Kaibab NF South Zone Rx Fire

The Spring 2022 prescribed fire season is upon us. Fire managers will be looking for windows of opportunity to conduct broadcast burns (applying fire across the forest floor) through the month of April and maybe into May, depending on what conditions will allow. Crews are planning to work on the following projects this season: 

• Greenbase Project:  Just north of the City Williams; 3500 acres; Smoke likely noticeable around Williams, Highway 64, and Interstate 40.
• Marteen Project: Five miles northwest of Spring Valley; 4200 acres; Smoke possible in the areas of Spring Valley Cabin and Forest Road 141.
• Reed Project: Just south and northeast of Tusayan; 3300 acres; Overnight smoke generally settles around Forest Road 302, Tusayan, and south toward Red Butte.
• Blue Stem Project: Remote corner of Tusayan District 15-20 miles east northeast of State Route 64 and Red Butte; Total of approx. 6000 acres; Limited smoke on local roads; minimal impacts to populated areas.

Fire plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy forest and reducing risks of uncharacteristic wildfires that threaten public health and safety.  A healthy forest is a resilient forest where fire occurs on regular basis.

Fire managers recognize that smoke can impact residents and visitors. However, because crews have some control over when and how the beneficial fires occur on the landscape, science shows that the amount and duration of smoke from such fires are significantly less than smoke from severe, intense wildfires. The Kaibab National Forest coordinates closely with partners and communities to identify objectives and develop sound and well-informed strategies which include monitoring multiple conditions and taking actions minimize smoke impacts as much as possible.

All prescribed fires on the Kaibab National Forest are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The department provides details about its air quality program online at legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html