RBC | The Bureau of Land Management plans to burn piles in Rio Blanco County between mid-December and March 31, 2025.
The 348-acre project area is in the Piceance Basin approximately 25 miles southwest of Meeker on public lands managed by the White River Field Office.
The project is south of Rio Blanco County Road 5 along BLM Road 1011. Smoke may be visible from Colorado Highway 13, roads in the Piceance Basin and Colorado Highway 64 during burning operations. The pile burning will reduce pinyon and juniper slash from a thinning project to minimize hazardous fuels near residences, range improvements and energy infrastructure.
The public is reminded to not call 911 or emergency services even though smoke may be visible. There are no expected road closures related to these burn operations.
“Weather and fuel-moisture conditions will be closely monitored and we will only burn if prescriptive parameters are met,” said Shane Pfeiffer, BLM Fuels Technician. “Each prescribed burn conducted by the Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit has a detailed fire plan developed in advance, along with appropriate smoke permits obtained from the State of Colorado.”
Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, please visit the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.
For general information, contact Shane Pfeiffer, Fuels Specialist at 970-620-6957
