After 100 years of actively suppressing fire in our national forests, the clinical report is in. Our forests are unhealthy and the prescription for getting them back to a healthy state is — fire.
When the land now contained within the boundaries of the Prescott National Forest was in a natural state, fires swept through in a two to six year cycle. These fires were low intensity and effectively controlled the understory of the forest, eliminating fuels on a regular basis.
The Prescott National Forest is now endeavoring to replicate the natural process with prescribed burning and mechanical treatment. Burning will take place when various conditions such as humidity, wind direction, speed, and fuels moisture make it safe and effective to burn.
2010 & 2011 Planned Prescribed Burn Projects:
A total of 6 prescribed burns totaling approximately 13,000 acres are prepared for the Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 burning season. This includes 2,600 acres south and west of Prescott, 3,500 acres near Goodwin, 200 acres near Horse Thief, 3,400 acres at Campwood, and 3,300 acres south of Cherry.
These burns will be carefully implemented and monitored to assure that they minimize human health effects and meet resource objectives.
Public and fire fighter safety is our first priority in working though the burning season. Patience, understanding and flexibility will increase our community success.