Prescribed Fire Treatments Scheduled In Payson Area

Published: Sunday, January 28, 2018 - 7:38pm
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Jimmy Jenkins/KJZZ
Tonto National Forest.

Residents in the Payson area may see and smell smoke this week. That’s because Tonto National Forest officials will be conducting prescribed fire treatments through Feb. 2.

Spokeswoman Carrie Templin said 758 acres will be treated south of Payson.

"And the purpose of that is to maintain the fuel breaks that were created between 2004 and 2009 as a defense for the town of Payson as well as reducing catastrophic wildfire danger in Rim Country and restoring the health of the forest,” Templin said.

Fire operations will end by 4 p.m. each day to reduce the impact of smoke, although residual smoke may linger in the area through Feb. 4.

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