Fire managers for the Prescott National Forest plan to conduct pile burning operations on Mingus Mountain starting next Tuesday. The work will take place on the Verde Ranger District, using machine and hand piles from recent fuel reduction projects. Ignitions will continue throughout the winter as conditions allow.
Light smoke may be visible from Prescott, Cottonwood, and Camp Verde. That smoke could linger overnight in low-lying areas.
This prescribed burn is part of the forest’s long-term strategy to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. Officials say low to moderate fire behavior helps create buffer zones to protect nearby communities.