BLM prescribed burning planned in the Hualapai Mountains
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KINGMAN, Ariz. – Fire managers from the Bureau of Land Management Colorado River District are planning to conduct prescribed burning in the Hualapai Mountains, 20 to 25 miles southeast of Kingman, AZ this fall and winter. Specific treatment locations include Blue Tank, Bull, and Hibernia canyons. Burning operations may occur between early November 2023 and March 2024 in one or more of these locations over multiple days, pending appropriate weather and fuel conditions and are expected to be complete within three to five days after ignition.
The purpose of burning is to treat approximately 2,500 acres of dense interior chaparral vegetation to improve ecosystem health and decrease future wildfire risk. Prescribed fires are intended to mimic natural fire frequency and intensity and will reduce fuel loads so that unplanned wildfires are less destructive and will improve forage and habitat conditions for wildlife and livestock.
Smoke may be visible from Kingman, Yucca, Wikieup, Interstate 40, and Highway 93, and will be heavy at times. The public may experience smokey conditions in the vicinity of the project area at times. Smoke emissions will be managed in accordance with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations. Jeep trails accessing the burn areas will be temporarily closed for public safety and reopened when safe to do so.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 provided funding for this prescribed burn. The legislation funds fuel treatments to help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and benefit neighboring communities.
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.