Due to favorable forecasted conditions, Arapaho and Roosevelt National forests are preparing for pile burning season in the Sulphur Ranger District in Grand County over the next several months.

These weather conditions have also helped with lifting fire restrictions for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National forests.

Pile burning is a type of prescribed fire that helps remove woody debris from the forests and reduces the potential for more destructive fires. Branches, tree limbs, twigs and small logs are all burned during pile burning.

Prior to burning piles, fire managers will track local weather forecasts for temperatures, snowpack conditions and wind. Cooler temperatures and snow help contain fire behavior, and wind can help in smoke dispersal.

Once burning begins, firefighters patrol and monitor burn piles until there is no longer any heat being emitted. The press release states that smokey conditions during the pile burning are expected and that smoke levels will be monitored.

Additional information and updates on pile burning for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National forests are posted on the pile burning page on InciWeb.