MONTE VISTA – Wood-pile burning is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks at the Rio Grande State Wildlife Area depending on weather conditions. The burning of wood debris is a cooperative project of Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

Smoke may be visible and could persist for several days as fuels burn out. Crews will be on scene to monitor the progress throughout the process. The main objective of pile burning is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulation to protect public safety.

CPW works closely with other agencies such as the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division, the Division of Fire Prevention and Control and local authorities in developing and implementing any burning project.

For questions or concerns, please contact CPW District Wildlife Manager, Tyler Cerny at 719-850-6363

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