SPAWP coordinates with local, state, and federal partners to maintain designated slash sites where residents, landowners, and mitigation crews can safely dispose of wildfire fuel material. These sites are essential to keeping our forests healthy and reducing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.
The most active site, located near Pandero in the Cuchara area, is supervised by the U.S. Forest Service and plays a critical role in wildfire mitigation and firefighter training.
Why Slash Sites Matter
Every year, mitigation projects by private landowners, contractors, and forest agencies produce tons of wildfire-prone debris: branches, tree tops, brush, and small trees. These materials, known as “slash,” become dangerous fuel if left untreated in or near the wildland–urban interface.
Designated slash sites and controlled burns offer a safe, effective solution:
- Reduces hazardous fuels in a controlled setting
- Supports safe disposal of material from defensible space work
- Provides valuable fire suppression training for local personnel
- Prevents illegal dumping and unsafe backyard burning
How It Works
- Mitigation or forest health work creates slash
- Residents, contractors, and partners bring slash to the designated site
- USFS personnel safely burn the material under strict protocols
- Local firefighters and forestry staff use the burn as a training opportunity