Ashley National Forest is preparing to conduct prescribed burns on the Flaming Gorge Ranger District beginning the last week of September. The first prescribed fires planned are the 2 eastern Elk park units, covering 1,320 acres. To ignite fuels in these areas the plan calls for using helicopters for aerial ignition and crews for ground ignition. In the event helicopters are unavailable, extra crews will be ordered for ground ignitions only. The objectives for the prescribed burning include maintaining or improving the health of ponderosa pine stands; reducing fuel loading, decreasing the potential for larger wildfires in the future; and maintaining or improving sagebrush and forage species to benefit wildlife. Prescribed burns occur only when a specific set of conditions are met. Visit the Ashley National Forest Facebook page for a map of the areas of the prescribed burn. The prescribed burns will last until weather no longer supports firing operations and are dependent on favorable weather and fuel conditions.
