BLM and BLM and USWFS Prepare for Prescribed Pile Burning in Mesa County

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The U.S. Wildland Fire Service and Bureau of Land Management are preparing for prescribed pile burning operations on BLM-managed public lands in Mesa County as weather, fuel, and air quality conditions allow. Operations may continue through April 2027.

These treatments are carefully planned to reduce hazardous fuels, protect nearby communities, and restore native ecosystems. Information about specific upcoming and active burns is available online.

“Fuel reduction projects are one of our most effective tools to help slow wildfires and protect landscapes,” said Stacy Colon, BLM Field Office Manager. “We’ve seen less fire spread and lower fire intensity in areas where we did this proactive work.”

Prescribed fire techniques range from broadcast burning, which applies fire across a larger area, to hand and machine pile ignitions. Throughout the year, firefighters have thinned tamarisk, Russian olive and native shrubs across the Western Slope, collecting branches, brush and other woody debris into piles. These piles have been inspected and are dry and ready to burn.

Pile burning typically takes place during cooler, wetter months, when snow cover or moist ground conditions can help keep fire contained. Crews evaluate weather forecasts, fuel moisture and smoke conditions before igniting piles, and operations may be postponed when conditions aren't suitable.

What the public should know:

• People may see smoke or encounter fire crews working in treatment areas.
• Smoke may remain visible as piles continue to smolder after ignition.
• Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
• Residents are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down and turn on headlights.
• People with heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions should ask their doctors about protecting themselves from smoke and should monitor their local air quality map.

All burns are carried out under approved prescribed fire plans and smoke permits issued by the State of Colorado. Firefighters will monitor burn areas as needed, with procedures in place to keep fire contained and minimize smoke impacts on nearby communities.

For more information about prescribed fire smoke and potential health effects, visit the Wood Smoke and Your Health webpage on the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division website.