News Release

Rocky Mountain National Park Announces Plans for Prescribed Burning in 2018

Date: September 25, 2018
Contact: Kyle Patterson, Public Affairs Officer, [phone]
Contact: Park Information, [phone]

Fire managers from Rocky Mountain National Park are preparing to conduct a prescribed burn in the Beaver Meadows Entrance area, if favorable weather and fuel conditions allow. The area included for the prescribed burn is a section south of High Drive and west of Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Burning may be conducted for several weeks in multiple segments to limit daily smoke production. The primary goal of the project is to reduce the threat of wildland fire to adjacent communities and park infrastructure by using prescribed fire to reduce the amount of fuel available in this area.

Depending on when weather and fuel conditions are suitable, prescribed burning operations may begin as early as October or any time through the winter. Ignitions will likely occur on weekdays with smoldering and smoke emissions lasting for an additional 3-10 days. Smoke may be visible both inside and outside the park. Every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts on visitors and the adjacent community; however some smoke is anticipated to disperse east of the park. Smoke may affect your health: For more information see https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health. No trail or road closures are anticipated but visitors passing through active burning areas may be escorted by fire personnel to ensure their safety.

Safety factors, weather conditions, air quality, personnel availability and environmental regulations are continually monitored as a part of any fire management operation. For more information please contact the park’s Information Office at [phone].