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This winter, the BLM plans to burn piles of juniper cuttings adjacent to Hi-Country Estates Phases 1 & 2, on the ridge behind Shaggy Peak.

Torching:  It is not uncommon when burning piles for an adjacent tree to catch fire or "torch" from the heat or embers.  It would not be possible in a dense juniper woodland to move the piles out of the way of all adjacent trees.  In planning this project, we anticipated that some torching would occur but because the trees are separated from one another by the very nature of thinning the juniper trees, the torching would be isolated.

Smoke:  The Salt Lake Field Office follows strict air quality standards regulated by the State of Utah's Division of Air Quality and national policy for prescribed fire.  By adhering to these standards, we are able to mitigate concerns for public health and safety.  It is still advisable that if you have a sensitivity to smoke, to stay indoors during the prescribed fire.  Burning piles emits smaller amounts of smoke than would a larger scale prescribed fire or wildfire.  This is one of the reasons we choose this management approach when working in and around communities.            

Timeframe:  The prescribed fire will take approximately 3 days to complete.  Weather will be the biggest factor in choosing the exact dates and time.  Signs will be posted at the entrance gates a few days prior to ignition.  It may take more than one period of time to complete. 

Project Purpose:  In the absence of disturbance by fire, juniper have expanded into sagebrush habitat along the Wasatch Front, thereby increasing the hazard to homes and property by wildfire.  Reducing hazardous fuels minimizes fire risk by interrupting the path fire takes. This project creates spacing between tree canopies needed to keep wildfire on the ground or confined to only a few trees where firefighting tools and personnel can be most effective.  The success of this project depends heavily upon the community’s efforts to reduce fire hazards.  By opening the canopy of thick juniper other native plants will thrive, sustaining a variety of wildlife over the long-term such as wild turkey, raptors and mule deer.

Please contact the Salt Lake Field Office, if you have further questions or concerns regarding this project.  Phone: (801) 977-4300.

Hi-Country Estates Pile Burning Photos