Magic Feather Prescribed Burn Could Begin in Coming Weeks

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (April 20, 2023) – Firefighters on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest are closely monitoring local conditions to begin prescribed fire operations on the Magic Feather Prescribed Burn near Red Feather Lakes as soon as April 28, 2023.

Burning last occurred on this project in December 2021. Timing of this prescribed burn is meant to take advantage of conditions that allow fire to carry throughout the burn to reduce hazardous fuels. Burning could happen throughout the coming months if conditions allow.

This burn is located east and southeast of Red Feather Lakes. Burning operations could include five units totaling approximately 1,255 acres, located north of County Road 74E (Red Feather Lakes Road). Work has already taken place in the area to prepare for ignitions, including tree cutting around the perimeter and within the interior of the project.

Appropriate, localized conditions must be met before ignition of prescribed burns can take place. Fire managers have been carefully monitoring these conditions, including favorable weather forecast (temperature, wind, precipitation, relative humidity), fuel moisture, smoke dispersal and staffing. Weather is monitored throughout the burn and burning is halted if conditions fall outside of the required conditions.

People in the area should expect to see smoke when operations are taking place. The Mount Margaret Trail system will be closed during operations. Please follow all signage. Smoke may also impact those using the Dowdy Lake Campgrounds and Day-Use Area. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. More information about smoke impacts is available at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

Even with the most thorough planning and preparation, the use of prescribed fire carries an innate level of risk that cannot be eliminated entirely. However, prescribed fire is one of the most efficient ways of reducing wildfire risk. Regularly conducting prescribed fires, which mimic nature, reduces the buildup of flammable vegetation and overgrowth.

To receive updates, follow the USFS on facebook and twitter and join their email list through Constant Contact and select list "Forest Health & Fire: North of Hwy 14 to Wyoming Border (Red Feather Lakes)". Have questions? Email ARPFireInfo@usda.gov. Additional information may be found on inciweb.