Multi-agency efforts successfully contain wildfire near Yuma
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YUMA, Ariz. - The Bermuda Fire, which began approximately 3 a.m. on February 16, burned 1,300 acres northeast of Yuma near Mittry Lake. The fire is currently 100% contained while fire crews continue to patrol the area for further fire activity.
“Due to the efforts of the responding fire crews, the fire perimeter has been secured. We do not expect any further fire activity, however, we continue to urge the public to use caution near the burned area,” said Bureau of Land Management’s detailed Fire Management Officer, Wade Reaves.
Most of the fire has burned through inaccessible marshy areas, igniting cattails and salt cedar. Salt cedar burns very hot and can remain hot long after the fire appears to be out. Due to the sandy soils in the river corridor, there can be additional fuels burning underneath the surface of the soil. These fuels covered by sand can create very hot cavities that can collapse. Falling into one of these hidden cavities can lead to serious burn injuries. To avoid injury, remember to use extreme caution in burned areas.
Fire response was a collaborative multi-agency effort with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Buckskin Fire Department, Arizona State fire crews and private contractors.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
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.