BLM to burn tumbleweeds along Soda fuelbreaks
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BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management will be conducting the Soda Fuelbreak Prescribed Burn, in an area about five miles south of Marsing. Crews will be conducting burns between late April and mid-May, depending on weather, fuel and ground conditions.
The objective of the burn is to mitigate the risk of hazardous fuels by reducing unsafe accumulations of tumbleweeds along fence lines and roadways. The burn area is approximately 50 acres, with the option to treat additional acres depending on the amount of tumbleweed buildup. Tumbleweed accumulations can create hazardous fire conditions because large amounts of fast-burning fuels can be blown across roads, spreading fires and creating dangers for nearby property owners and firefighters.
Burning will occur near the intersection of Sommer Camp Road and U.S. Highway 95. Smoke will be visible from Marsing and the public should be aware of safety flaggers and short-term travel delays because of smoke and firefighters working along the roadway.
Prescribed fire managers will time the burning with seasonal conditions such as recent rains and spring green-up to provide firefighters a natural barrier to prevent the fire’s spread into nearby open areas.
For more information, contact the BLM Boise District Fire Information Line at 208-384-3378.
The BLM manages more than 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.