The Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest plans to conduct pile burning operations on Friday and Saturday, January 23 and 24. The prescribed burns are scheduled in four areas, provided there is enough snow or rain to prevent fire from spreading beyond control.
The targeted locations include Buckles Lake Road, covering 13 acres adjacent to US Highway 84 and NFSR 663; Kenny Flat, with 128 acres near US Highway 84 and NFSR 006; Valle Seco, involving 26 acres next to US Highway 84 and NFSR 653; and Mariposa, which spans 439 acres along NFSR 024 (Porcupine Road).
Smoke from these burns may be visible from U.S. Highway 84 and some areas of Pagosa Springs.
According to the district, “These vegetation piles are the result of fuels reduction and forest restoration projects. Burning the piled branches and brush further reduces wildfire risk.”
The prescribed fire program aims to lower wildfire hazards by removing excess vegetation left over from previous forest management efforts. More information about the San Juan National Forest Prescribed Fire Program is available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/…/cosjf-2025-san-juan….
Officials also caution that smoke from prescribed fires can impact public health. Additional details about wood smoke and its health effects can be found at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/wood-smoke-and-your-health.
