Kingman, Ariz. - The Bureau of Land Management Kingman Field Office will conduct a multiple-day prescribed burn on Goodwin Mesa, about 50 miles southeast of Kingman, pending appropriate weather and seasonal conditions, from May through September 2023. The Goodwin Mesa Prescribed Fire will cover approximately 3,000 acres of BLM land and will take two to three days to complete.
This is one in a series of treatments designed to improve the native grassland ecosystem on Goodwin Mesa by reducing woody species, stimulating growth of native grasses, and returning fire to its natural role in the ecosystem. The burn will help improve forage for wildlife and livestock as well as manage fuel loads so that natural fires are less destructive. The project is being conducted in the summer to mimic natural fire frequency and intensity and maximize the benefit of monsoon rains.
Smoke may be visible from Wikieup, Bagdad, Interstate 40, and U.S. 93. Impacts from the smoke are expected to be minimal in this remote area. Smoke emissions will be managed in accordance with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations. Roads and trails accessing the burn area will temporarily close for public safety and reopen after the burn.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 provided funding for this prescribed burn. The legislation funds fuel treatments to help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and benefit neighboring communities.
Source: Bureau of Land Management