Prescribed Fire on Desert NWR Complex

USFWS Photo

Prescribed Fire - Pahranagat NWR 2006

USFWS Photo

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge was established in August 1963 to provide a feeding and resting area for migratory waterfowl and other migratory birds. To reduce the threat of hazardous wildland fire, and to maintain desirable wildlife habitat, highly trained U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Clark County fire department conducted a prescribed fire on December 5, 2006.

A prescribed fire is an application of fire when conditions are favorable, to reduce accumulated build up of vegetation that has the potential to support an uncontrollable wildfire during the summer months, when conditions are hot and dry.

USFWS Photo

The purpose of the prescribed burn was to remove vegetation from most of the Black Canyon bottom, to facilitate removal of an old concrete lining from a water diversion through the canyon. The burn was successfully completed in about six hours without any incidents or injuries.

Want to learn more about prescribed fire? Additional information can be found at the National Fire Management Website.