Prescribed burning is happening through the end of the year within the Duchesne-Roosevelt Ranger District and the Vernal and Flaming Gorge Ranger Districts of the Ashley National Forest, as conditions allow. It’s important for the public to note that while smoke may be visible, the Forest Service works closely with air quality specialists and closely monitors smoke during prescribed fires. “Prescribed fires are timed for best smoke management,” shares Ashley National Forest. “Visit fire.airnow.gov for current air quality information. If smoke is present on roadways, drivers should slow down and turn on headlights. Please do not report these fires, as firefighters will remain on scene throughout ignitions and patrol afterwards.” The Forest Service makes it a priority to evaluate conditions in the days and hours before ignition and residents and county emergency management will be notified on the day of ignitions. If conditions are not favorable, planned prescribed fire activities can be postponed or canceled. Prescribed fires and mechanical fuels treatments are forest management tools used to improve wildlife habitat, protect critical watersheds, restore fire-adapted ecosystems, and reduce hazardous fuels accumulation.
Photo: ANF