Forest Service burning today southeast of Walker

U.S. Forest Service crews are preparing 140 acres of the Mill Canyon prescribed fire project for a spring burn by Bridgeport Ranger District staff for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.  The project is expected to be completed by June. The prescribed burn will take place on public land located in Mill Canyon, approximately seven miles southeast of Walker, on the west side of  Mill Creek.  Weather and fuel conditions permitting, the burn may begin today.  Fuels are any vegetation that help "fuel" or spread wildfires, such as grass, brush, ladder fuels (lower tree limbs that can carry fire into the tree crowns), and trees.      

"Our project will only be conducted under a strict burning prescription that will require a generous number of fire suppression resources for a safe burn, and minimum impacts to air quality," said Grace Newell, Bridgeport Fire Management Officer.  Prescribed fire removes excess fuels, creates a patchwork of vegetation, and makes the forest more resistant to wildfire.  The upcoming burn will be completed within the standards set by the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District and an approved Forest Service prescribed fire burn plan.  This scheduled burn may be postponed if weather, fuel, or smoke dispersal conditions are not within prescribed limits.

"This work will help reduce the risk of a wildfire from spreading from the National Forest and onto private property," said Barbara Drake, Acting Bridgeport District Ranger.  "The open areas that are created after a prescribed burn also improve wildlife habitat," said Drake.    

Travel near the end of Forest Service road 028 may be restricted today and Tuesday for public and firefighter safety.  Visitors on or near 028 road during this week may observe an increase in fire engines.