BLM Announces Prescribed Burns at Senator Wash North Shore
The Bureau of Land Management announced on November 18, 2025 that prescribed burning operations would take place at the Senator Wash North Shore recreation area, roughly 17 miles north of Yuma. The controlled burns aim to reduce wildfire risk and maintain recreation access, but residents and visitors should expect occasional smoke and temporary closures through the remainder of 2025.
The Bureau of Land Management Colorado River District announced prescribed burning operations at the Senator Wash North Shore recreation area on November 18, 2025. The agency said the burns will take place periodically through the remainder of 2025 as weather and fuel conditions allow. Work will focus on burning piles of vegetation that were previously cleared from shorelines and access roads to reduce the threat of wildfire, improve public safety access and maintain facilities used by boaters and other recreation visitors.
BLM officials said operations will be staged to minimize disruptions to visitors, but they asked boaters and others who use the area to expect occasional smoke and to obey posted closures and temporary access limits. The agency also reminded the public to follow posted signage and to keep a safe distance from active burn sites. The Colorado River District provided contact details for questions and updates about the operations.
For Yuma County residents the burns are intended to lower the danger of unplanned fires that could threaten riverfront recreation assets and nearby lands. Maintaining clear access roads and reducing piled vegetation can make it safer for emergency responders and preserve popular launch points and picnic areas. Visitors should plan for intermittent access changes, and those with respiratory sensitivities should be prepared for periods of localized smoke when operations are underway.
Prescribed burning is a common land management practice used to remove excess fuels under controlled conditions, especially when weather and moisture levels are favorable. In this case the BLM described the work as targeted to piles created during earlier vegetation clearing along shorelines and access corridors. By staging operations and coordinating timing, the agency aims to carry out the work while limiting interruptions to recreation activities.
Local officials and recreation users seeking further information should contact the BLM Colorado River District for the latest schedules and safety notices. Observing posted closures and maintaining distance from active burn sites will help protect public safety and ensure the prescribed work proceeds as planned.
