Tomorrow’s controlled burn at Mima Mounds delayed

Tomorrow’s controlled burn at Mima Mounds delayed
Washington DNR and The Nature Conservancy to carry out burn later in summer


OLYMPIA – Due to firefighter deployments fighting fires in other parts of Washington State, the controlled burn at Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve has been postponed by Washington’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR). There was adequate support for carrying out the controlled burns, but not enough for unanticipated emergencies. The burn will be rescheduled as firefighters are available and wind and weather conditions are favorable.

Fire is used to promote growth of native prairie plant species and reduce thatch and shrubs in this rare grassland ecosystem at Mima Mounds. The planned burns are part of regional efforts to restore native prairie grasslands in western Washington. One of the burn units also is part of a regional research project to assess techniques for restoring and maintaining native prairie habitat. The preserve will be closed on the day(s) that burning takes place. For an update on the burn schedule and closures, check the DNR website or call the Pacific Cascade Region office at 360-577-2025.

Firefighters from DNR and The Nature Conservancy control the prescribed burn. They will use fire engines and other fire suppression techniques to prevent the fire from spreading beyond the burn units, and will assist in mop-up efforts.

Comments