BLM prescribed burning planned southwest of Meeker

Organization

BLM

BLM Office:

White River Field Office

Media Contact:

MEEKER, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is planning a prescribed burn at the Piceance Basin, approximately 25 miles southwest of Meeker. The burn is scheduled between Dec. 12, 2022 and Mar. 30, 2023, weather permitting.

Prescribed burns reduce hazardous fuels near residences, improve range conditions, and reduces catastrophic wildfire risk. This operation will reduce the amount of pinyon and juniper debris left from previous chaining operations. Smoke may be visible from Highway 13, Highway 64, and County roads in the Piceance Basin during burn operations. The public is reminded to not call 911 or emergency services even though smoke may be visible.  

Road closures are not expected at this time. Prescribed burns must be carried out in accordance with the Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Guide. The burn is also conducted in accordance with the State of Colorado Smoke Management Plan. Weather and fuel moisture conditions will be closely monitored.

The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division will issue an open burn permit, which specifies smoke dispersal conditions and other stipulations under which burning may occur. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information please visit: https://cdphe.stg.colorado.gov/indoor-air-quality/wood-smoke-and-health.

For general information, please contact Landon Smith, Fire Management Specialist for Northwest Fire District at (970) 878-3818.

-BLM-


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.