a prescribed fire between Feb. 13 and March 13, weather permitting.

The Chapin Mesa area prescribed fire is being conducted to dispose of brush and woodcutting debris from last summer. Because of significant snowfall in January, the previous burn plan was canceled.

The prescribed burn cover 1 acre, and fuels are primarily composed of gamble oak, piñon and juniper.

Burning at this time of year should produce low-intensity fire behavior, and ignition operations should take a 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 these activities.