Wildland firefighters plan more prescribed fire operations near Payson through Friday. Prescribed fire is always dependent on optimum weather conditions prior to ignition.
Payson Ranger District firefighters are approved to conduct prescribed fire operations south of Payson in the Gibson Ranch Road area. Firefighters using ground resources will manage the 187 acres of vegetative debris piles.
Residents and visitors should expect light to moderate smoke daily during the prescribed operation. The smoke should dissipate by sundown. Daily air flow will move residual smoke down Rye Creek each evening.
Prescribed fire is an effective management tool used to regulate heavy fuel loads and create healthier forests. “Many plant and animal species are dependent upon fire to create favorable conditions they need to survive and flourish,” explained Gary Roberts, Fire Prevention Officer. “Our three-pronged fuel reduction strategy is to reduce catastrophic wildfire danger, initiate restoration of the natural ecosystem, and develop and foster sustainable forest conditions and watersheds.”