Prescribed burn planned on BLM lands in western Maricopa County
PHOENIX – Firefighters from the U.S. Wildland Fire Service will conduct a prescribed burn on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-managed public lands in April as conditions allow. Firefighters will burn about 118 acres of cut tamarisk piles in the Gila River drainage about 8 miles east of Agua Caliente in western Maricopa County.
Thinning and burning efforts reduce fuel loads to help lessen the intensity of unplanned wildfires and their impact on nearby communities and wildlife habitat.
To ensure public safety, 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.