If conditions allow, a prescribed burn will take place beginning Friday, November 1, in Rocky Mountain National Park. According to a press release from the park, the fire will burn around 100 acres of the 334-acre Headquarters Unit west of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and south of U.S. Highway 36.
During the 2020 East Troublesome Fire and the 2012 Fern Lake Fire, firefighters took advantage of previous prescribed fire and hazardous fuels treatment areas to prevent the large fires from crossing Bear Lake and Trail Ridge Road. The prescribed burn this weekend will help reduce the threat of fuels available in areas adjacent to communities and NPS infrastructure while creating similar buffers.
Firefighters will be on scene throughout the entire operation, patrolling the area throughout the day and night. Heavy and prolonged smoke is not expected from the prescribed burn, but those nearby will likely be able to see smoke during the day and especially as the temperatures reach their peak.
“Fire operations near the Beaver Meadows Entrance to RMNP may cause brief delays or divert outbound traffic through Fall River Entrance. Motorists should watch for fire vehicles on the roads and allow extra time for entering and exiting the park. Traffic control will be in place on U.S. Highway 36 within the burn area.“
Park visitors will not be allowed to stop along U.S. Highway 36 during the burn both their safety and the safety of the firefighters, nor will they be able to walk within the burn area. Any further information on the fire will be shared on InciWeb and on official RMNP social media pages.
“Safety factors, weather conditions, air quality, personnel availability and environmental regulations are continually monitored as part of any fire management operation. For more information please contact the park Information Office at (970) 586-1206.“