GMUG National Forests Prescribed Burn Plan (2026-2027)

(Delta, CO, Oct. 7, 2026) — The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are planning prescribed fires during the fall, winter and spring seasons. Forest Service officials estimate this work may continue through spring 2027 as conditions allow. Each prescribed fire start date will differ based on several factors, such as fuels moisture levels and weather.

Fire managers use these prescribed fires to remove excess vegetation, reduce wildfire risk, improve habitat, enhance watershed health and restore fire-adapted ecosystems.

Prescribed fires are planned for the following areas:

(List Format: Rx Fire Name – Closest City & State – Closest Location Description or Landmark – Size)

Ouray Ranger District

• 25 Mesa – Montrose County, Colo. – Northeast of Nucla, Colo., near National Forest System Road (NFSR) 503 – 1,300 acres
• Baldy Mountain – Ouray County, Colo. – Southeast of Ridgway, Colo., on County Road 12 – 862 acres

Norwood Ranger District

• Sanborn 8A – Montrose County, Colo. – Northeast of Norwood, Colo., near NFSR 530 – 171 acres
• Turkey Plot – Montrose County, Colo. – Northeast of Norwood, Colo., near NFSR 530 – 450 acres

Gunnison Ranger District

• Willow Rx – Gunnison County, Colo. – Northwest of Gunnison, Colo., near NFSR 609 – 1,188 acres
• West Elk Rx – Gunnison County, Colo. – Northwest of Gunnison, Colo., near NFSR 724 – 665 acres

Please do not report these fires, as firefighters will remain on scene throughout ignitions and patrol afterwards. Updates on these prescribed fires will be posted on our website’s alerts page and on InciWeb.

While smoke may be visible, the Forest Service works closely with air quality specialists and closely monitors smoke during prescribed fires. Prescribed fires are timed for best smoke management. Visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for current air quality information.

The Forest Service will evaluate conditions in the days and hours before ignition. If conditions are not favorable, planned prescribed fire activities may be postponed or canceled.

For more GMUG updates, please visit the official website or Facebook.