The Medicine Bow National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this spring on the Pole Mountain unit in Albany County, pending all required approvals. This work aligns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service national priority of hazardous fuels reduction.

As windows of opportunity allow, this work could occur as early as next week and continue throughout the next few months when weather and fuel conditions align. The Forest Service uses prescribed fire to reduce overgrown vegetation, helping protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfires.

Broadcast burning will largely target up to 2,000 acres of masticated fuels at multiple locations in the northeast portion of the Pole Mountain unit. Hundreds of hand piles are also planned for treatment near Eagle Rock and Bisbee/Markley Hills. All prescribed fires are planned on National Forest System-managed (NFS) lands.

There is the possibility that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones) may be utilized for burning. Public flying of UAS is prohibited in the burn unit airspace.

Smoke will be visible to the public from Wyoming Highway 210 (Happy Jack Highway), Interstate 80, and nearby Forest roads. The public is requested to not report the prescribed fires, as first responders and dispatch will be aware of the operations. During operations, the burn units may temporarily close to the public for safety. On-the-ground signage is often placed on adjacent roads for public notification.

Forest users and the public may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. Smoke from all prescribed fires is closely monitored to ensure that conditions for smoke dispersal, developed in collaboration with the Wyoming Air Quality Division, are met. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.

Suitable weather and fuel moisture will determine the exact date of the burns. Operations will not commence unless conditions are favorable to implement safe and effective burns. Weather conditions will be evaluated in the days and hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.

Broad public notification of site-specific burning will occur on the Forests’ X and Facebook accounts. Additional information may be found on our website. County emergency management officials will be notified when burning begins.

For more project information, contact acting Central Zone Fire Management Officer Sam Valdez at (307) 745-2415.