BLM - Southwest Colorado Fire and Aviation Management Unit

05/13/2026

Public lands aren't fireproof ...

Nearly 85% of wildfires in the United States are caused by people — which means most wildfires can be prevented.

During Wildfire Awareness Month, everyone has a role in reducing wildfire risk:
• Secure trailer chains and inspect tires, bearings, and axles
• Follow local fire restrictions
• Drown, stir, and feel campfires until cold to the touch
• Use equipment responsibly, especially during dry and windy conditions

Small actions can prevent big fires and help keep firefighters focused on naturally caused incidents.

Learn more wildfire prevention tips: https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire/blog/10-tips-prevent-wildfires

03/19/2026

U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighters continued prescribed burn operations on Rabbit Mountain yesterday. They completed unit one and treated 207 acres. Smoke was noticeable during the afternoon and settled into low lying areas during the evening. Fire crews will remain over the burn area and continue to patrol all fire lines. No further burning is planned.

Learn more ➡️ https://ow.ly/YJX250YvBTx

📷 by BLM

03/18/2026

U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighters conducted a productive prescribed burn on Rabbit Mountain yesterday, successfully treating 79 acres. Operations will continue today on a different unit of Rabbit Mountain.

Smoke will be visible, especially during the heat of the day. During the evening hours, smoke may settle into low-lying areas.

Learn more ➡️ https://ow.ly/YJX250YvBTx

Find air quality updates ➡️ https://ow.ly/NiIJ50YvBTv

BLM 📷: A U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite preselected areas of the forest floor as part of an approved prescribed burn on Rabbit Mountain.

03/17/2026

U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighters will be conducting a prescribed burn today on approximately 286 acres on Rabbit Mountain.

Smoke will be visible, especially during the heat of the day. During the evening hours, smoke may settle into low-lying areas.

More information: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/prescribed-burns-planned-southwest-colorado

Air quality updates: https://www.airnow.gov

03/13/2026

U.S. Wildland Firefighters will be conducting a prescribed burn today on approximately 291 acres along the West Rim of the Dolores River.

Smoke will be visible, especially during the heat of the day. During the evening hours, smoke may settle into low-lying areas.

More information:
https://ow.ly/MvNY50Yt2g5

Air quality updates:
https://ow.ly/Rvag50Yt2g6

03/11/2026

A series of prescribed burns are scheduled from now through May 2026 on around 2,285 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Dolores, San Miguel, and La Plata counties.

All prescribed fire activities follow approved burn plans and occur only as favorable weather conditions permit.

Prescribed burns help reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat, restore ecological health, and protect nearby communities from the impacts of future large wildfires, including potential smoke related health and safety concerns.

If you see smoke in the area, please do not call 911. Thank you for your patience as we work to keep our landscapes and communities safer.

For more information, visit https://ow.ly/RKZ250Ys4KW.

03/09/2026

The weather is changing and spring is just around the corner—now is the perfect time to get ready for wildfire season. Take a few simple steps today to protect your home, your land, and your community. Preparedness starts with you!

More for information visit: https://ow.ly/6zsu50Yq8zB

02/19/2026

A prescribed pile burn in the Tres Rios Field Office's McElmo Canyon will be conducted today by U.S. Wildland Fire Service fire crews.

This burn is part of an ongoing project to reduce hazardous fuels and combat invasive species on BLM lands. Recent precipitation has created ideal conditions for safe burning. Fire crews will monitor the area over the coming weeks to ensure the burn remains within the planned footprint.

For more information visit: https://ow.ly/IxOy50YifSO

For current air quality information and smoke conditions, visit AirNow: https://ow.ly/5Pcy50YifSL

10/01/2025

Due to the federal government shutdown, this account is not being actively updated.
For more information, please visit:

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

09/23/2025

🔥 West Rim Prescribed Burn Unit 42B Update

Fire crews completed a 370-acre prescribed burn between Friday and Saturday, adapting to light precipitation and shifting weather. Fire crews are now securing the burn unit’s edges, with fire resources remaining on-site for the next few days. Active patrols will continue beyond that period to ensure safety. Smoke will be visible in the afternoons and may settle into lower valleys in the evenings—please use caution in the area.

Thanks to all agencies, volunteer firefighters, and the public for making this burn possible.