Prescribed Burn Planned at Senator Wash Area
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YUMA, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to conduct a prescribed burn as early as Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, in the northern portion of the Senator Wash Area. The start date and time for the burning operation depends on weather and may be delayed until appropriate conditions occur.
Due to public safety, the North Shore Road will be closed for public use starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, through Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Road guards will be posted during prescribed burn implementation which is estimated to last 2-3 hours each day.
The burn is being conducted to improve the health of the riparian eco-system by reducing the presence of weeds and invasive plants such as salt cedar. Removal of the vegetation improves the public's experience in these high use areas, helps to reduce the threat of wildfire, and provides safe access to firefighters and first responders in cases of emergency.
BLM fire management personnel will ignite the piles when weather and vegetation conditions allow for safe burning to minimize any potential threat to area residents and visitors. The piles are expected to burn down quickly, and smoke should disperse out of the area in a short period of time.
Residents should expect some light smoke in the area during burn operations. Ignition will stop if smoke begins to impact residential areas.
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.