U.S. Forest Service firefighters plan to start work on seasonal slash pile burning this winter and spring as weather and fuel conditions allow on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

Throughout the year, fuels reduction programs are ongoing. During this process larger logs are sold and smaller limbs, saplings, and brush are piled to dry. When conditions become favorable for burning them, firefighters return to ignite these piles.

They are only lit when fuels managers are confident that the project can be undertaken safely. Smoke, flames, and glowing embers are often visible, and are a normal part of these operations. Moisture – snow – helps contain the piles and firefighters continually monitor the area. Public and firefighter safety is always the number-one priority in burning operations.

To see a list of all the areas where pile burning may take place, please check inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ incident-information/coarf-arapahoroosevelt national-forests-pile-burning.