BLM looks at fire break for Prison Hill

A two-mile fire break on the west side of Prison Hill may help protect homes in the area -- and the wildland itself -- from fire.

Mark Struble, a spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management, said the plan is to create a 100-foot-wide buffer between public land and private property.

"If a wildfire were to start on Prison Hill, the firebreak would help protect the homes down there," he said. "Likewise, there's less of a chance for a fire on private property to jump to public land."

The $39,000 project is funded through the 2000 national fire plan, money from which is used to help communities become more fire resistant, Struble said.

The fire break became one of the highest priorities in Western Nevada because of the "size and extent of that neighborhood," Struble said.

The fire break will be cut into the mountain in an irregular pattern to make it less obvious, and nonflammable plant material will be planted within the break.

Carson BLM officials recently finished an environmental assessment for the fire break on which they are seeking public comment. The plan is available for review until Feb. 8 at the BLM Carson Field Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road or by calling Tim Roide, fire ecologist, at 885-6185.

For information on the Prison Hills Fuels Treatment Project, call the Carson Bureau of Land Management at 885-6000.