COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., January 8, 2008… The U.S. Forest Service, Pike National Forest-Pikes Peak Ranger District is planning prescribed fire and fuel reduction projects in Teller County. The projects will occur as early as January and throughout the spring as weather conditions allow. Weather and wind conditions may affect the dates for ignition and fire personnel will monitor conditions to determine if safe and effective ignition should take place.

The projects that are planned involve pile burning and mechanical thinning to enhance forest health and reduce hazardous fuels in fuelbreaks near Forest Service and private land boundaries. Smoke will be visible on days during burning operations. Fire crews will be on scene to monitor the burns until only minimal smoke and fire behavior remain. Piles may be left unattended to smolder when adequate snow cover is present.

The areas selected to be burned include:

• Woodland Park Work Center off Rampart Range Rd North of Woodland Park
• End of Forest Road 339, 5 miles North of Woodland Park off Hwy 67
• Forest Road 346, East of Manitou Experimental Station
• Sky High Ranch Rd, 7 miles North of Woodland Park off Hwy 67