U.S. Forest Service prescribed burn in Carbondale planned for Wednesday

Smoke will be visible in the Roaring Fork and Crystal valleys on Wednesday from the Avalanche Creek Prescribed Fire, seven miles south of Carbondale, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Firefighters plan to burn up to 400 acres on White River National Forest lands above Filoha Meadows to reduce dense vegetation and other fuels, which improves wildlife habitat by stimulating new vegetation growth and lowers the risk from large wildfires.

“Fire is as much a part of these landscapes on the White River National Forest as the plants and animals,” said Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Jennifer Schuller in a news release. “Prescribed fires are carefully planned fires we use when conditions are moderate to bring fire’s natural benefits to an area.” 

The Avalanche Creek Prescribed Fire is a coordinated effort funded in part by Colorado Parks and Wildlife with in-kind support from Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District and Pitkin County.

Firefighters are closely monitoring conditions and will only ignite the fire if conditions are good for a safe, effective burn and good smoke dispersal to minimize smoke impacts to surrounding communities.

Smoke may be seen from Carbondale, Basalt, and El Jebel. Smoke should dissipate during the day but may remain on the valley floors as temperatures drop.

Fire managers have developed a detailed prescribed fire plan and obtained smoke permits from the State of Colorado. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.