BLM AFS and U.S. Army Alaska to Conduct Prescribed Burn in Stuart Creek Impact Area
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(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – Starting as early as Sunday and as weather and conditions allow, the Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service (BLM AFS) and U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK) will implement a prescribed fire in the Yukon Training Area located approximately 35 miles east of Fairbanks. Ignitions on the Stuart Creek Impact Area may continue through to May 14.
Fire will only be ignited when suitable weather conditions exist and air quality will not be affected. Smoke may be visible from the Chena Hot Springs Road, Richardson Highway and adjacent communities.
The prescribed fire reduces the potential for a wildfire and eliminates dried grass build up. Removing the grass now will reduce fire danger around training targets used during the summer which create barriers that could contain an incidental fire. The prescribed fires also increase training opportunities in support of military readiness.
Trained personnel will monitor the burn areas during the prescribed fire period until declared out by fire management personnel. Diligent coordination with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the National Weather Service will be ongoing during the prescribed fire period.
For more information contact the Alaska Fire Service Public Affairs Office at (907) 356-5511, or the Upper Yukon-Tanana Dispatch Center at (907) 356-5554.
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.