Prescribed burns planned this winter in San Juan County
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Monticello, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management plans to conduct several prescribed fires in San Juan County. Slash-burning is a form of fire mitigation designed to keep public lands healthy. It has been shown to reduce wildfire risk to adjacent areas, restore riparian ecosystem health, improve native plant communities, and enhance wildlife habitat. Prescribed burns work to protect local communities from destructive wildfire by pro-actively managing landscapes.
Prescribed burns are planned for the following areas:
- The Blanding East Project, located north of Recapture Reservoir, includes approximately 1200 acres of brush piles.
- The Devils Canyon Project, located between Monticello and Blanding near Canyon Terrace and adjacent to Highway 191, includes approximately 240 acres of brush piles.
Often, the most desirable conditions needed to conduct these projects occur with little notice. BLM fire and fuel specialists will review weather and burn conditions to ensure successful, safe operations and good smoke dispersion. Smoke and flames may be visible from nearby highways or in local communities. Light smoke may remain visible from the surrounding area for several days after a burn occurs.
Utah Fire Info will post information here: https://utahfireinfo.gov. Local radio stations will be notified the day before burning begins.
For more information about prescribed burning or fire prevention, please contact Jason Kirks at the Canyon Country District Office (435) 259-2194. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 to ask a question or leave a message. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and responses are provided during normal business hours.
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.