Prescott National Forest fire managers on the Verde Ranger District plan to conduct a prescribed fire operation in the Agua Fria area this week.
The project is located between Dugas Road and SR 169 on the east side of I-17. Ignitions are planned to begin this Wednesday and last just one day, pending suitable conditions. Fire crews plan to treat a large surface area with broadcast burning to improve wildlife habitat and range conditions by reducing brush encroachment in the Agua Fria grasslands. The unit totals 972 acres and mainly consists of grass fuels.
Smoke will be visible from I-17, State Routes 69 and 169, and from the communities of Dewey/Humboldt and Arcosanti/Cordes Junction. Smoke is expected to be light throughout the ignition period and should dissipate quickly after ignitions are complete.