YUMA, Ariz. - The Bermuda Fire, which began approximately 3 a.m. on Feb. 16, burned 1,300 acres northeast of Yuma near Mittry Lake. The fire is currently 100% contained while fire crews continue to patrol the area for further fire activity.
“Due to the efforts of the responding fire crews, the fire perimeter has been secured. We do not expect any further fire activity, however, we continue to urge the public to use caution near the burned area," said Bureau of Land Management’s detailed Fire Management Officer, Wade Reaves.
Most of the fire has burned through inaccessible marshy areas, igniting cattails and salt cedar. Salt cedar burns very hot and can remain hot long after the fire appears to be out. Due to the sandy soils in the river corridor, there can be additional fuels burning underneath the surface of the soil. These fuels covered by sand can create very hot cavities that can collapse. Falling into one of these hidden cavities can lead to serious burn injuries. To avoid injury, remember to use extreme caution in burned areas.
Fire response was a collaborative multi-agency effort with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Buckskin Fire Department, Arizona State fire crews and private contractors.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
