RBC I Fire officials from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Unit are planning a number of prescribed fires this spring if the conditions are right, including in Rio Blanco County.
The prescribed fires are designed to improve the health of the land, reduce the risk of large wildfires and benefit wildlife habitat.
“At this point we are not sure which of these areas will present the best opportunity for a spring fire,” said Lathan Johnson, fuels specialist for the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit. “We’ll only ignite a planned fire if conditions fall within the prescription for a safe, effective burn.”
Prescribed fires that could be ignited this spring in Rio Blanco County include: The 1,000-acre Aldrich Lakes Prescribed Fire, located 13 miles northeast of Meeker on Forest Service and private lands in Rio Blanco County; and the 1,500-acre Miller Creek Prescribed Fire, 13 miles southwest of Meeker on Forest Service and private lands in Rio Blanco County.
Anyone with health conditions that may be affected by short durations of smoke should contact Lathan Johnson at 970-244-3000. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health.