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Prescribed burns slated for Sauls Creek area

Expect minimal daytime smoke
Controlled burns in the Sauls Creek area were last done in March. Smoke rises from an estimated 300-acre burn March 24, seen from County Road 526.

The San Juan National Forest plans to conduct a prescribed burn sometime in the next few weeks on about 1,100 acres in the Sauls Creek area, about five miles east of Bayfield, according to a news release from the Forest Service.

Early burning operations might begin at any time, depending on weather and vegetative conditions. To assure safety and success, exact dates will not be set until just before the burn, the release said.

About 250 to 450 acres will be burned per day to reduce off-site impacts in the area.

The prescribed fire will be set and monitored by firefighters who will keep flames at a low-to-moderate intensity and close to the ground. The purpose is to burn undergrowth and ground debris but leave larger trees alive.

Wind, moisture and other factors will be taken into account for timing.

“Sauls Creek has been the site of several past prescribed burns, and this latest project will continue to keep fuel accumulations at a safe level in the National Forest,” said burn boss Hon Schlapfer in the news release. “The goal is to reduce the intensity of future wildfires.”

Daytime smoke is expected to travel to the north and northeast but should only affect local residents minimally, the release said. Nighttime smoke will travel downslope into the Beaver Creek drainage and south to the Pine River, north of Ignacio.

Additionally, smoke is expected to be heavier in the mornings after burning operations.

Sauls Creek Road will be closed at different points as burns progress. Also, short-term area closures will be put in place during ignition operations for public safety.

Burned areas will be closed until declared safe. People are encouraged to use discretion when traveling through post-burn areas.

For more information, call the Columbine Ranger District at (970) 884-2512.

vguthrie@durangoherald.com



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