Partner Updates: Air Curtain Burner Training in Estes Park

by Meg Matonis, Wildfire Analyst, The Ember Alliance

On March 16th, three employees of The Ember Alliance participated in a training on the safe and effective operation of air curtain burners—large, insulated boxes with strong fans that blow a “curtain” of air across the top of the device within which woody material is loaded and burned. Air curtain burners rapidly and effectively consume woody material, produce low smoke emissions, and have a low likelihood of ember production. In certain contexts, air curtain burners are a useful tool for disposing of fuels generated by homeowners as they reduce wildfire risk on their property.

The air curtain burner training was held in Estes Park by the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Wildfire Partners Program, with assistance from the Estes Park YMCA and Estes Valley Watershed Coalition. The Ember Alliance’s participation was made possible through an AB InBev training grant. The Big Thompson Watershed Coalition recently acquired the air curtain burner, and Loveland Fire Rescue Authority administers use of the air curtain burner in coordination with the LCSO Wildfire Partners Program.

Participants in the training helped mitigate wildfire risk in the Estes Valley by eliminating woody material generated from an HOA-level project led by the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition. The Ember Alliance provided their Type 6 engine as the primary suppression resource at the training. The Ember Alliance is excited to continue working with LCSO and partners to use air curtain burners as a tool for mitigating wildfire risk in communities where other mechanisms of slash removal, such as pile burning, are not available.