Prescribed fires will burn near Meeker

MEEKER | Officials with the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit are planning prescribed fires this fall near Meeker to improve wildlife habitat and reduce build-up of vegetation that can fuel large wildfires.
The 766-acre Oak Ridge Prescribed Fire is planned about 10 miles southeast of Meeker in the Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area in mountain shrubs. The project could take up to five days and is a cooperative effort among the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Yampa/White River Habitat Partnership Program, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Smoke will be visible from nearby communities during these burns. The fires will only be ignited if weather conditions and moisture levels in the vegetation fall within the specific conditions for a safe and effective fire. The fires are expected to occur before the middle of October, when the larger hunting seasons begin.
For questions related to the project, contact UCR Central Zone Assistant Fire Management Officer Lathan Johnson, (970) 625-2872.