Magic Feather Prescribed Burn could resume Saturday

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Oct. 5, 2023) – Firefighters on the Roosevelt National Forest’s Canyon Lakes Ranger District are closely monitoring local conditions to resume prescribed fire operations on the Magic Feather Prescribed Burn near Red Feather Lakes as soon as October 7, 2023.

The burn is located east and southeast of Red Feather Lakes. This project is a continuation of burning that took place in July when 553 acres were successfully burned. Burning operations will occur throughout the fall as conditions allow and will include six units totaling approximately 5,000 acres, located north and south of County Road 74E (Red Feather Lakes Road).

Appropriate, localized conditions must be met before ignition of prescribed burns can take place. Fire managers have been carefully monitoring these conditions, including favorable weather forecast (temperature, wind, precipitation, relative humidity), fuel moisture, smoke dispersal and staffing. Weather is monitored throughout the burn and burning is halted if conditions fall outside of the required conditions.

Expect to see increased activity in the Mount Margaret, Molly Lake, Elkhorn and Lady Moon area while firefighters are prepping and burning within the project area. These trail systems will be closed during operations.

People in the surrounding area should expect to see smoke when operations are taking place. Smoke may also impact those using the Dowdy Lake Campgrounds and Day-Use Area. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information about the potential health impacts of smoke, visit Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 

Even with the most thorough planning and preparation, the use of prescribed fire carries an innate level of risk that cannot be eliminated entirely. However, prescribed fire is one of the most efficient ways of reducing wildfire risk. Regularly conducting prescribed fires, which mimic nature, reduces the buildup of flammable vegetation and overgrowth.

This prescribed burn is part of the overall strategy on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests to address the Wildfire Crisis. Prescribed fire is one of the most efficient ways of reducing wildfire risk. Regularly conducting prescribed fires, which mimic nature, reduces the buildup of flammable vegetation and overgrowth.

To receive updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and join our email list through Constant Contact and select list "Forest Health & Fire: North of Hwy 14 to Wyoming Border (Red Feather Lakes)." Additional information may be found on Inciweb.

5/10 - FLOOD WATCH

From Larimer County:

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...

*WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

*WHERE...Above 9000 Feet-Larimer and 9000 Feet-Larimer County Below Cameron Pass, Red Feather Lakes, Loveland, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park 308 AM MDT Wed May 10 2023

*WHEN...From Thursday morning through Friday morning. 

*IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Burn Scars will be susceptible to flash flooding. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A longer duration upslope moderate to heavy rain event is expected on Thursday. Antecedent conditions across portions of the northern I-25 corridor, with heavy rains Tuesday night, pose a risk for flooding. Area burn scars, primarily below 9000 feet, will also be susceptible to heavier rain and embedded thunderstorms.

Fire restrictions lifted on Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests for first time since May

Release Date: Aug 16, 2022

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Aug. 16, 2022) -- After careful examination of scientific data and coordination with partners, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Supervisor Monte Williams has lifted Stage 1 fire restrictions across the forest effective today.

Stage 1 fire restrictions limited areas where campfires were allowed to developed campgrounds and other supervised locations. The lifting of fire restrictions applies to national forests in Larimer, Boulder, Gilpin, Jefferson and Clear Creek counties. Check for local fire restrictions when recreating anywhere on the National Forest.

Several key factors helped forest managers make this decision:

• Monsoonal rains have helped drought conditions recover. Most areas of the forest are no longer in drought, and other areas are experiencing only light drought.
• Fuel moisture levels, which are measured both in small vegetation like grasses and shrubs as well as in large vegetation like standing and fallen trees, are showing a better-than normal amount of moisture present, reducing the chances of rapid wildfire spread.
• Nationwide and locally, many firefighting resources remain available to help respond to fire starts. The national and regional planning level is a reflection of the number of large wildfires burning as well as available resources. Scored on a level of 1-5, with 5 being the most severe, the regional level is currently at 2 and the national level is at 3.  
• The long-term forecast calls for continued monsoons over the coming weeks.
• Our county partners are supportive of lifting fire restrictions as the current orders expire.

Forest fire managers will continue to closely monitor conditions over the coming weeks and months.

While fire restrictions are no longer in effect, fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. It is critical to use enough water to completely douse campfires until they are out cold to the touch. Depending on the size of the fire, this could require 5 gallons or more of water. Keep campfires small and contained within the ring. Never leave them unattended. Learn more about campfire safety.