Large broadcast burn on Tuesday in southwestern Colorado

 A large broadcast burn will be taking place today in Montezuma County, approximately 8 miles to the northeast of Dolores in southwestern Colorado.  Approximately 1200 acres are planned on being burned, so smoke will certainly be visible throughout the region including from Dolores, Mancos, and possibly Cortez.  Although the burn is fairly remote, some periodic smoke impacts will be possible for downwind locations Tuesday afternoon to the north and northeast of the fire in the Bald Hill and Taylor Mesa areas.  Heavier smoke will be possible overnight Tuesday night and into early Wednesday morning along Highway 145 near the fire, and also southward along the Dolores River.  It is unclear if smoke will reach Dolores overnight, but residents there should strongly consider closing their windows before going to sleep Tuesday night.  Additional ways to protect your health can be found at CDPHE's Wood smoke and your health webpage.  More information about this and other prescribed burns within the Dolores Ranger District can be accessed at the 2025 San Juan National Forest Prescribed Fire Program Inciweb page.

Location of Tuesday's prescribed fire to the northeast of Dolores, Colorado

Monday prescribed fires

 Two large prescribed burns are on the calendar for Monday.  The Sunnyside controlled burn is taking place in Pitkin County with smoke likely visible today in Aspen.  In Larimer County, there is another round of burning in the Red Feather Lakes area. Any impacts from smoke should be fairly minimal around these two burns, but locally heavy smoke will not be out of the question (particularly overnight Monday night and early Tuesday morning).  For information on how to protect your health, please visit CDPHE's Wood smoke and your health webpage.  You can also see where prescribed fires are scheduled this week on the CDPHE prescribed fire map.

Turkey Tracks Fire Burning in Douglas County

 The Turkey Tracks Fire is burning in Douglas County, approximately 8 miles north of Woodland Park. Crews have been working to limit fire spread. Find more information on fire activity at the Pike and San Isabel National Forest website.

The fire is burning in light fuels, and minimal smoke is expected. However, people nearby who are unusually sensitive to smoke may want to limit their physical activity today. We will update the blog if conditions change.

Pinned location (red) shows the location of the Turkey Tracks Fire, burning in Douglas County approximately 8 miles north of Woodland Park, Colorado. No major smoke impacts are expected from this fire.