Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument to Conduct Prescribed Burning October 17 thru Early November

Date: October 4, 2016
Contact: Jeff Wolin, (719) 748 - 3253

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument plans to implement a prescribed burn on approximately 180 acres of monument land along the northern boundary adjacent to Teller County Road 1.The primary goal for the project is to reduce accumulated hazardous forest fuels and to create a buffer near the monument's northern boundary to help protect adjacent neighbors and communities.

Prescribed burning operations are scheduled to begin the week of October 17 thru early November, however, fire managers must wait until specifically prescribed conditions are met.Wind, fuel moisture, and availability of fire staffing all play a factor in when and whether burning operations occur.If conditions are not met within the scheduled timeframe, then burning may be delayed until next spring.

"Firefighter and public safety is our top priority as we implement the planned prescribed burn," says Superintendent Michelle Wheatley."During the weeks of prescribed burning, nearby residents and monument visitors should expect temporary smoke in the vicinity of any prescribed fire activity and drivers should pay extra attention while traveling through or adjacent to burn areas."For safety purposes, monument neighbors and visitors are urged not to stop along the roadway or enter areas while burning operations are being conducted.The Monument visitor center, trails and roads are expected to remain open.

The locations of the proposed prescribed burn area and additional details will be available and updated on Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument's website at https://www.nps.gov/flfo.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health.For information see https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

Starting on October 17 updates will also be available on Twitter and Facebook @FlorissantNPS or for additional information call Jeff Wolin at [phone], ext. 202.