Controlled burns on national forest land in El Paso County are scheduled this week.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in a news release said its Wildland Fire Group would partner with U.S. Forest Service crews to conduct prescribed burns over a 400-acre area near Rampart Range Road and Forest Service Road 314, west of the Air Force Academy.

The Ensign Gulch burn is expected to last Monday through Friday and is aimed at clearing forest fire fuel and other wildfire risks around reservoirs and water storage facilities, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Officials said smoke will likely be visible in El Paso, Teller, Fremont, Park and Douglas counties throughout the week, and urged

residents not to call 911 unless suspicious fire activity — such as flames that are unattended by crews — is apparent.

“The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will play an active role in incident management and in keeping the community apprised of any additional safety messaging,” the release said.

Officials said travelers or outdoors-goers should expect “significant” travel delays or road closures near the burn, especially on Rampart Range Road.

The burn will only be conducted during favorable weather conditions for smoke mitigation, the release said.