Park City begins seasonal pile burning on Iron Mountain, Thaynes Canyon

Smoke may be visible as crews work through spring to reduce wildfire fuels in city open space

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City residents may see smoke rising from Iron Mountain and Thaynes Canyon starting Tuesday as the city begins seasonal pile burning to reduce wildfire risk.

Park City Municipal has contracted Alpine Forestry to burn approximately 3,720 piles of branches, logs, dead trees, and other vegetation collected during forest thinning projects. Work is scheduled to continue through spring 2027, depending on weather and air quality conditions.

The city said smoke may be visible during active burning and overnight smoldering. Piles can remain hot for several days, and crews will continue monitoring them until the heat is fully extinguished.

Pile burning is used in areas where steep or remote terrain can make chipping or hauling away vegetation difficult. Removing accumulated material reduces the fuel available during a wildfire and helps create defensible space around developed areas.

Park City lies within the wildland-urban interface, where homes and other development meet or intermingle with undeveloped vegetation. The city has used similar prescribed burns in recent years as part of its wildfire mitigation work.

Burning will occur only when conditions allow crews to control the fire and safely disperse smoke. The city says adequate precipitation or snow cover must be present, sufficient personnel and equipment must be available, and atmospheric conditions must support smoke dispersal.

Residents and trail users may also see forestry vehicles parked near work sites. Trails or portions of open space may be temporarily closed when necessary for safety.

The primary burn season runs from Oct. 13 through spring 2027. If weather or air quality conditions prevent crews from completing the work, burning could extend into fall 2027.