National Fire Plan Success Story

Pine Valley Peak Prescribed Fire
Zion National Park, Utah
National Fire Plan - Fuels Reduction
2007

In October 2007, fire management personnel from Zion National Park, with cooperation from interagency partners, began implementation of the Pine Valley Peak Prescribed Fire. This 1,000-plus acre burn unit is located on the west side of the park, along the Kolob Terrace Road and is a second entry prescribed burn for the area. Smaller segments were previously burned in 1999 and 2000.

Specific fire and resource management goals associated with this second entry burn were to continue to apply fire to the landscape to re-establish the natural role fire plays in this ecosystem and to maintain boundary protection by reduction of excess hazardous fuels.

The project began with a blacklining operation along a trail in the burn unit that had been mechanically treated to reduce the risk of fire escape. Blacklining was followed by hand ignition of the interior of the unit. The project was completed in two phases over a period of a week due to weather conditions. Once the area was ignited, it burned actively for a few days and then smoldered for an extended period. Park personnel closely monitored the fire until it was by declared out.

Smoke dispersal was very good during the burn due to favorable wind conditions and a high clearing index. Few impacts from smoke were encountered during the burn. Some temporary trail closures were instituted in and adjacent to the burn unit, however trails were reopened as soon as it was safe to do so.
As usual, the dispersal of information before, during, and after the prescribed fire was part of its success. Local citizens and business owners were contacted and made aware of the park’s proposed burns through press releases, phone calls, and personal visits. The park will continue to work with local residents and businesses to inform them of future planned prescribed burns and the management reasons for them.

The Pine Valley Peak Prescribed Fire will benefit both Zion National Park and the landowners and residents of the area. The burn will not only provide them with a lowered risk from wildland fire, but will also benefit the plants and animals of the fire-adapted ponderosa pine ecosystem. The policy of using fire as a management tool will help decrease risks to life, property, and resources and will help perpetuate the values for which the park was established.

Contact: David Eaker, Fire Communication and Education Specialist, (435) 772-7811.