phoenix — The Phoenix District of the Bureau of Land Management is planning a prescribed burn operation to burn piles of brush cut from public land in Yavapai County near Skull Valley and Yarnell. If conditions permit, fires could continue for several days into February.

BLM fire officials plan to incinerate a pile of junipers cut from 50 acres of public land about three miles east of Skull Valley. They also plan to burn piles on 30 acres of public land on the east side of State Route 89, about a mile south of Yarnell. Thinning and burning invasive junipers in grasslands opens wildlife corridors, reduces cover for predators, and improves the quality of wildlife food. Reducing fuel loads also helps reduce the intensity and impact of unplanned wildfires on nearby areas.

To ensure public safety, BLM firefighters will only ignite piles when weather conditions allow for safe combustion. They will remain on site to monitor the safety of the public and resources. Local residents may see light smoke during burning operations. No local road closures are expected.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act of 2021 provided funding for this prescribed burn. This legislation provides funding for fuel treatment to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and benefit neighboring communities.

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

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land on behalf of the American people, primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. BLM also manages 700 million acres of underground mineral resources across the country. Our mission is to preserve the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations.