Sedona, Arizona – State forestry officials will begin a series of prescribed burns next week across several northern Arizona state parks to reduce wildfire risk.
According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM), crews will conduct controlled pile burns beginning Monday, March 9, at Slide Rock State Park in Sedona. The project will burn approximately one acre of vegetation piles created during previous fuels-reduction work.
Additional burns are scheduled throughout the region during the same week.
Officials said a five-acre pile burn is planned Tuesday, March 10, at Rockin’ River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde. On the same day, crews will also complete a 25-acre pile burn at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood.
A larger project is scheduled later in the week near Flagstaff. Forestry crews plan to begin the Raymond RX prescribed burn Wednesday, March 11, covering approximately 534 acres southeast of Flagstaff on Arizona Game and Fish Department land.
According to DFFM, the Raymond project is designed to reduce accumulated vegetation that could fuel catastrophic wildfires while also improving habitat conditions for wildlife, including buffalo.
Officials say the pile burns at state parks are intended to remove leftover brush and woody debris from earlier fuels treatments performed by Arizona State Parks and Trails staff. The work is part of an ongoing collaboration between Arizona Forestry and Arizona State Parks.
All parks involved in the operations will remain open to visitors, and officials expect each project to be completed within a day with minimal disruption.
Smoke may be visible in nearby communities during operations, depending on weather conditions.
The burns are part of a broader statewide effort to reduce wildfire risk ahead of Arizona’s peak fire season.
For students, park visitors, and commuters in northern Arizona, the operations may briefly increase visible smoke near highways and recreation areas during the scheduled burn days.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.
Have a tip? Message us.
