MORRISON, Colo., September 29, 2006…The USDA Forest Service-South Platte District plans to conduct two large prescribed (area) burns this fall on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests 15 miles southwest of Sedalia. The prescribed burns will occur in ponderosa pine and Douglas fir vegetation next to private property south of Sprucewood in the Noddle Heads area.

Smoke from the area is expected to be visible to many of the southwest metro Denver area residents. The burns will be low-intensity burns, the second phase of treatment designed to provide an additional level of safety from wildfires for nearby residents and property. The burns will also promote better habitat for wildlife and reduce competition for nutrients among the remaining trees and vegetation, creating a healthier forest. The first treatment was a mechanical thinning in 2004 to reduce overly dense vegetation and smaller trees.

Each day that the weather is acceptable for burning, the Forest Service may light up to 250 acres with the area continuing to burn for two to three days. During this time, firefighters will monitor the burn to insure that the fire stays within the designated area. Smoke may be visible from the Denver area during each of these days.

Due to the complexities of conducting prescribed burns, the Forest Service will not know until just few days ahead of time for when the burn can take place. Factors such as wet or dry ground, wind speed, and what direction the smoke will blow determine when the burn can take place. Each prescribed burn is expected to be completed in five to seven days once the necessary conditions take place.