(Feb. 19, 2010 – 10:55 a.m.) Fire managers plan to burn accumulated slash piles on Monday, Feb. 22 through Friday, Feb. 26, weather conditions permitting. The piles are located on Spruce Mountain, various locations in Groom Creek and Ponderosa Park.

The week of Feb. 17-19, fire managers were able to burn approximately 45 acres of piles.

Specific days to burn are determined by current and expected weather patterns. Depending on conditions, any of the areas may be treated during the 5 day period. These piles will be monitored and allowed to completely burn themselves out. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas.

This project is part of an ongoing effort to improve forest health by reintroducing fire into the ecosystem, reducing hazardous fuels, and creating defensible space around residential and high use areas.

The public can obtain fire information via the following:

Prescott National Forest Fire Information Hotline: 928-777-5799

Prescott National Forest Forest Web site

Bradshaw Ranger District 928-443-8000

Verde Ranger District 928-567-4121

(Source: Prescott National Forest)