For Release: June 1, 2011
Contact: Lori Cook, 928-317-3243 or cell 928-246-8560
Mittry Lake Road and Boat Ramp Re-Open Today
(Yuma, Ariz.) – Bureau of Land Management (BLM), along with Arizona Game and Fish Department, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), re-opened the Mittry Lake area this morning at 6 a.m., including the boat ramp and road. The Betty’s Kitchen Watchable Wildlife Area will remain closed until further notice due to public safety issues. The areas had been closed due to public and firefighter safety during the human-caused Laguna Fire that started on Wednesday, May 18, 2011.
“Since this area is prone to ash pits, we are asking the public to stay away from the burned area at this time,” said BLM Fire Management Officer Michael Trent. “Ash pits are areas where trees have burned underneath the surface and have created a cavity underground that can stay hot for several weeks. When walked on, the cavity can cave in and cause serious burns.”
The BLM, Quechan Indian Tribe, and BIA are working together to rehabilitate the acres destroyed by the Laguna Fire. BLM will submit a plan that will cover Betty's Kitchen Watchable Wildlife Area, in addition to the 547 acres of wetland and marsh habitat lost in the fire, and a request for funding to the Department of the Interior Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation program. Funding allocated to this rehabilitation effort must be completed within three years of the fire's containment date. As funding becomes available, BLM will reach out for volunteers from the local community to help with the rehabilitation effort.
The public is reminded that fire restrictions continue to be in effect in for public lands administered within the BLM Yuma and Lake Havasu Field Office jurisdiction which include:
· No fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
· No open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and charcoal grills are permitted in developed recreation sites or improved sites where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is allowed, provided such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.
· No smoking. Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
· No welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.
The restrictions will continue until conditions warrant rescinding. Violations of these restrictions are punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months.
For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
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Quartzsite, Arizona
Showing posts with label laguna fire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label laguna fire. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Laguna Fire 100% Contained!
As of 2000 hours on May 24, 2011,
the Laguna Fire north of Yuma Arizona is
100% Contained.
Contained does NOT mean the fire is out.
The three hotspots within the 751 acre perimeter were successfully
mitigated on Tuesday, with no new flames seen at this hour.
The public is urged to stay clear of the Laguna Dam / Betty's Kitchen
Recreation Areas (and this includes boat launching at Mittry Lake) as trees
are still smoldering and smoking) and fire crews remain on scene.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Reward for Information on Laguna Fire
Holding at 751 Acres – 90% Contained
(Yuma, Az.)—Fire investigators are working the scene Monday of the Laguna
Fire north of Yuma, Arizona where 751 acres have burned since May 18, 2011.
The fire is being investigated as human caused; and today, officials are
asking the public for information.
A reward of up to $10,000 is available for information that leads to a conviction. Call 1-800-47-ARSON or
visit the web site at www. wetip.com
Fire Restrictions are in effect in southern Arizona that prohibit
campfires, smoking on public lands, and recreational target shooting during
the fire season. Lighting fireworks within federal lands is never allowed;
tossing cigarette butts or any trash is also illegal. Whether accidental
or intentional, people are responsible for their actions.
The Incident Command of the Laguna Fire is targeting full containment for
Tuesday, May 24, 2011- meaning that the perimeter of the fire would have a
strong line around it (fireline) aimed at keeping the flames from jumping
to unburned areas.
Full containment does not mean that the fire is out. The Laguna Fire is
still burning Monday inside of the perimeter with at least three problem
areas. Yuma area residents should expect to see smoke and occasional
flare-ups for several days and stay away from the Mittry Lake, Laguna Dam,
and Betty’s Kitchen recreational areas. Avenue 7E that leads to the Rec
sites remains closed on Monday.
45 firefighting personnel remain on the ground on Monday. The Fish &
Wildlife Service fire boats continue to battle hotspots along the Colorado
River. A helicopter remains on scene Monday that gets water from the river
and lake and drops it on hotspots.
The Laguna Fire began Wednesday, May 18, on the California side of the
Colorado River; it jumped to Arizona and tracked north along the popular
recreation sites at Laguna Dam and Mittry Lake. Several historical sites
were damaged or destroyed and wildlife habitat was burned.
Suppressing the Laguna Fire has been a major interagency cooperative effort
with crews remaining on scene from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish &
Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and Az. State Forestry.
Early cost estimates are now at $300,000.
For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
(Yuma, Az.)—Fire investigators are working the scene Monday of the Laguna
Fire north of Yuma, Arizona where 751 acres have burned since May 18, 2011.
The fire is being investigated as human caused; and today, officials are
asking the public for information.
A reward of up to $10,000 is available for information that leads to a conviction. Call 1-800-47-ARSON or
visit the web site at www. wetip.com
Fire Restrictions are in effect in southern Arizona that prohibit
campfires, smoking on public lands, and recreational target shooting during
the fire season. Lighting fireworks within federal lands is never allowed;
tossing cigarette butts or any trash is also illegal. Whether accidental
or intentional, people are responsible for their actions.
The Incident Command of the Laguna Fire is targeting full containment for
Tuesday, May 24, 2011- meaning that the perimeter of the fire would have a
strong line around it (fireline) aimed at keeping the flames from jumping
to unburned areas.
Full containment does not mean that the fire is out. The Laguna Fire is
still burning Monday inside of the perimeter with at least three problem
areas. Yuma area residents should expect to see smoke and occasional
flare-ups for several days and stay away from the Mittry Lake, Laguna Dam,
and Betty’s Kitchen recreational areas. Avenue 7E that leads to the Rec
sites remains closed on Monday.
45 firefighting personnel remain on the ground on Monday. The Fish &
Wildlife Service fire boats continue to battle hotspots along the Colorado
River. A helicopter remains on scene Monday that gets water from the river
and lake and drops it on hotspots.
The Laguna Fire began Wednesday, May 18, on the California side of the
Colorado River; it jumped to Arizona and tracked north along the popular
recreation sites at Laguna Dam and Mittry Lake. Several historical sites
were damaged or destroyed and wildlife habitat was burned.
Suppressing the Laguna Fire has been a major interagency cooperative effort
with crews remaining on scene from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish &
Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and Az. State Forestry.
Early cost estimates are now at $300,000.
For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Laguna Fire 90% Contained but....
High Winds and Hotspots Could Delay Containment
(Yuma, Az.)—The Incident Commander of the Laguna Fire tonight advises that
the target for full containment of the 751-acre blaze is now more likely to
occur on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 than on Monday.
Firefighters are working now inside the fire’s perimeter where several
hotspots of smoldering or creeping flames burn close to pockets of unburned
vegetation. Sunday’s higher winds and unburned vegetation fueled
interior flames. “While it looks like the fire it out, it is deceiving.
There are many pockets of heat below the ground and unburned vegetation
that could start a flare-up. This is the time when it takes slow and
methodical work to cool down the interior and ensure that fire doesn’t jump
our containment line,” says James Stewart, a Type 3T incident commander .
Yuma County Sheriff Deputies were on scene Sunday turning spectators away.
The Avenue 7E Road remains closed as emergency personnel are working
through the Laguna Dam and Mittry Lake recreation area. A helicopter is
fighting the fire by dipping a huge bucket into the waters and dropping
water from the air on the interior fire where, on Sunday, plumes of thick
black smoke rose above the Yuma skies.
Fire investigators continue the investigation as human caused. Information
leading to a conviction is worth up to a $10,000 reward. Call
1-800-47-ARSON or go to www.wetip.com
To date there have not been any injuries to firefighters, though an
individual was taken to the hospital today for evaluation after hiking
soreness and was returned to full duty. Crews were assigned Sunday to hike
to remote locations where they aggressively reinforced the fireline.
Bulldozers improved containment lines that to date have kept the footprint
at 751 acres for several days.
The Laguna Fire began Wednesday, May 18, on the California side of the
Colorado River; it jumped to Arizona and tracked north along the popular
recreation sites at Laguna Dam and Mittry Lake. Several historical sites
were damaged or destroyed and wildlife habitat was burned.
Suppressing the Laguna Fire has been a major interagency cooperative effort
with crews remaining on scene from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish &
Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and Az. State Forestry.
Early cost estimates are now at $300,000.
Campers are reminded that Fire Restrictions are in place that prohibit
campfires, smoking, and target shooting on public lands in southern
Arizona. The restrictions will continue until conditions warrant
rescinding.
For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
Laguna fire update 90% contained!
Firefighters on Track for
Monday Containment
at Laguna Fire
90% Contained
(Yuma, Az.)—Despite interference from local traffic and boaters,
interagency firefighters make significant progress battling the Laguna Fire
– a 751- acre wildland fire north of Yuma, Arizona. The team is today on track for full containment Monday, May 23, 2011.
The blaze began Wednesday, May 18, on the California side of the Colorado River, jumping to Arizona and tracking north along the popular recreation sites at Laguna Dam and Mittry Lake.
“We did not have any flare-ups over night and still have no injuries.
Today we are evaluating the team’s fatigue. We cannot afford firefighters
or the public to be complacent; it’s best if sportsmen would stay clear
Sunday,” Incident Commander Ron Morrison explains.
On Sunday, fire fighters are hiking in to locations where they’re
aggressively reinforcing the fireline. Bulldozers are scraping stronger
containment lines while a helicopter is dropping water on hot spots.
Fire investigators have arrived on scene. The Laguna Fire is being
investigated as human caused. Several historical sites were damaged or
destroyed and wildlife habitat was burned.
Suppressing the Laguna Fire has been a major interagency cooperative effort
including engines and crews from the Yuma’s Rural/Metro, Winterhaven, Az.
Department of Corrections, Imperial County, and Yuma Proving Grounds Fire
Departments; and crews from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
Local residents and visitors are advised to stay clear from the recreation
sites as emergency personnel continue work at the scene. Campers are
reminded that Fire Restrictions are in place that prohibit campfires,smoking, and target shooting on public lands in southern Arizona. The
restrictions will continue until conditions warrant rescinding.
For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenew
Friday, May 20, 2011
Laguna Fire north of Yuma 50% contained - AZ FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Yuma, Ariz. - Fire fighters are progressing on the Laguna Fire
along the Colorado River about 15 miles north of Yuma, Ariz.
Fire fighters made good progress Thursday on the Laguna Fire. The
acreage burned is approximately 800 acres. Currently the
fire is estimated at 50% contained with full containment Monday, May 23, 2011.
Fifty fire fighters worked Thursday night securing the southern end
of the fire and putting out flare-ups on the California side. Fire
activity continues to be in islands of vegetation inside the fire
perimeter.
An Arizona Type III Incident Management Team (Morrison) assumed
responsibility for the Laguna Fire Friday morning.
“We’re asking folks to please avoid the Mittry Lake area for the next
few days,” said BLM Colorado River District Fire Management Officer Mike
Trent. “We realize it’s an inconvenience, but we appreciate the public’s
cooperation while we get this fire contained. Access for our fire crews
and equipment is challenging.”
Friday’s activity will focus on continued water drops using two
helicopters, using two fire boats to pump water directly on the flames,
dozer work, and hand crews building fire line.
Approximately 130 fire fighters are working the Laguna Fire including
engines and crews from the Rural/Metro, Department of Corrections, Imperial
County, and Yuma Proving Grounds Fire Departments ; and crews from the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land
Management. Fifty fire fighters and two engines will work through the night
tonight taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidities.
The Laguna Fire was reported May 18 and is burning in salt cedar,
willow, cottonwood, and mesquite in the Colorado River riparian area. The
fire started in California on the Quechan Reservation and hopped the river
into Arizona. The fire appears to be human caused and is under
investigation. Approximately 95% of the fire is in Arizona.
All fire fighting agencies in southern Arizona want to remind people
that Fire Restrictions are in effect and ask people to be careful outdoors.
Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River
area to public use.
Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts:
1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and
charcoal grills are only permitted in developed recreation sites or
improved sites, where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided.
The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is
allowed on public lands provided such devices meet the fire
underwriter’s specifications for safety.
2. Smoking. Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a
vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation
site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that
is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.
Spring rains resulted in the growth of wildflowers, grasses, and
other vegetation that is now drying, dying, and poised to become fuel for
wildfires as temperatures increase. The restrictions will continue until
conditions warrant rescinding.
For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
along the Colorado River about 15 miles north of Yuma, Ariz.
Fire fighters made good progress Thursday on the Laguna Fire. The
acreage burned is approximately 800 acres. Currently the
fire is estimated at 50% contained with full containment Monday, May 23, 2011.
Fifty fire fighters worked Thursday night securing the southern end
of the fire and putting out flare-ups on the California side. Fire
activity continues to be in islands of vegetation inside the fire
perimeter.
An Arizona Type III Incident Management Team (Morrison) assumed
responsibility for the Laguna Fire Friday morning.
“We’re asking folks to please avoid the Mittry Lake area for the next
few days,” said BLM Colorado River District Fire Management Officer Mike
Trent. “We realize it’s an inconvenience, but we appreciate the public’s
cooperation while we get this fire contained. Access for our fire crews
and equipment is challenging.”
Friday’s activity will focus on continued water drops using two
helicopters, using two fire boats to pump water directly on the flames,
dozer work, and hand crews building fire line.
Approximately 130 fire fighters are working the Laguna Fire including
engines and crews from the Rural/Metro, Department of Corrections, Imperial
County, and Yuma Proving Grounds Fire Departments ; and crews from the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land
Management. Fifty fire fighters and two engines will work through the night
tonight taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidities.
The Laguna Fire was reported May 18 and is burning in salt cedar,
willow, cottonwood, and mesquite in the Colorado River riparian area. The
fire started in California on the Quechan Reservation and hopped the river
into Arizona. The fire appears to be human caused and is under
investigation. Approximately 95% of the fire is in Arizona.
All fire fighting agencies in southern Arizona want to remind people
that Fire Restrictions are in effect and ask people to be careful outdoors.
Currently there are no plans to close any areas along the Colorado River
area to public use.
Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts:
1. Open campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires. Campfires and
charcoal grills are only permitted in developed recreation sites or
improved sites, where agency-built fire rings or grills are provided.
The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices is
allowed on public lands provided such devices meet the fire
underwriter’s specifications for safety.
2. Smoking. Smoking is restricted to enclosed buildings, within a
vehicle and on a paved or surface road, within a developed recreation
site, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that
is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices.
4. Welding or the use of any torch or metal cutting implement.
Spring rains resulted in the growth of wildflowers, grasses, and
other vegetation that is now drying, dying, and poised to become fuel for
wildfires as temperatures increase. The restrictions will continue until
conditions warrant rescinding.
For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:
Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985
Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews
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