Prescribed Fires Planned Near Globe-Miami Area

GLOBE, Ariz. — Three prescribed fire projects will be conducted through the end of 2007 on the Globe Ranger District, Tonto National Forest. The projects target approximately 4,000 acres around Windmill Gap, Signal and Pinal peaks, and in Timber Camp/Carol Spring Mountain.

“The purpose of these prescribed fires is to reduce the hazardous fuels in the areas and lower the chance of catastrophic fire, which could burn onto private land and endanger valuable electronic sites and private property. The prescribed fires will also help promote a healthier forest and watershed,” stated Lee Thornhill, Globe District ranger.

The Gap prescribed fire, located in and around the Pipeline OHV area, will treat approximately 3,200 acres of manzanita and shrub-oak vegetation. The Pinal Mountain fuelbreak will treat approximately 200 acres of mixed conifer vegetation on Signal and Pinal peaks.

The Timber Camp/ Carol Spring prescribed fire will treat approximately 600 acres of pinyon-juniper mixed with ponderosa pine vegetation. “These fuel types can become very volatile, and this is a way to eliminate dangerous situations to both the forest and human visitors,” emphasized Thornhill.

Years of planning and preparation have been completed for all three projects.  Fire managers have completed extensive work designing a plan that will safely treat the overgrown vegetation in these areas. Planned burning dates will depend on weather conditions and having personnel available to safely conduct the burns.

Area residents and visitors can expect to see smoke from these prescribed fires, which at times could become moderately heavy. If the smoke becomes a public nuisance, measures will be taken to reduce smoke volume. 

For more information, please contact the Globe Ranger District at (928) 402-6200, or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/index.htm