December 17, 2024 – In a monumental step for Lake County’s wildfire mitigation efforts, Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue burned 50 piles of slash that had been collected over a couple years of fire mitigation work in Lake County.
Pile burning is a type of prescribed fire where firefighters burn piles of forest debris created during fuels reduction projects that involve thinning or cutting of trees in the forest, with the goal of reducing wildfire risk. Piles are only burned under certain conditions, including favorable wind conditions and snow cover, to aid firefighters in mitigating risks. Prescribed fire efficiently reduces hazardous fuels and protects homes and infrastructure from high-intensity fires.
With the support of a Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP)Workforce Development Grant awarded by the Department of Natural Resources, the Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative (ARWC) has been working in partnership with Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue, Lake County, the Department of Natural Resources, and SWIFT Crews to lead fire mitigation efforts in and around Leadville.
Tuesday’s event represented the beginning of strategic pile burning across other parts of the county. Through their considerable work to this project, Leadville/Lake County Fire-Rescue has gained invaluable experience and credentials that will open numerous doors for proactive wildfire mitigation that will benefit our communities for many years to come.