The Sanford Fire resulted from the escape of two prescribed burns, ignited in April and May, 2002. The Adams Head Burn (south), and the Sanford Prescribed Burn (north) were ignited to reduce accumulated fuels, keep pinyon/juniper from expanding further into sagebrush/grasslands, maintain vegetation at different ages, return fire to it’s natural role in the ecosystem and to stimulate aspen suckering on 2,000 and 1,500 acres, respectively.
On May 31, 40 mph winds, low humidity and increased temperatures moved the prescribed burns outside their containment areas. Despite suppression efforts, on Saturday June 8, the Adams Head and Sanford prescribed burns joined, again fueled by high winds and the fire was then referred to as the Sanford Fire. The fire was declared contained on July 1, at a cost of $5,000,000 and with portions of 78,000 acres burned.
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