Rocky Mountain National Park fire managers are planning to conduct a prescribed burn of up to 294 acres on Wednesday, November 19, if favorable weather and conditions permit. This fire management operation, aimed at reducing wildland fire threats, is scheduled to take place inside the park, west of Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and near Upper Beaver Meadows Road. As a direct result of these burn operations, U.S. Highway 36 within Rocky Mountain National Park will be temporarily closed from Deer Ridge Junction to Bear Lake Road Junction between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the burn.
Despite the temporary closure of a section of U.S. Highway 36, the Beaver Meadows Entrance and Bear Lake Road will remain open to visitors. Those planning to take a scenic drive to Many Parks Curve should make arrangements to enter the park via Fall River Entrance, which is U.S. Highway 34. For the safety of both visitors and the fire management personnel, park visitors will not be permitted to stop along U.S. Highway 36 in the vicinity of the burn area, nor will they be allowed to walk within or near the actively burning areas. Firefighters will be on scene for the duration of the operation, diligently patrolling the burned area to ensure safety and monitor conditions.
Park officials anticipate that due to the primary fuel type, which consists mainly of grasses and small shrubs, heavy and prolonged smoke is not expected from this particular operation. Smoke from the prescribed burn will be visible throughout the day, particularly during the warmest hours. However, with cooler temperatures descending in the evening, there is a possibility that smoke may linger and accumulate in low-lying areas. Nathan Hallam, Fuels Specialist for Rocky Mountain National Park, indicated that "winds are expected to be enough to disperse smoke, not risking containment lines," with precipitation later in the week anticipated to help extinguish any lingering heat. While every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts on visitors and the adjacent community, some smoke is expected to disperse to the east of the park. Information regarding potential health effects of smoke is available from relevant health organizations.
The primary goal of this prescribed fire project is to significantly reduce the threat of wildland fire to both adjacent communities and National Park Service infrastructure. This is achieved by strategically reducing the amount of available fuels in the designated burn area. This proactive approach has proven instrumental in previous fire incidents. During efforts to combat the East Troublesome Fire in 2020 and the Fern Lake Fire in 2012, firefighters effectively utilized existing and prior prescribed fire and hazardous fuels treatment areas. These areas provided a crucial buffer that aided in preventing the fires from extending further and from jumping critical thoroughfares such as Bear Lake Road and Trail Ridge Road.
The decision to proceed with ignitions on Wednesday, November 19, is contingent on a continuous assessment of various safety factors. These include prevailing weather conditions, air quality, the availability of personnel, and adherence to environmental regulations, all of which are continually monitored as an integral part of any fire management operation. Additional information regarding the prescribed burn may be shared through various official channels, including the park’s website and its official social media platforms. For more information or specific inquiries, the park’s Information Office can be reached at (970) 586-1206. The Information Office operates year-round, with specific hours during summer and winter seasons. A recorded Trail Ridge Road status line is also available 24 hours a day at (970) 586-1222.
