FREDONIA & GRAND CANYON, Ariz.— A series of prescribed fire projects will begin Monday, November 30 and continue throughout the week at various locations across the North Kaibab Ranger District on the Kaibab National Forest. Approximately 6000 acres are scheduled to be ignited at the following specific locations beginning Monday, November 30, and continuing through Sunday, December 5.

·     Big Saddle Rx Project: 1/2 mile north of Crazy Jug, 957 acres.

·     Big Ridge Rx Project: 2 miles east of Jacob Lake, 472 acres.

·     Buffalo Hill Rx Project: mile SE of Jacob Lake, 4519 acres.

The National Park Service may conduct a prescribed fire project which is anticipated to begin on Saturday, December 4, on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

·     Slopes Rx Project: west of North Entrance Station, 500+ acres.

Prescribed fire is used fire as a practical means to reduce risks associated with uncharacteristic wildfires that can pose significant threats to public health and safety. On each day, fire managers evaluate local conditions that include weather patterns, temperatures, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, fuel moistures, and smoke ventilation. Daily ignitions will only occur when environmental factors align with the required prescription that will achieve desired results and meet land management objectives.

The Forest Service’s land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, which includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. A healthy forest is a resilient forest that undergoes fire occurrences on a regular basis. The Kaibab National Forest works with partners, collaborators, and communities to clearly identify objectives and address concerns during the planning process for prescribed fires.

Officials recognize that impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration of smoke more effectively using prescribed methods than in an uncontrolled wildfire situation. Additionally, fire managers will actively monitor atmospheric conditions daily and use strategies to minimize smoke impacts to rural developed areas.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities may be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas.

All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information about the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burn authorizations, please visit: legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html