Shelter fire destroys natural habitat at Yuma area refuge

Lina PortmanMay 31, 2024

0 2 minutes read

YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — Fire crews have made great progress battling the shelter fire in Yuma County, but are concerned about the destruction left by the flames.

It is now 95% contained and has burned 1,042 acres since it broke out over Memorial Day weekend.

The fire destroyed a natural habitat in the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.

The area encompasses 30 miles of the lower Colorado River from Arizona to California.

This is vital for migratory birds and wildlife, which is why firefighters are working around the clock to minimize the damage.

Deputies with the Yuma County Sheriff's Office said the fire was started by arson. They arrested Jason Martin, 47, of Yuma. He is accused of accidentally firing a flare gun.

The West Central Arizona Area Incident Management Team said that while they were close to fully containing it, it could remain burning for days.

“They go around the perimeter to make sure there are no hot spots. There are still a few areas where there are hot spots and there will likely be some over the next few weeks. People will be patrolling the area to make sure nothing reignites or causes more damage,” said Kirk Johnson, public information officer for the Central Area Type 3 Incident Management Team. western Arizona.

Some of this damage could take years to restore, biologists say.

Chris Lohrengel of US Fish and Wildlife Southwest Arizona showed us some of the habitat destroyed by the refuge fire.

The refuge was established in 1941 to protect natural habitats and endangered species.

The refuge's wetlands are located between desert mountains and have long provided a refuge for the region's species.

The fire destroyed marshy areas that provide dense vegetation for nesting.

Lohrengel said the fire was devastating to the area, but there was a silver lining.

The fire destroyed invasive plant species, which may help restore the area to its natural habitat.

“We should start to see some regeneration over the next three months, if not sooner. The water is there, the seed base is there. Things will start sprouting again, but to establish cottonwoods and willows, it will be at least 10 to 20 years before you see anything significant,” Lohrengel said.

More than 80,000 people visit the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge each year.

Many access points to the shelter will be closed to the public until firefighters clear the area.

They will be looking for some hot spots in the coming weeks.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it.

Do you have a photo or video of a news report? Send it's ours here with a brief description.

Lina Portman

Related Articles

Russian ships conduct missile exercises in the Atlantic en route to Cuba | Military news

David Morin, who stabbed a stranger in 2022, released: VPD

Defense says new video supports claims of self-defense in Rialto stabbing

Alleged New York Child Rapist Arrested: Letters to the Editor