Agencies are planning a number of prescribed burns throughout the area, focusing on reducing fuel load and promoting forest health:
- The Sourdough prescribed burn ill take place over a nearly 15 acre site north of Woodland Park. It's on private property just south of the Manitou Experimental Forest. The burn is expected to take place any time after October 12, depending on weather and fuel conditions. One day of active burning is scheduled, with crews remaining on site afterwards to monitor the fire until it's completely out.
- The North Catamount prescribed burn will take place on a 105-acre site located on the Colorado Springs Utilities' North Slope Watershed near the North Catamount Reservoir. This 1-2 day burn is scheduled to take place after October 18th, depending on conditions. Crews will remain on site until the fire is completely out.
- The U.S. Forest Service is also planning prescribed burns in Teller County, north and southeast of Woodland Park. They may begin in early October, but exact dates are dependent on weather and fuel conditions. Smoke will likely be visible from Highway 24, Highway 67, Woodland Park and other areas. Total planned area for the burns is up to 1900 acres.
- Fort Carson is planning prescribed burns now through December on the Mountain Post's training areas, as well as its Pinon Canon Maneuver Site in southern Colorado. The burns will cover about 7,000 acres on the base and 11,000 acres at PCMS and will be conducted as conditions allow.
- The Bureau of Land Management is planning a 385-acre burn in the Trail Gulch area, about 15 miles northwest of Canon City between Shelf Road and High Park Road in Fremont County. Expected start date is early to mid-October, depending on weather and fuel conditions. Smoke may be visible throughout the day.
