Fire operations planned at Big Bend Park: BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK - Big Bend National Park plans to start prescribed fire operations the week of June 9 if environmental factors such as wind, temperature, relative humidity and fuel moisture levels are favorable.
The area to be burned consists of 995 acres northeast of Panther Junction, adjacent to Highway 385 on the west and Hannold Draw on the east. The prescribed fire is expected to last up to six days, including initial preparations, the actual burn and cleanup.
The primary objective of this burn is to reduce the threat of a wildland fire in the Panther Junction developed area. Secondary objectives are to reintroduce fire into an area already treated by a natural event resulting in the restoration of native Chihuahuan Desert habitat.
All prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. Thorough planning is used to minimize smoke impacts; however there may be some periods of smoke being blown across Hwy. 385 and Hwy 118 near the Panther Junction area. For more information, call David Elkowitz at 432-477-1108.
http://www.alpineavalanche.com/articles/2008/06/05/news/news04.txtmp
