Prescribed Burn Alert-The U.S. Forest Service-Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests is conducting a prescribed burn on Simms Mesa today. One day of hand ignition will be conducted followed by patrolling for the remainder of the week. The prescribed burn is approximately 200 acres and smoke in the valley is expected.Forest Service staff will be making personal contact with recreationists regarding any temporary closures. Signs will be placed on adjacent roads notifying the public of the burns as necessary. Fire staff from the #GMUG will continue to monitor the burned areas following the operations.
Safety of firefighters and the public are the most important factors considered when planning a prescribed burn. Fire Management Officers and Fuels Specialists spend countless hours developing detailed prescribed fire plans that detail specific weather, fuel conditions and staffing and safety requirements. Ignitions will occur using ground and aerial techniques. Ignitions only occur if conditions are conductive to a safe, effective operation and within appropriate smoke dispersal parameters set by the State of Colorado. The prescribed burns will be accomplished using joint-agency fire resources. Air quality will be closely monitored to mitigate smoke related impacts to communities.
Simms Mesa: Located approximately 15 miles southwest of Montrose, Colorado on Simms Mesa Road (NFSR #574). Approximately 200 acres are planned to be burned to increase the resiliency and reproduction of native ponderosa pine stands, protect adjacent private property from the spread of unplanned wildfires and reduce slash from mechanical treatments.