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Officials outline fuels projects and a spring prescribed burn near Aspen
Summary
Fire officials described ongoing fuels-reduction work around Aspen, upcoming prescribed burns on Red Mountain (Sunnyside), and proposed partnerships to use city property and Sardi Field to support aviation and mitigation efforts.
Fire and emergency managers told council that mechanical fuels work and prescribed burns are part of a bigger landscape-scale mitigation strategy, linking several recent projects to build larger defensible space adjacent to Aspen.
Jake Anderson said the Forest Service plans a prescribed ignition on Red Mountain in spring that would link previous burns in Hunter and Collins creeks; staff plan coordinated messaging and community outreach in advance. Anderson asked council to consider city land opportunities to improve habitat while doing fuels mitigation.
Officials also described a potential intergovernmental agreement for Sardi Field (airport) to serve as a refill location for single‑engine air tankers during shoulder seasons, which would require coordination with Aspen Water and DFPC training; large air tankers still cannot operate from the field as currently configured.
