Taking Action Where Fire Danger is Highest

With unprecedented wildfires making headlines worldwide, now is a critical time to reassess and reduce fire risk in the Ivins community of Kayenta. As reported in the St. George News, during one week in May 2023 five brush/tamarisk fires were fought along the Virgin River, one threatening 100 structures. Very simply, with higher-than-usual temperatures, strong winds and plenty of fuel load, fire could sweep through Kayenta faster than you could imagine.

Fire Chief Andrew Parker of Santa Clara/Ivins Fire & Rescue reports that “Fire risk is the most concerning in Kayenta of all the areas SC/Ivins Fire Department has responsibility for.”  In particular, fighting a fire in a wash filled with tamarisk—where the danger is highest, is extremely challenging. For these reasons, the Desert Preservation Initiative has announced that Cactus Gulch Wash, including the open space near Willow Springs, is the focus of its fall removal project. 

“Action is our friend,” says DPI President Chuck Warren. “Waiting will eventually deliver disaster in the form of fire.” Because tamarisk growing closest to homes poses the highest fire risk, DPI has identified what many recognize as the Labyrinth south wash as its #1 priority.

State fire officials predict that Utah’s wildfire season may start later this year, as the Salt Lake City Tribune reported in June, thanks in part to frequent storms passing over the state. But it could also be more intense. The season usually reaches its peak in July or August, but this year, the Unified Fire Authority is planning for a September peak. Thus, tackling the tamarisk where fire risk is highest is imperative.

Developer Terry Marten has met repeatedly with DPI officers and supports the Initiative’s work throughout the Kayenta community. He has granted permission for DPI to remove tamarisk from his properties, which encompass much of the dangerous tamarisk infestation in the Cactus Gulch wash area. Given the high-risk fire danger, Marten encourages homeowners in the area to support the effort because “a fire that starts anywhere is a danger to everyone. Fire risk reduction is a shared community responsibility.”

Willow Springs resident Ken White agrees. As a board member of the Kayenta Lakes Patio Homes HOA and treasurer of the Kayenta Desert Arboretum, White has been directly involved in both community affairs and preservation of the native landscape. He reports that all of his neighbors on Wisteria have given their approval to the project. As he says, “For those of us on the southern end of Wisteria Way, east side, our homes are close enough to extensive stands of tamarisk to present real danger from wildfire. I’ve been amazed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the DPI members, and the hard work they have already put in.  I will be on the front lines with them come October.”

Won’t you join us? If you are interested in learning more, volunteering, or having a review of invasive plants on your property, please contact Chuck Warren, president, (chuckwarren222@ gmail.com) or Dan Beck, volunteer coordinator ([email protected]).