Are you seeing smoke northwest of Fort Collins? Magic Feather prescribed burn ongoing
The Magic Feather prescribed burn was reignited by firefighters Monday after wet weather halted the burn just east of Red Feather Lakes for two months.
Just more than 300 acres were burned July 24 and burning was planned to continue July 25 and as weather allows, according to a Roosevelt National Forest news release.
Here is what you need to know about the project:
There are impacts to trails and campgrounds in and around the burn area
Closures include Mount Margaret, Lady Moon, Granite Ridge and Molly Moon trails as well as the surrounding area. Here is the closure map fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1124784.pdf.
The closure is in effect through Aug. 23 unless rescinded earlier.
Smoke may impact Dowdy Lake Campgrounds and day-use area.
Smoke may be visible in the area, including along Larimer County Road 74E (Red Feather Lakes Road).
Why is the Roosevelt National Forest intentionally burning the area?
The Magic Feather prescribed burn is part of the overall strategy on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests to address the growing concern of large wildfires in the area. Prescribed fire is one of the most efficient ways of reducing wildfire risk.
The prescribed burn has been taking place over recent years as conditions have allowed. In May 2023, 200 acres were burned north of Larimer County Road 74E.
The project's goal is to burn 6,329 acres between Colorado Highway 14 and the Wyoming border.
The Cameron Peak fire and other wildfires have threatened this area.
Here are ways to keep up to date with the Magic Feather prescribed burn
Facebook: www.facebook.com/usfsarp
Twitter: twitter.com/usfsarp
Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coarf-magic-feather-prescribed-burn
Email list: fs.usda.gov/main/arp/home
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Prescribed burn may cause visible smoke, closes Red Feather Lakes trails
