Manti-La Sal National Forest Plans Prescribed Burning in Monticello Districts Plan Fuels Reduction During Fall and Winter

The Manti‑La Sal National Forest plans to conduct prescribed burns this fall and into winter, as conditions allow, on the Monticello, Ferron/Price, and Sanpete Ranger Districts across San Juan, Sanpete, and Emery counties in Utah. Certified prescribed fire specialists use these treatments to reduce hazardous fuels, lower wildfire risk, improve wildlife habitat, support watershed health, and help restore fire‑adapted ecosystems.

Monticello Ranger District Prescribed Fire Projects:
There are three adjoining project areas approximately 2 miles west of Monticello, UT that are planned for fuels‑reduction treatments. Generally speaking, the project areas are located north of the Blue Mountain Ranch subdivision, south of Harts Draw Road, and west of Lloyd’s Lake.

Shingle Mill Prescribed Fire – Located near Forest Service Roads 5526 (Harts Draw Loop Road) and 0087 (Shingle Mill Draw Road). Approximately 4,350 acres are planned for treatment via broadcast burning.
Blue Mountain Ranch Prescribed Fire – Located near the Blue Mountain Ranch community. Approximately 563 acres are planned for treatment via broadcast burning.
Monticello Forest Health Prescribed Fire – Located within the Dickson Gulch and Cold Springs area. Approximately 1,295 acres are planned for treatment via broadcast burning.

While no area closures are anticipated on the Monticello Ranger District, travelers may experience brief delays. Closure notices will be posted prior to ignition operations.
The Manti‑La Sal National Forest will work to accommodate hunters and recreationists during the busy fall season. Please watch for warning signs and use caution when traveling near all prescribed fire areas before and during burn operations.

Smoke Information:
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.

Please do not report these fires, as firefighters will remain on scene throughout ignitions and patrol afterwards.

Additional Notifications:
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.

Stay Informed:
For current updates about the prescribed fire schedule, visit:

Forest website:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasal
Social media:  https://www.facebook.com/mantilasalnationalforest
View this news release here

About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.