Slash pile burning to take place on Safford Ranger District

 The Safford Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest plans to conduct slash pile burning activities on Mt. Graham in the Pinaleño Mountains over the winter months, beginning this week. Burning will be dependent upon weather conditions.

Slash piles will be burned within the Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project.  This project area extends from the Snow Flat campground along Hwy 366 to the Columbine Administrative site.  Fire crews will be present to take action as needed throughout the projects.

Smoke maybe visible from the Gila Valley and surrounding areas. Highway 366 may be impacted by smoke during the operations. Highway closures are not anticipated at this time. Motorists are encouraged to use caution while driving in the area due to increased traffic and personnel working on the projects.

Fuels reduction projects such as thinning, pile burning and prescribed burning provide many benefits and are essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. They provide habitat diversity, recycle plant nutrients into the soil, encourage new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock and reduce the threat of large-scale wildfire impacts to private and public lands.

For further information please contact the Safford Ranger District Office weekdays at (928) 428-4150 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is closed weekends and federal holidays.