FREDONIA — Taking advantage of the recent moisture, North Zone fire managers will continue to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health by conducting a pile burn as early as today on the North Kaibab Ranger District.

Forest visitors should be aware that the planned 8-acre treatment area will be located around the Jacob Lake Lookout Tower along Highway 67. Fire managers expect the piles to consume quickly with little to no smoke impacts expected to the surrounding area. However for the safety of forest visitors, “Smoke Ahead” signs will be posted, and ignitions are expected to be completed by 3 p.m.

As with all prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest, this burn is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and appropriate weather conditions.  For additional information on the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burns authorized for any given day, visit http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html.

For additional information regarding the North Kaibab Ranger District pile burns, contact the North Zone Fuels Specialist, Dave Robinson, at (928) 643-8138.