PRESCOTT, AZ (September 16, 2010) - Fire managers will continue burning the week of September 20; weather conditions permitting. On Monday, September 20 through Wednesday, September 22; fire crews plan to burn 700 acres just west of Thumb Butte and east of Sierra Prieta (T14N, R3W, S35 and T13N, R3W, S2, 3, 10 and 11). This will complete burning near Sierra Prieta until spring. On Thursday, September 23; fire crews plan to burn 1500 in Camp Wood (T17N, R6W, S 34, 35).

All prescribed fire activity is dependent on personnel availability, weather – including ventilation conditions, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas; with possible trail closures and road delays on FS Road 373 near Thumb Butte and delays on County Road 68 near Camp Wood.

These projects are part of an ongoing effort to improve forest health by reintroducing fire into the ecosystem, reducing hazardous fuels, and creating defensible space around residential and high use areas.

We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during these periods of prescribed burning. Prescribed burns are an important step in protecting the community we call home.

The public can obtain fire information via the following:

Prescott National Forest Fire Information Hotline: 928-777-5799
Prescott National Forest Forest Website: www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott
Bradshaw Ranger District 928-443-8000