Prescribed burn planned in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Ponderosa project map. Photo: USDA

KAMAS, Utah — Fire crews will implement a prescribed burn in units of the Ponderosa Restoration Project from May 29 to June 30 to reduce wildfire risk.

The Ponderosa Restoration Project is located 10 miles east of Kamas and is focused on reducing the thick understory of juniper, mountain brush, and lodgepole pine to restore the genetic diversity of ponderosa pine.

Fire crews will use handheld drip torches to treat the area until it is extinguished. Smoke may temporarily impact visibility on the Mirror Lake Highway.

Drivers are urged not to report smoke in the area, as it is a prescribed fire. In addition, fire crews will patrol the area to ensure that the burn is completely extinguished.

The Ponderosa Restoration Project is one of the few native ponderosa pine stands in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This project will improve the area’s scenic quality and reduce communities’ wildfire risk.