The Bureau of Land Management Phoenix District is conducting a planned burn to burn piles of cut trees from public lands in Yavapai County near Yarnell. Conditions permitting, the burn could last for several days.

BLM fire crews burn piles of juniper that were cut from 30 acres of public land about a mile south of Yarnell, east of State Highway 89. Thinning and burning invasive juniper in grasslands helps open wildlife corridors, reduces hiding places for predators, and improves wildlife feeding areas. Reducing the amount of fuel also helps reduce the intensity of unplanned wildfires and their impact on nearby communities.

To ensure public safety, BLM firefighters will only ignite firewood piles when weather conditions permit safe burning. Firefighters will remain on scene to monitor public and resource safety. Local residents may notice slight smoke during the burn. No local road closures are planned.

This planned burning was funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act of 2021. The act provides funding for fuels treatment to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and benefit nearby communities.

For more information, contact Public Information Officer Chris Wonderly at 602-818-8295 or jwonderly@blm.gov.