ARIZONA STRIP – Fire managers for the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District Office are planning to conduct a prescribed burn totaling approximately 1,000 acres. The Pine Hollow prescribed fire unit, a component of the Pine Hollow vegetation treatment, is located on Buckskin Mountain, approximately 20 miles east of Fredonia, Ariz. and 10 miles south of U.S. Highway 89.
Depending upon conditions, the prescribed burn operations will begin Thursday and last approximately seven days. The Pine Hollow vegetation treatment is designed for ecosystem restoration. It will reduce hazardous fuels as well as improve habitat for many species of wildlife such as winter range for mule deer. The Pine Hollow unit was mechanically treated in the spring of 2013 to remove the pinyon pine and juniper trees. The prescribed fire phase of the treatment will reduce the downed trees resulting from earlier mechanical treatment. The unit is being treated to create a mosaic of vegetation on the landscape. The burned area will also promote conditions that allow for growth of native shrubs, grasses and forbs, increase native plant diversity, and stimulate long term watershed enhancement.
Prescribed burns must meet strict weather-related and environmental criteria prior to ignition. BLM Arizona Strip District fire staff will monitor the weather and fuel conditions and manage the prescribed fire activity, before, during and after the ignition operations. Smoke may be present for the duration of the prescribed burn in this remote area. Smoke emissions will be managed in accordance with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations.
There are no closures anticipated but public access may be restricted in the immediate area during ignition operations and periods of active fire spread to ensure public safety. Signs will be posted to notify the public. Please use caution when traveling in the area of the fire.
Submitted by the Bureau of Land Management
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