A 600-acre prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.
Learn more about prescribed burn was successfully conducted at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge on February 4, 2004. The primary resource objective, improving habitat for the endangered Yuma clapper rail, was achieved. The fire was ignited around 10:30am and produced large columns of smoke visible to Yuma residents. Ignition was completed by 11:15am. Due to a combination of localized wind changes along the river, topography and extremely high fuel amounts, the prescribed fire escaped containment lines and burned an additional 200 acres. Immediate suppression actions were taken by on site operational resources comprised of Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Picacho State Recreation Area firefighters containing the spot fire by 2:00pm.
The additional 200 acres burned as a result of the escape occurred on the Picacho State Recreation Area on the California side of the Colorado River. The non-native exotic tamarisk tree dominated much of the area burned and the escape presents an opportunity for Fish and Wildlife Service and California State Park staff to work cooperatively to control this invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species . The escaped fire partially burned the remains of the historic stamp mill structure at the State Recreation Area. Also burned were several acres of native willow-cottonwood habitat in the Marcus Wash region of the State Recreation Area. Fish and Wildlife Service and California State Parks staff are working jointly to restore the native habitat that was damaged and to stabilize and repair the damage to the historic stamp mill.
Following the prescribed fire, an interagency review was conducted. The review found that protocols and proper procedures were followed. All personnel had functioned within the scope of their duties and qualifications. The review team
