Steamboat Springs, Colorado-January 4, 2026-Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) will be conducting prescribed pile burning operations on Emerald Mountain again tomorrow, Monday, January 5, 2026, weather and conditions permitting.
Residents may see smoke in the area throughout the day. This operation is planned, permitted, and closely monitored, and is part of an ongoing fuels-mitigation effort to reduce wildfire risk and improve community safety.
This is not an emergency. Please do NOT call 911.
Calling 911 or non-emergency lines to report smoke from this operation may delay responses to actual emergencies.
Pile burning is a proven and effective tool used to:
- Reduce hazardous fuels near the community
- Improve firefighter access and operational safety
- Lower the risk of high-intensity wildfires
Steamboat Fire is working closely with Routt County Environmental Health and air-quality partners and is operating under an approved burn permit and burn plan. Burning will only occur under conditions that meet strict safety and smoke-management guidelines.
Smoke impacts are expected to be temporary and will vary depending on weather conditions. If smoke is present, residents are encouraged to limit outdoor activity if they are sensitive to smoke.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we take proactive steps to protect Steamboat Springs and surrounding open space.
Routt County Dispatch will be notified prior to ignition. For questions about the prescribed burns, please contact SSFR at 970-879-7170 between 8 am and 5 pm.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contact
Email Ian Satterfield, Deputy Fire Chief, or call 970-879-7170
Email Leighton White, Firefighter Wildland Specialist, or call 970-879-7170
Email Michael Lane, Communications & Marketing Manager, or call 970-871-8220