Crews will be conducting controlled burns across Fort Carson and at the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site northeast of Trinidad starting through the winter and into the early spring.

Fort Carson will not be announcing each individual burn, but the Mountain Post will work with local fire departments to ensure they are aware of the planned fires, a Fort Carson official said.

Prescribed burns help reduce fuels across the landscape, such as dead and dry grasses and trees, and prevent much larger wildfires.

Travelers and residents may see smoke from the fires along Interstate 25 and Colorado 115 corridors from Colorado Springs to Pueblo or along Colorado 350 in Las Animas County, a news release said.

Smoke is a health concern, particularly for those with asthma, lung or heart disease. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends limiting exposure by closing doors and windows, and limiting time outdoors if the air quality is poor.

“By combining favorable weather conditions with a variety of fire management techniques, Fort Carson officials work to keep smoke impacts to a minimum,” the news release said.

For additional info on ways to mitigate smoke exposure visit www.colorado.gov/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

Concerned community members are encouraged to call Fort Carson at (719) 526-9849.