Forest Service plans prescribed burns in Sanpete Ranger District

By Robert Stevens

The Manti-La Sal National Forest plans to conduct prescribed burning in the Sanpete Ranger District this fall and into winter as weather and fuel conditions allow.

The largest planned treatment in Sanpete County is the 12-Mile Prescribed Burn, located on and near Order Mountain. Forest Service crews plan to treat approximately 2,000 acres there through broadcast burning.

Crews also plan pile burning within the 12-Mile and Spring City project areas. Additional pile burning may take place in timber sale units across the northern portion of the forest, depending on moisture levels.

The Forest Service uses prescribed fire to reduce hazardous fuels and lower the risk of severe wildfire. The agency said the treatments also can improve wildlife habitat, support watershed health and help restore ecosystems adapted to periodic fire.

Forest Service officials will evaluate weather, fuel moisture and other conditions in the days and hours before each planned ignition. Crews may postpone or cancel burning if conditions do not meet prescribed-fire requirements.

Temporary road closures may occur in the 12-Mile Project area during burn operations to protect firefighters and the public. The Forest Service said it will post closure notices before ignition operations.

The agency said it will work to accommodate hunters and other recreationists during the busy fall season. Visitors traveling near prescribed-fire areas should watch for warning signs and use caution before and during burning operations.

Residents may see smoke from the burns. The Forest Service said it works with air-quality specialists and schedules prescribed fires with smoke management in mind.

Firefighters will remain at the sites during ignition operations and will patrol the areas afterward. The Forest Service asked residents not to report smoke or fire associated with the planned prescribed burns.

The timing of the projects remains dependent on conditions, and the Forest Service has not announced specific ignition dates for the Sanpete Ranger District burns.