Update: This planned event, a prescribed fire, is likely to occur in 10-14 days, around April 7th, 2025 +/-.
The U.S. Forest Service, Aspen Fire, and partners are planning to conduct a prescribed fire in spring of 2025. The project seeks to improve habitat for elk, mule deer, and other native wildlife. This work also helps reduce hazardous fuel buildup and improves wildfire resiliency.
For anyone who’s taken note of the two prescribed fires that have taken place on the hillside where the Hummingbird Trail is, the plan for this fire is very similar. We’ll see some immediate impacts, but part of the work will include re-opening the Sunnyside Trail in a safe manner as soon as possible after the fire has subsided.
Where, when, and how long will the work occur?
Where: See the attached map. The project is located near the Sunnyside trail, approximately 2.5 miles north of Aspen. Fire will be used to ignite aspen and shrub vegetation that is decadent, in poor condition, and degraded in forage value. This vegetation resprouts in response to fire, producing new forage that is more nutritious for big game. Fire will also consume buildup of fuels near our community.
When: A prescribed fire is planned to occur spring of 2025. Some 900 acres will be burned when conditions are ideal for a safe and effective prescribed fire. Conditions are considered suitable when the snow has sufficiently melted off the ignition area and other surrounding areas still retain moisture and snow. These conditions typically occur in March to early May. Other environmental factors such as wind, temperature, and relative humidity are key elements to a successful controlled ignition. Ignition will take place over a 1-3 day period. If conditions are not favorable, the project will be delayed. During this time, ignition operations typically last 6-8 hours per day. Once ignition operations cease, crews will remain to monitor and contain fire spread.
What to expect during the prescribed fire?
Signs will be posted prior to the event. On the days of the burn please do not call 911 if you see flames or smoke in this area. There may be large volumes of smoke visible at times and people may even see flames. You can expect to see fire engines, crews, and aircraft over the fire. Personnel will be posted for public safety. Little to no fire is expected overnight. Some smoke may be present overnight until it dissipates.
Smoke: Prior to ignition, a smoke permit is obtained through the State of Colorado, Air Pollution Control Division. A project objective is to minimize smoke impacts on surrounding communities. If you have a smoke sensitivity, please contact Dan Nielson at 970-309-8198 so that you are kept informed of smoke conditions. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, please visit: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.
Drones: Are illegal around fire operations. They are a threat to firefighter and public safety. NO Drone Zone.
Where can I get more information and sign up for alerts?
We will post the latest information about when we expect to ignite the prescribed fire based on conditions at
www.rfvwildfire.org. Updates during the burn can be found at:
• White River National Forest Facebook page at Facebook @WhiteRiverNF.
• Aspen Fire Department at (970) 925-5532
• Pitkin County Alert System: Information will be disseminated via the Pitkin Alert system. To sign up for the alert system visit www.PitkinAlert.org.
• Garfield and Eagle County Alert Systems: The Garfield and Eagle County alerts systems will also provide
information during the prescribed fire. Visit: Garfield County: http://garco911.org/.
Want to learn more?
Check out this video on YouTube: Aspen Community Wildfire Night: Sunnyside Prescribed Fire
