The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Black Mesa Ranger District plans to conduct a prescribed burn within the Alder Burn Block of the Rim Lakes Forest Health Prescribed Burn area, if weather conditions allow, from November 7 – 9.  This burn will be Northwest of Woods Canyon Lake north of Forest Road 195, east of Forest Road 300, and south of Forest Road 169.  The whole burn project will encompass about 1,400 acres.

 Smoke may be visible from the community of Forest Lakes, and from U.S. Highway 260 and 377. Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility and hinder fire personnel operations.  Once ignition occurs, crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries.

 Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil and encourages new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock. Prescribed burning of forest ground fuels also reduces the threat of large scale wildfire impacts to private lands.

 All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Although smoke from prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, stay indoors if possible.

 For questions or concerns please contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300, or dial 311 for the Northeastern Arizona Public Information System.