Visitors to the Tonto National Forest and residents who live in the Shoofly Ruins area north of Payson will be contending with a prescribed fire treatment this week.
The U.S. Forest Service’s prescribed fire treatment in the Tonto National Forest will occur between Nov. 13–16 and eliminate timber slash, dead and down woody debris, grass and brush on a 1200-acre swathe of land on the east side of Houston Mesa Road, otherwise known as Forest Road 199.
During the day, smoke will impact several surrounding communities as residents and visitors to the area can expect to see and smell moderate amounts.
Fire personnel will end ignitions each day by 3 p.m. and although the treatment is scheduled to end on Nov. 16, smoky conditions may persist until Nov. 19.