Island Park pile burning planned
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ISLAND PARK, Idaho— BLM Idaho Falls District fire managers anticipate favorable weather conditions for planned pile burning. Weather and fuel conditions permitting, prescribed burns are scheduled to start Oct. 29 and continue through the fall. Approximately 200 acres of piles are planned for controlled ignitions in the Shotgun Valley around Island Park.
“There are several reasons we are focusing on the Shotgun Valley,” said Channing Swan, forester for the BLM Upper Snake Field Office. “We want to protect the community from large, uncharacteristically high intensity wildfires and we need to improve wildlife habitat and forest health and promote aspen regeneration.”
Public and firefighter safety is always the first priority in all public land fire operations. Fire managers develop burn plans that consider safety, specific fuel and weather prescriptions, and smoke management. All prescribed burns are closely evaluated and are approved only when conditions are favorable.
Prescribed burns may impact individuals who are sensitive to smoke. Recreationists should use extreme caution near prescribed fire areas and comply with any closures that may be put in place temporarily to protect public health and safety in areas immediately within or adjacent to burning operations. Signage will be posted in advance of ignitions and remain in place until operations are completed.
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.