Southern Ute Agency plans to conduct prescribed burning on up to 275 acres in the Cabezon Canyon Project area. Burning operations are planned to begin Tuesday, April 15, 2014, and continue throughout the month of April, weather and conditions permitting.
The burn is located on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation approximately 5 miles south of Chimney Rock National Monument. It is in an area north of BIA Road 152, south of the Tribal boundary and between Colorado Highway 151 and Archuleta County Road 700. Legal description for the burn is Township-33 North, Range-4 West and covers portions of Sections 2-4, 9-11, 14 and 15.
The purpose of the burn is to reduce activity fuels. Smoke may be visible from the Pagosa Springs and surrounding areas. Smoke can be expected to settle into nearby low-lying areas during the night and morning hours.
The burn period is dependent on weather and burning conditions and will be implemented when these conditions are favorable.
On Monday, April 14th a lightning caused fire was discovered adjacent to two of the planned ignition units. This fire was contained by existing control line for the prescribed fire as well as additional hand line and dozer line. This fire was contained at 7.5 acres.
For more information regarding the project, please contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fire Management Office and (970) 563-4571.