ELKO – Weather conditions permitting, the Bureau of Land Management Elko District is planning a multi-day prescribed burn to mitigate the risk of hazardous fuels by reducing unsafe accumulations of tumbleweeds along fence lines from April 12-22, approximately 26 miles north of Battle Mountain.
“The burn is planned in an area on public land along fence lines where tumbleweed accumulations are creating hazardous fuel conditions. It will also provide firefighters a higher probability of containing future wildfires,” said Elko District Fuels Manager Tyson Gripp.
The burn area is approximately 50 acres, with the option to treat additional acres depending on the amount of tumbleweed buildup.
Tumbleweed accumulations can create hazardous fire conditions because large amounts of fast-burning fuels can be blown across fire lines, spreading fire and creating dangers for nearby property owners and firefighters. The removal of tumbleweeds will also decrease the hazard that is posed for wildlife movement across the fence lines.
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The planned fire will only take place when weather conditions are in accordance with the prescribed fire plan. The area will not be closed to public access and roads will remain open.
Experience in this fuel type and area has proven to produce minimal smoke impacts and would consist for only short durations.
For more information, contact Fuels Manager Tyson Gripp, at 775-753-0362