Pit burns planned near Pine and Payson Helibase
Tonto National Forest fire officials are planning to burn pits near Pine and the Payson Helibase, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023.
The Pine pit is located southeast of the community of Pine, east of State Route 87 and south of Forest Road 64. Pits near the Helibase are located east of Payson off State Route 260.
Fire specialists will be burning pits containing brush and woody material gathered from the surrounding areas. Clearing these dry fuels from the forest floor to burn, reduces the risk of wildfires to communities and creates a fire resilient landscape.
Experienced fire and fuels specialists on the Tonto National Forest build prescribed fire plans using the most up-to-date science and modeling along with their combined on the ground fire and fuels experience.
There will be minimal smoke impacts to Pine, the Control Road, Star Valley, and Diamond Point Shadows areas. Residual smoke may be present for several days as the pits burn down.
Affected communities should remain aware of smoke advisories and conditions. Learn more about smoke impacts on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website.
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