State forestry officials warn of higher grass-fuel risk; lay out multi-year fuels projects for Carbon County

Jeremy, a representative from Forestry, Fire & State Lands, and Duncan Pucisis, the Southeast Area WUI specialist, briefed the Carbon County Commission on spring wildfire conditions and planned fuel-reduction projects.

Jeremy said predictive services and the National Weather Service expect a strong grass crop this year and that "the fire season is probably going to be around normal, above normal," with more fires anticipated in lower-elevation grass areas. He noted the state has exclusive-use helicopters under contract for fire suppression and added a smaller helicopter on a 120-day initial-attack contract; those air resources are paid for by the state "so you won't see the cost come back to the counties," he said.

Duncan Pucisis described funded and proposed fuels projects across the county, including about 70 acres of aspen regeneration and roughly 200 acres to be completed in Lower Fish Creek, 20 acres of forest work on Ford Ridge, between 160 and 330 acres of mastication on West Ridge (dependent on landowner buy-in), and a multi-year Grassy Trail watershed project that includes approximately 2,000 acres of arc clearance to prepare for future fuel breaks and possible prescribed fire in 3–5 years. Pucisis also said crews burned about 650 acres during the winter on Mount Bartels, Cottonwood Canyon and Patmos.

On local capacity, Jeremy said there are about "40 around 42 firefighters that are red carded here in Carbon County" to assist wildland suppression. He also said the division will beta-test a new electronic burn-permit process for unincorporated county residents; the permit season runs June 1–Oct. 31.

Commissioners thanked the presenters and emphasized the cost-effectiveness of preventative fuels work. "Every dollar spent in that's $7 saved," Commissioner (Speaker 2) said while praising the thinning and clearing projects. Duncan asked for continued outreach to landowners and said staff will return annually with updates as projects proceed over the next several years.

The presentation identified specific project areas and funding sources (grant-funded work), and staff noted some projects depend on private landowner agreements and future grant cycles.