Prescribed incineration activities are planned from November 2023 to March 2024

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Colorado District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced it plans to conduct prescribed burns near Mitley Lake Wildlife Refuge and Walters Camp.

Mitley Lake Wildlife Refuge is approximately 19 miles north of Yuma, and Walters Camp is approximately 42 miles south of Blythe, California, along the California side of the lower Colorado River in Imperial County.

The BLM said thinning and prescribed burning of piled vegetation can help reduce the threat and spread of wildfires and improve access to certain areas.

Multiple burns of this type are conducted to remove piles of vegetation that have accumulated during the maintenance and installation of the Mitley Lake Wildlife Refuge and fuel rest area just south of the Walters Camp and Tamarack Lagoon subdivisions. That's possible, BLM said.

BLM fire protection personnel will ignite the piles when weather conditions are conducive to fire, ensuring everyone's safety.

Residents and visitors may see light smoke during prescribed burns, and access to these burning areas may be temporarily restricted.