The Pike-San Isabel National Forest is set to begin prescribed fire treatments on National Forest Service lands in March, depending on favorable weather and ground conditions.
Planned burns will occur in the South Park, Pikes Peak and South Platte Ranger Districts. In the Salida Ranger District, crews will focus on the North Trout Creek area, targeting approximately 800 acres located about three miles west of Buena Vista.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, prescribed fires are a proven land management strategy used to reduce the buildup of hazardous fuels such as dry brush, fallen trees and other vegetation. By lowering fuel loads, these controlled burns help decrease the severity of future wildfires and protect nearby communities and natural resources.
Officials say fire crews carefully monitor conditions to ensure burns are conducted safely and effectively, with the goal of improving overall forest health while minimizing risk.
