Prescott National Forest fire managers to burn 1,275 acres this week

PHOENIX — Prescott National Forest managers plan to burn 1,275 acres with prescribed fires starting Tuesday, weather permitting.

The prescribed burns are part of the U.S. Forest Service’s strategy to reduce forest fuels for extreme wildfires in order to protect communities, watersheds and wildlife habitat, according to a press release.

The fires also recycle nutrients to promote the growth of new vegetation and minimize the spread of pest insects and disease, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The fires will be located on Mingus Mountain in the Verde Ranger District near Jerome, with ignitions planned to be completed in one day. Fire managers will monitor the area for several days after ignition, and smoke will be visible for multiple days.

Fire managers will switch their ignition day if weather conditions are not favorable. One factor is the ability to minimize smoke impacts on nearby communities. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality needs to approve prescribed fire activity.

Prescott National Forest is asking drivers to proceed with caution through the vicinity of the burns with firefighters and fire-related traffic in the area.