Nugget Prescribed Fire 2009

The Nugget Prescribed Fire unit located on the Coronado National Forest, Santa Catalina Ranger District, in Pinal County, Arizona was ignited on May 4, 2009. The 1,650-acre burn unit was in mountainous terrain with multiple aspects. Objectives were to reduce heavy concentrations of oak, mesquite, manzanita and other chaparral species by 40 to 70% and create a mosaic of burned and unburned area at a ratio of 70-30%. To achieve objectives, the burn was scheduled to be “in season” when conditions were hot and dry. During ignition operations, several spot fires occurred, one of which grew rapidly. In an attempt to contain this spot fire, additional resources were ordered, including air tankers. The prescribed fire was declared an escaped fire and the largest of the spots was contained at 42 acres at the end of the first operational shift (day of ignition).

Prescribed Fire, Escaped Prescribed Fire