As cooler temperatures set in across Arizona, the state’s Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) is gearing up to initiate a series of prescribed fire projects. These controlled burns are crucial for reducing wildfire risks and improving overall forest health. In the next few months, DFFM aims to carry out prescribed fires over nearly 10,000 acres, according to an announcement made earlier this month.
One of the largest prescribed fires is the Babbitt Ranches project in Coconino County, covering an estimated 5,000 acres. The burn will encompass private and State Trust Lands to enhance forest conditions and protect nearby communities. DFFM also plans to work with Arizona State Parks and Trails on burns in several state parks, including Lost Dutchman and Slide Rock. These carefully managed fires aim to remove excessive vegetation and encourage healthier plant growth.
Of particular note is the Tres Rios Prescribed Fire, scheduled to happen west of Phoenix on October 7. This annual burn, conducted in coordination with the Phoenix Fire Department, targets invasive species growth in the Tres Rios Wetlands. Besides its ecological benefits, the event doubles as an educational exercise, providing the fire department with valuable prescribed fire training, as stated in the DFFM’s communication…