MEEKER | The Bureau of Land Management is planning a prescribed burn at the Piceance Basin, approximately 25 miles southwest of Meeker. The burn is scheduled between Dec. 12, 2023 and Mar. 30, 2023, weather permitting.
Prescribed burns reduce hazardous fuels near residences, improve range conditions, and reduces catastrophic wildfire risk. This operation will reduce the amount of pinyon and juniper debris left from previous chaining operations. Smoke may be visible from Highway 13, Highway 64, and County roads in the Piceance Basin during burn operations. The public is reminded to not call 911 or emergency services even though smoke may be visible.
Road closures are not expected at this time. Prescribed burns must be carried out in accordance with the Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Guide. The burn is also conducted in accordance with the State of Colorado Smoke Management Plan. Weather and fuel moisture conditions will be closely monitored.
The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division will issue an open burn permit, which specifies smoke dispersal conditions and other stipulations under which burning may occur. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information please visit: https://cdphe.stg.colorado.gov/indoor-air-quality/wood-smoke-and-health.
For general information, please contact Landon Smith, Fire Management Specialist for Northwest Fire District at 970-878-3818.
HOPEWEST PRESS RELEASE | Special to the Herald Times
So they destroyed the native plants by ripping them up now are going to do burns of the area. Is there any consideration for the animals that will be killed? The invasive plants brought in along with the livestock are the issue. We need to be rewilding areas so they become healthy again. So we must stop destroying native plants and animals.