Pile Burn Planned Next Week Near Apache Junction

Phoenix, AZ (1/27/2023) – Next week the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management begins a one-day pile burn operation on State Trust Land in Pinal County in an effort to reduce both fuel loading in the area and wildfire risk. On Tuesday, January 31, favorable weather conditions allow DFFM to conduct ignitions on the 36-acre, Lost Dutchman RX Burn located approximately four miles northeast of Apache Junction, off State Route 88 and Nodak Road, just south of the Goldfield Ghost Town.

DFFM’s project is adjacent to a similar project by the Bureau of Land Management. Last year, the two agencies collaborated to help reduce the hazardous fuel load within this area. These piles are the result of the leftover debris from those fuels projects. The overall planned objectives include, preserving the Sonoran Desert’s natural state, providing a fuel break to help in the containment of a wildfire, and ultimately safeguarding nearby residents and businesses.

Ignitions begin on Tuesday at 9:00 am with possible smoke impacts to SR 88 and the Lost Dutchman Ghost Town. All prescribed burning operations, whether pile or broadcast burns, are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather conditions or DFFM crew availability. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality must also approve projects before ignitions can begin.

DFFM will make notifications prior to ignitions on the agency’s social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, and the Nextdoor platform.