Three prescribed fire projects will be conducted through the end of the year on the Globe Ranger District, Tonto National Forest. The projects target approx. 4,000 acres around Windmill Gap, 200 acres around Signal and Pinal Peaks, & 600 acres in Timber Camp/Carol Spring Mountains.
The Gap prescribed fire will take care of approx. 4,000 acres & is scheduled to start on June 13th, located in & around the Pipeline OHV area.
"The purpose of these prescribed fires is to reduce the hazardous fuels in the areas and lower the chance of catastrophic fire, which could burn onto private land and endanger valuable electronic sites and private property. The prescribed fires will also help promote a healthier forest and watershed" said Lee Thornhill, Globe district ranger.
“These fuel types can become very volatile, and this is a way to eliminate dangerous situations to both the forest and human visitors,” emphasized Thornhill.
Years of planning and preparation have been completed for all three projects. Fire managers have completed extensive work designing a plan that will safely treat the overgrown vegetation in these areas. Planned burning dates will depend on weather conditions and having personnel available to safely conduct the burns.
Area residents and visitors can expect to see smoke from these prescribed fires, which at times could become moderately heavy. If the smoke becomes a public nuisance, measures will be taken to reduce smoke volume.