BLM plans prescribed burns in Maricopa and Yavapai counties
PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Phoenix District Office is planning prescribed burning operations to burn cut and piled brush from public lands in Maricopa and Yavapai counties. Burning may occur over multiple days in January and February 2026 as conditions allow.
In Yavapai County, fire crews will burn 200 acres of juniper piles on the northern reaches of the Agua Fria National Monument about 6 miles east of Cordes Lakes. They will also burn 60 acres of juniper piles about 3.5 miles east of Skull Valley and 5.5 miles northwest of Wilhoit.
In western Maricopa County, fire personnel will burn about 118 acres of cut tamarisk piles in the Gila River drainage about 8 miles east of Agua Caliente.
Thinning and burning efforts reduce fuel loads to help lessen the intensity of unplanned wildfires and their impact on nearby communities. They can also improve native plant communities, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities.
To ensure public safety, BLM firefighters will ignite the piles only when weather conditions are conducive to safely burning. They will remain on scene to monitor public and resource safety. Area residents may see some light smoke during the burn operation. Smoke emissions will be managed in accordance with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations. No local road closures are expected.
For more information, please contact the BLM Phoenix District Office at 602-867-5400 or [email protected].
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.