News Release

PR Lehman Flats pile burns

Date: February 22, 2024
Contact: Travis Mason-Bushman, 775.293.2146

BAKER, NV – With wet and snowy conditions prevailing across much of Great Basin National Park, firefighters are set to burn 30 acres of piles in the park’s Lehman Flats area beginning Friday. These piles of hazardous vegetation (also known as fuels) are the result of aggressive efforts by park managers to restore natural conditions and reduce wildfire risk.

Due to the piles’ proximity to Lower Lehman Campground, and the potential for inversions to trap smoke in the area, the campground is closed effective Thursday, Feb. 22 until further notice, to protect public health and safety. The closure will be re-evaluated on Sunday, Feb. 25 after ignitions are completed.

Firefighters from Lake Mead National Recreation Area will conduct the burn operation, with multiple engines and other firefighting equipment on hand to ensure fire stays within the area of prescription. While ignitions are planned to take two days, mop-up and monitoring operations will continue as long as necessary. Visitors are asked to watch out for firefighters and equipment along Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, and to avoid areas where piles are actively burning.

Smoke from the piles will be visible from many areas in and around the park, including Lehman Caves Visitor Center, Baker, and Snake Valley. Please do not report this smoke; local law enforcement and firefighters will be aware of burn operations.

Great Basin National Park managers are working to reverse the effects of decades of fire exclusion and restore natural fire ecology. For more information about the park’s fire management program, visit https://www.nps.gov/grba/learn/nature/fire.htm.

www.nps.gov

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