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Slash pile burn continue west of Beulah

Posted at 1:58 PM, Feb 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-22 15:58:38-05
Pikes Peak slash pile
Slash pile on Pikes Peak (Photo: @PSICC_NF)

PEUBLO COUNTY – The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office is again letting people know they may see smoke from slash pile burns to the west of Beulah and San Isabel.

The Forestry Service says those operations will only take place when weather and fuel conditions help ensure the fire will burn within the service’s guidelines, and surrounding communities are not likely to see substantial impacts from smoke.

When burning does take place, the Forestry Service says it may go on for time periods from several days to weeks.

The projects are a continuation of several hazardous fuels management projects intended to improve forest health and public safety, and to minimize risk to firefighters. Burning projects began in January 2017 and will continue through the springs, with an estimated 36,000 slash piles ready to be burned.

The Forestry Service warns smoke may linger in the air after slash pile fires are ignited, and could be visible in surrounding locations.

The Colorado Department of Health and Environment has advice for dealing with wood smoke.

Previously: Slash pile burns making some Beulah residents uneasy.