Prescribed Fires This Week In Payson area

The Tonto National Forest is planning a broadcast burn of approx., 415 - 500 acres on the Payson Ranger District in the area near Shadow Rim Girl Scout Ranch beginning this Monday. Burn plans also include some vegetative debris piles in the area.

"If ideal conditions of temperature, relative humidity, fuel moisture content, wind speed, etc. exist, we will be able to accomplish this project as planned," said Gary Roberts, Fire Prevention Officer. "Burning operations always depend on weather conditions & having enough personnel available to safely conduct the burns."

"Area residents & visitors in Rim country can expect to see significant smoke during the day, for up to a week, with smoke settling into drainages at night," cautioned Roberts. "In addition to Shadow Rim, other areas that will experience the most impact from the operation will be Washington Park, Whispering Pines, Verde Glen, & Rim Trail."

The purpose of these prescribed fires is to reduce the hazardous fuels in the areas & lower the chance of catastrophic fire, which could burn onto private land & endanger valuable electronic sites & property. Prescribed fires also help promote healthier forests & watersheds.

Fire managers have completed extensive work designing a plan that will safely treat the overgrown vegetation in this area.