Comanche National Grassland to conduct prescribed burns

Dara Korn
·2 min read

(SPRINGFIELD, Colo.) — Comanche National Grasslands in Southeast Colorado has an ongoing project to reduce hazardous fuels that increase wildfire risk. As part of this project, they have plans to burn up to 2,843 acres of National Forest System lands.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, “Prescribed fires… are effective land management tools frequently used to reduce the accumulation of hazardous fuels, including old and dense vegetation. Minimizing hazardous fuels reduces fire intensity and the risk of catastrophic wildland fires.”

These fires will help reduce grass fuel that poses a threat to farmland, ranchland, structures, and equipment. Additionally, the fires will promote the growth of native vegetation, reduce invasive species, and improve overall ecosystem health and better forage for livestock.

The following locations have prescribed burns planned:

  • Fallas Mesa, six miles west of Kim, CO – 675 acres

  • Wagon Trail, six miles south of Utleyville, CO – 600 acres

  • Prairie Star, four miles northwest of Kim, CO – 929 acres

  • OU Creek, 11 miles east of Kim, CO – 639 acres

Each of the areas has been prepared in advance to ensure safe fire operations and affected areas may be closed to visitors on a recurring basis during the controlled burns.

Fire managers and prescribed fire specialists pay careful attention to the proximity of communities to determine the least amount of smoke impact on the public possible, but some amount of smoke exposure is to be expected, and those who may be affected should be aware of potential health concerns. Once burning begins, smoke will be visible from communities throughout southeast Colorado.

The prescribed fires are likely to begin in mid-March and continue through mid-April, as conditions allow, and they may continue for several days depending on the size of the area being burned. Fire personnel will patrol the burns until the fires are completely out.

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