WILLIAMS—The City Southeast Prescribed Fire three-miles southeast of Williams obviously received approval. A plum of smoke rose into the sky about 1 p.m. today and, as predicted, most of the smoke drifted toward Garland Prairie.

Crews plan to backline up to 500-acres over four days to establish and reinforce containment lines for a broadcast burn at a later date.

Smoke will be visible in Williams and along portions of I-40 and County Road 73. Managers expect smoke to drift toward Garland Prairie during the day and down Sycamore Canyon at night.

Crews will implement, monitor, and patrol the burn to ensure it meets the goals and objectives outlined in the prescribed fire plan. Prescribed burns are used to improve forest health, reduce hazardous fuels, and return fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem.