Recent winter weather has provided ideal conditions for fire managers to implement prescribed fire operations on the RCRX and Black Mesa administrative site slash piles. Piles are composed of timber slash created from thinning projects and are treated to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations. Burning is scheduled to begin on January 16, 2024 and continue until completed or when weather conditions no longer allow.
The RCRX project area is 292 acres and is located between Forest Road (FR) 51 and FR 144 which ties into the forest boundary and Pinecrest Lake/Bison Ranch in Overgaard. The objective is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and return the landscape to a more fire-resistant condition, aligning with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Fire managers will only burn when weather conditions allow for minimal fire creep, thereby protecting the values at risk in the area. Smoke will be visible in the communities of Heber-Overgaard and Highway 260. Drivers are urged to proceed with caution as visibility may be impacted during implementation of this project.
The Black Mesa administrative site project area is 30 acres and is located near the Black Mesa Ranger District office alongside FR 50 next to the Tall Timbers Park in Overgaard. Smoke is expected to impact the communities of Heber-Overgaard and may reduce visibility along Highway 260. Drivers should take extra precautions when traveling near the project area.
Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).