Hermosa Prescribed Burn Progressing
Fire managers for the San Juan Public Lands are pleased with how
operations on the Hermosa prescribed burn have been progressing. Aerial ignition yesterday added another 1,185 acres completed on the project located about 10 miles north of Durango.
Operations will continue today with smoke visible from around the Four
Corners, possibly as far away as Cortez, Pagosa Springs, and Farmington. Smoke settled in the Animas Valley and other low lying areas overnight, but should lift out by mid to late morning.
“The area that we will be burning today is in the backcountry and
surrounded by snow. There is no risk of escape from the project area
even with higher winds,” said prescribed fire burn boss Craig Goodell.
“Our biggest concern with higher winds is whether or not our helicopters can fly safely.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) has declared a Red Flag warning for areas 7,000 feet in elevation and lower today. When determining whether or not to call a Red Flag warning, the Weather Service looks at a variety of factors, not just wind.
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