BLM prescribed burning planned at Mittry Lake Wildlife Area and near Walter’s Camp
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YUMA, Ariz. – Fire managers from the Bureau of Land Management’s Colorado River District are planning to conduct prescribed burning at Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, about 12 miles north of Yuma, as well as near Walter’s Camp, which is about 26 miles south of Blythe, California, along the California side of the lower Colorado River in Imperial County. Prescribed burning activities is planned between November 2023 and March 2024, as weather and fuel conditions allow.
Thinning and prescribed burning of piled vegetation helps reduce the threat and spread of wildfires in addition to improving access in these areas. Prescribed burning may occur multiple times during to eliminate piles of vegetation accumulated during maintenance and creation of fuel breaks at Mittry Lake Wildlife Area and just south of Walter’s Camp and Tamarack Lagoon subdivision.
To ensure the safety of residents and visitors, BLM fire management personnel will ignite the piles when weather conditions are conducive to burning. Area residents and visitors may see some light smoke during the burn operation. Access to the burn areas may be temporarily restricted to provide for public safety.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 provided funding for this prescribed burn. The legislation funds fuel treatments to help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and benefit neighboring communities.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.