Beginning Sept. 8, U.S. Forest Service fire crews began blacklining 19 miles of control lines by hand in rough backcountry conditions. Their hard work created a buffer zone around the interior, which was ignited by helicopter on the final days of operations, ending on Sept. 16.
To plan for and mitigate impacts from smoke produced by the burn, we worked with the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division under a smoke permit and closely monitored the weather. While we met all permit requirements, we realize that the resulting smoke was a nuisance to local communities, and we appreciate the understanding everyone displayed.
My staff conducted extensive public outreach in advance of and during burning operations to help plan for and address impacts from smoke. We set up multiple smoke monitors to collect real-time data, posted electronic signs along U.S. Highway 160 to notify motorists, distributed fliers in nearby communities, made regular announcements through local media, and mailed individual letters to adjacent residents.
Completing this prescribed burn means we were able to reintroduce low-intensity fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem on 6,000 heavily forested acres. As a result, this area will be more resistant to catastrophic wildfire and more resilient in terms of forest health. Thank you again for your support.
Matt Janowiak
San Juan National Forest Columbine District Ranger
