Enhancing Durango's Safety: Local Agencies Conduct Prescribed Burn on Animas City Mountain

In 2023, an environmental management initiative involving a prescribed burn was carried out on Animas City Mountain by interagency crews, including BLM, the Forest Service, and state and local agencies. This burn was part of a larger effort to manage fire risks near Durango, Colorado, and was partially funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

James Savage, a supervisory fire management officer with BLM, discussed the project in an audio interview. He explained that the planning started years before the burn, in response to the severe wildfires in 2018, such as the 416 Fire and Burro Complex Fire, which burned over 84 square miles. The goal of the prescribed burn was to reduce fuel loads to prevent future catastrophic fires in and around Durango.

Savage noted that the project was funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and state agreements, with $150,000 to $200,000 allocated over two years. This funding was essential for the burn's implementation in 2023, especially after an unsuccessful attempt in 2022 due to bad weather.

One year later, Savage observed that the areas treated with the prescribed burn showed improved forest health and reduced fire risks compared to untreated areas. This demonstrates the burn's effectiveness in enhancing ecological conditions and safety. The project not only protected the local community but also may serve as a model for other Western regions facing similar wildfire threats.

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