Prescribed burns planned

The U.S. Forest Service is planning prescribed fire operations this spring in eastern Wyoming, including areas near Esterbrook and in the Upton-Osage area of Weston County.

According to a March 4 press release from the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, the burns are part of ongoing hazardous fuels reduction efforts intended to reduce overgrown vegetation and help protect communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

One planned burn, known as the Clay Spur RX project, will cover approximately 1,659 acres east of U.S. Highway 16 in the Upton-Osage area of the Thunder Basin National Grassland. The burn area is about 16 miles northwest of Newcastle, 5 miles north of Osage and west of Kellogg Reservoir.

Another prescribed burn, the Wildcat RX project, will treat about 617 acres in south Converse County near Esterbrook Campground in the northern Laramie Range.

Forest officials said the burns will occur over the next several months as weather and fuel conditions allow. Burn units may temporarily close to the public during operations, and smoke may be visible in nearby communities.

Officials advise drivers to slow down and use headlights if they encounter smoke on roadways.

The Forest Service said prescribed fires will only take place when conditions are favorable for safe and effective burning. County emergency management officials will be notified when burning begins.

Additional updates will be posted on the Forest Service’s website and social media pages. For more information, contact North Zone Fire Management Officer Nick Collard at 307-359-6401.