Big Bend National Park completed a 1,000 acre burn from June 11 to June 16, 2008, the park’s largest prescribed fire to date. The burn occurred just north of Panther Junction main park headquarters area, along the Hannold Draw drainage.
The successful management-ignited fire accomplished resource objectives including reducing the threat of a wildland fire encroaching on the Panther Junction developed area, and secondarily reintroduction of fire into an area already treated by a natural event. This will result in the restoration of native Chihuahuan Desert habitat.
The burn was accomplished by hand ignition spread over five days. Resources included a twenty person hand crew, a fire use module, two wildland engines and numerous overhead. Partners included fire management personnel from the park, Los Diablos, a Mexican National Fire Crew who work under the guidance of Big Bend National Park fire management staff, and the Bandelier Fire Use Module. Contingency resources were also in place should the need have arisen.
Big Bend Fire Management Officer John Morlock said “We are very pleased to accomplish our resource objectives for this burn unit, while maintaining our number one priority which is safety of fire personnel and visitors.”
Contact: John Morlock, Fire Management Officer
Phone: (432) 477-2397
*This story supports the National Fire Plan |
