Normally, we think of most prescribed burns occurring during the shoulder seasons of
spring and fall when resources are available and not on suppression assignments. Not often
does management attempt prescribed fires during the normal burning season due to risks
associated with resource availability. But recently Bryce Canyon National Park did just that
when the the decision was made to ignite the Residential Prescribed Fire during the period when fires
would have naturally burned to achieve benefits for the ecosystem.
The Residential Rx Burn Unit is located in the northern portion of Bryce Canyon near the
park entrance station, visitor center and residential areas. This project was designed to
reduce the wildland fire hazard to Bryce Canyon’s residential and maintenance areas and
other developments in the northern portion of the park. Secondary goals were the
maintenance of mountain meadows and the continued restoration of ponderosa pine forest
communities.
This third entry burn (the area was treated in 1991 and 1999) treated approximately 475
areas in two phases. The first, and most difficult, phase was a 50 acre blacklining operation
along the park’s main highway and around park residences. The second phase was hand
igniting the interior of the rest of the burn unit. Weather conditions before and during the
fire were closely monitored to ensure that the burn occurred under a predetermined set of
conditions.
This project was carried out with close support and ooperation from the Dixie National
Forest whose lands surround most of the park. This project was truly an interagency effort
with resources from the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management all helping out to manage the fire.
The lack of fire in Bryce Canyon (due mainly to past suppression efforts) has contributed to
high fuel loadings and a change in forest structure. Prescribed fire is a treatment to reverse
these changes brought on by fire exclusion. The policy of using fire as a tool will help
decrease risks to life, property and resources and will help perpetuate the values for which
Bryce Canyon National Park was established.
Contact: David Eaker, Fire Information/Education Specialist
Phone: (435) 772-7811
*This story supports the National Fire Plan |
