Payson Roundup

A prescribed fire is planned for Tuesday in the southeast corner of Pine above the Pine Trailhead.

Prescribed fire operations are dependent on optimum weather conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, fuel moisture content, and wind speed and direction prior to ignition.

“The project targets up to 250 acres of vegetative debris piles. We anticipate only getting one day of ideal weather this week to burn; however, if we don't get the precipitation that is projected for mid-week, we will attempt to continue prescribed burning operations through Sat., Feb. 6,” said Gary Roberts, district fire prevention officer.

Residents and visitors in the area can expect to see light to moderate amounts of smoke each day of the prescribed burn operation. Smoke will move up and over the community of Pine toward the Mogollon Rim during the day. Most smoke will dissipate by sundown. Residual smoke in the evening hours will move down Pine Creek toward Tonto Natural Bridge.

For information about prescribed fire and mechanical fuels reduction operations, call the Payson Ranger District at (928) 474-7900.