Arapaho National Forest to resume Blue Ridge Prescribed Burn

Granby, Colo. (Sept. 26, 2025)— Arapaho National Forest’s Sulphur Ranger District is planning to resume operations on the Blue Ridge Prescribed Burn this fall, pending all required approvals. This work is estimated to continue through the fall season as weather conditions allow. Prescribed fire helps to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

The Blue Ridge project area is located near Big Meadows, south of Cottonwood Pass. Blue Ridge runs north-south from Granby to Fraser between the East Troublesome, Church Park and Williams Fork fire footprints. Improving forest health conditions in this area is a key component of local Community Wildfire Protection Plans and is being conducted in cooperation with local fire district personnel. Fire managers have prepared up to 850 acres of forest to be treated this year as conditions allow, adding to the 774 acres burned in previous years. 

Weather conditions are evaluated in the days and hours prior to ignitions. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.

The project area may be closed to the public for several days for safety. Watch for informational signage along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. County emergency management officials will be notified when burning begins.  

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. Smoke from this prescribed burn may be visible from many areas in Grand County, including Parshall, Granby and parts of the Fraser Valley, and could travel to the Front Range and across the Continental Divide depending on wind and weather conditions. Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit wood smoke and your health. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.

For up-to-date information on prescribed fire activity, follow us on Facebook and X, visit our website, or check the Blue Ridge RX Burn Inciweb page.