U.S. Forest Service plans controlled burns
San Isabel National Forest Salida and Leadville Ranger Districts of the U.S. Forest Service are planning prescribed burns for 845 acres in Chaffee and Lake counties beginning in early October.
To protect the public and firefighters, the burns could cause temporary road closures, according to a press release.
Prescribed burn areas include:
**Approximately 150 acres near O’Haver Lake next to CR 200.
Approximately 300 acres near CR 252.
Approximately 275 acres near Limestone Ridge next to CR 305.
Approximately 120 acres near Four Elk Creek.**
Not all the burns will take place at the same time. Fire personnel are monitoring weather and fuel conditions to determine if and when ignition should start, the release stated.
Once fires are started, smoke will be visible for several days from various locations throughout the Arkansas River Valley, Park County and the northern portion of the San Luis Valley.
The burn is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires, according to the release.