Date: September 18, 2009
PRESCOTT PRESSES ON WITH FALL PRESCRIBED BURNING PLANS
PRESCOTT, AZ (Sept. 18, 2009) - Prescott National Forest fire management officials plan to conduct prescribed burns in the Sierra Prieta area Monday, September 21 through Tuesday, September 22; and the Powell Springs area Wednesday, September 23 through Friday, September 25; weather conditions permitting.
The Sierra Prieta prescribed burn is located four miles east of downtown Prescott (Township 14 N, Range 3 W, Section 34 and 35). The project area will consist of approximately 200 acres.
The Powell Springs prescribed burn is located along Highway 169 (Township 13 N, Range 3 E, Section 2, 3, 10, and 11). The project area will consist of approximately 600 acres.
No road closures are expected, but drivers may encounter road delays in both areas and are asked to please be cautious when driving in these areas.
Both prescribed burns are on-going projects consisting of several past prescribed fire entries which reduce ponderosa pine understory and thick chaparral vegetation, maintain the health of ponderosa pine stands and, protect the Wildland Urban Interface in the event of a catastrophic wildfire.
Specific days to burn are determined by appropriate air temperatures, wind conditions, humidity and expected weather patterns. Smoke may be visible for numerous days in the surrounding areas. Signs will be posted warning drivers and residents of fire activity. Prescribed burns help remove dead vegetation, invigorate the plant and animal communities, promote a healthy watershed and will help return fire to its natural role in the ecosystem.
As always, public and firefighter safety is our top priority. For current information on prescribed burns visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/or call the Prescott National Forest fire information line at 928-777-5799.
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