City of Prescott issued the following announcement on Nov. 9.
Fire Managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District will begin implementing the Lower Wolf Creek RX beginning on Friday, November 12, continuing through Sunday, November 14, 2021. The Lower Wolf Creek burn is made up of three burn units for a total of 1,622 acres. All three burn units are located approximately 7 miles south of Prescott, along County 101, west of Senator Highway near Lower Wolf Creek Campground.
A helicopter may be utilized to conduct aerial ignition on the larger units once operations begin. Burning the units rapidly and earlier in the day provides more time for smoke to lift and ventilate away reducing overnight and early morning inversions.
Smoke impacts can be expected in the surrounding communities, including Groom Creek, Ponderosa Park, and possibly Wilhoit. Recreational users are asked to please avoid the use of trails in the area, including Wolf Creek Loop Trail #384 and Kendall Camp Trail #65. For information on alternate trails, please call the Bradshaw Ranger District at 928-443-8000.
The Lower Wolf Creek RX will reduce fuels, restore wildlife habitat, and improve forest health. Prescribed fire is an effective tool to restore fire-adapted ecosystems by applying low- to moderate-intensity fire to the landscape under specific conditions within predetermined boundaries. Areas treated with prescribed fire can positively impact future wildfires by reducing fire intensity and adverse smoke effects and increasing the safety margin for firefighters.
Officials recognize that impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration of smoke more effectively using prescribed methods than in an uncontrolled wildfire situation.
In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the prescribed burn units as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.
Original source can be found here.
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