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Southwest Phoenix will see smoke Oct. 16 due to prescribed burn

The Tres Rios Environmental Restoration project involves the rehabilitation of nearly 700 acres in and around the Salt River.
City of Phoenix
The Tres Rios Environmental Restoration project involves the rehabilitation of nearly 700 acres in and around the Salt River.

A significant smoke plume is expected to be visible in the southwest Valley on Wednesday, Oct. 16, as part of a prescribed burn at Tres Rios Wetlands.

The Phoenix Fire Department, with supervision from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, will conduct the burn on 50 acres.

Tres Rios Wetlands is a 700-acre restoration project that uses reclaimed water from the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plan, south of Broadway Road. On Wednesday, 91st Avenue is expected to be closed from the wastewater treatment plant north gate to Baseline Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tres Rios Wetlands prescribed burn in 2023.
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City of Phoenix

The controlled burn is meant to reduce dense vegetation and restore habitat. Phoenix says past attempts to maintain vegetation using machines have proven too time consuming and costly.

According to the city, “after the prescribed burn is completed, a water truck will spray the perimeter of the cell to extinguish any smoldering flames. Water quality will be monitored and confirmed acceptable before the release of water from the cell to the Tres Rios Overbank Wetlands. That will include allowing sufficient time for any fire debris to settle out and completion of a water quality sampling plan.”

Through an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, prescribed burns must avoid breeding season. Tres Rios is home to more than 150 species of birds and animals.

Tres Rios Wetlands in Phoenix.
City of Phoenix
Tres Rios Wetlands in Phoenix.

As a senior field correspondent, Christina Estes focuses on stories that impact our economy, your wallet and public policy.
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