State officials to begin 1,150-acre wildfire fuels reduction project south of Prescott

In a proactive effort to prevent and reduce the impact of possible wildfires, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) will undertake a large-scale fuels reduction project near Prescott starting Monday.

The goal of the 1,150-acre project is to turn vegetation and brush conducive to fire spreading into mulch and other less potentially harmful states. It will help get the area in better shape for future prescribed fires as well.

“The Prescott basin is identified as one of the most vulnerable communities at risk from a catastrophic wildfire,” DFFM Chief Darrell Willis said in the announcement. “This project will complement what the Prescott National Forest has done south of Prescott and tie in fuel reduction projects that will reduce the risk of a wildfire entering the Prescott basin.

“While this will reduce the threat of a wildfire, homeowners need to do their part and substantially reduce the risk by providing defensible space on their property.”

Operations will begin with 300 acres of heavy machinery work near Oak Knoll Village, Sherman Pines, The Ranch and Prescott Riviera neighborhoods. Hand crews will then take over to handle areas that are steep or rocky where machinery can be ineffective.

The Turley and Badger trails within the project area will remain open. Signs will be posted along the trails to help keep hikers from interfering with operations.

The project is expected to take the rest of 2026 after its June 8 start date, subject to potential weather- and fire-related delays.

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