WINTER PARK – Snow is in the forecast and smoke dispersal conditions are lining up to allow firefighters to begin burning piles on Tunnel Hill today, Nov. 4.

Burning this year will be conducted on the northeast facing slopes along U.S. Highway 40 above the railroad and on the west facing slopes above the junction of Little Vasquez Road and Tunnel Hill Road. Ignitions are generally expected to begin after 10 a.m. and will cease several hours before sunset. Smoke and flames may be visible from various areas in the Fraser Valley. Trail users and hunters are asked to avoid this area.

Precipitation, wind, temperature, fuel moisture and staffing all play a part in when and whether ignition occurs. Burning will continue through the rest of the week as conditions allow. More information on this project as well as updated maps and photographs can be found at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3746/

If you know of anyone else who would like to receive these updates, please have them email SRDupdates@fs.fed.us subject line TUNNEL HILL.

Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information see https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.