|
Contact: Jeff Wolin, 719 748-3253
Fire crews plan to take advantage of favorable winter weather conditions to burn piles of slash from several hazard fuels and hazard tree mitigation projects that have taken place in the Fossil Beds in the last few years. The primary reason for the project is to reduce the hazardous fuel buildup around the visitor center and on the Fossil Beds boundary that in turn would reduce the intensity of any future wildland fires that could potentially burn from the Fossil Beds onto private land.
Slash pile burning operations are tentatively scheduled for February 18 and will only begin when weather conditions allow. The piles are located west of the visitor center and on the north side of Lower Twin Rock Road.
The Ponderosa Loop Trail will be temporarily closed during burning operations near the visitor center. No other trail or road closures are anticipated at this time. Signs will be posted along County Teller Road 1 and Lower Twin Rock Road. For safety purposes, Fossil Bed visitors are urged not to stop along the roadway or enter areas while burning operations are being conducted.
Conditions are evaluated each day in advance of the burn to determine if ignition will be able to take place. Wind, fuel moisture, snow cover and availability of fire staffing all play a factor in where and whether ignition occurs. Safety factors, weather conditions, air quality and environmental regulations will continually be monitored as part of the daily slash burning operations. Adjustments will be made if conditions warrant changes.
For additional information visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/flfo, follow us on Facebook/FlorissantNPS or call at (719) 748 – 3253, ext. 202
|
Last updated: February 24, 2015