Forest Service Update: Cooler temps and snow will mark return of winter pile burning season in Northern CO

Please see below for an update from the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests about winter pile burning operations:

Pile burning is an annual winter activity across the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest that helps firefighters reduce the accumulation of forest fuels. Burning only occurs when the right weather conditions are met, including sufficient snow. (Photo Credit: US Forest Service)

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (Nov. 14, 2025) – Fire managers on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are preparing for pile burning season this winter. Current and forecasted weather conditions may create favorable pile burning conditions over the next several months.  

Pile burning is a type of prescribed fire that helps remove woody debris from the forests, reducing the potential of more impactful, unplanned fire activity at other times of the year. Pile burning helps eliminate branches, limbs, twigs and small logs that can't easily be removed through other means due to topography, access or cost feasibility. Pile burning typically follows forest thinning projects in overgrown forests. 

Before burning piles, fire managers must receive all necessary approvals and track local weather forecasts for temperatures, snowpack conditions and wind. Snow and cooler temperatures are key tools in helping contain fire behavior, and wind is an important factor in aiding smoke dispersal. Firefighters use air quality monitoring stations in areas where they plan on burning. Once burning has begun, firefighters patrol and monitor burned piles until there is no longer any heat emitted. 

Smoke, flames, and glowing embers are often visible and are a normal part of pile burning operations. Moisture, namely snow, helps contain the piles and firefighters monitor the area during and after the burn. Monitoring continues until the piles are considered out. Public and firefighter safety is always the number one priority in burning operations. 

Smoky conditions during the active periods of pile burning are expected. Smoke levels and duration in the air will be monitored and could affect the length of active burning on any given day as fire managers work with the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division to reduce the impacts of smoke on the public. For more information on how fire smoke may affect your health, see the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. 

For a detailed list of pile locations across the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, please check InciWeb. See our interactive map for additional information on each of these project locations. This map also includes information on broadcast burn projects, active burns and recent project completions on the Forest. 

Updated information throughout this winter’s pile burn season will be posted on InciWeb, as well as regular updates posted on Facebook and X. These sites will be the best source to find out where burning is happening weekly.