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Show Prescribed Fire Planned For Adams Head Area The Powell Ranger District of the Dixie National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed fire in the Adams Head Fire Management Area northwest of Bryce Canyon Airport, beginning begin-ning as early as the last week of April. It will take several days to accomplish, and could continue contin-ue into early May depending on depending on weather and vegetative vege-tative conditions. Evan Boshell, acting Powell District ranger, says he's aware of the concerns local residents have about the safety of prescribed pre-scribed fires. "I want folks to know that we're mindful of the lessons learned when the Sanford Fire escaped its planned boundary in 2001. We will conduct con-duct this burn with the greatest care." He says the prescribed fire will be ignited only if conditions condi-tions are within the parameters in the burn plan, and it will be carefully monitored. Fire-fighters and a fire engine will monitor moni-tor the fire each day until it is declared out. In addition, he's confident of controlling the fire because the area is surrounded by roads (which can serve as fire breaks) and it will be burned in small units. Fire managers are setting up smoke monitoring equipment in the towns of Tropic and Antimony. The monitors will inform them if smoke is nearing levels that might impact the health and safety of local residents. resi-dents. Signs will be posted in the area of the burn and ulonj Highway 12 to alert the public to these activities. At this time, there are no plans to close any Forest Service roads or trails during the burn operations. The purpose of the prescribed fire is to reduce the buildup fuels in 1200 acres of ponderosa pine stands, says Boshell. "The drought has made it imperative to reduce hazardous 'fuels. Historically, drought years are when the highest number of wildfires occur. We have a good opportunity to reduce fuels now (See FIRE on page 5A) Fire From Front Page because this year's late . winterearly spring rains, along with the spring green-up period, have created, favorable controlled con-trolled burning conditions. By burning in small units with road-ed road-ed boundaries while monitoring both fuel and fire conditions, we can use a natural tool to help restore this system to a safer condition." Boshell says the prescribed fire will also promote healthier vegetation conditions. Fire crews have been monitoring the fuel moisture content of the vegetation veg-etation to ensure that species that are important forage for wildlife or important indicators of the condition of the ecosystem ecosys-tem are not adversely impacted. People who have questions can call the Powell Ranger District at 435-676-9300. |