Flagstaff AZ (January 4, 2012) – Flagstaff Area National Monuments have received permission to continue pile burning at Walnut Canyon this morning and will continue throughout the week as favorable weather conditions continue. The debris piles are located around the vicinity of the entrance road and visitor center. The piles were constructed during manual fuels reduction projects in preparation for future prescribed burns. They consist of small tree branches, twigs, and needles removed during preparation of prescribed fire control lines. Pile burning is a necessary preparation for prescribed burning. The piles will be monitored by firefighters until they are completely out.
Park visitors may see or smell smoke in the vicinity of the piles. Signs are posted advising visitors and motorists of possible smoke along impacted travel corridors. Coordination with the Department of Environmental Quality is underway to ensure that smoke impacts are minimized.
For more information on this debris burning project, please contact Jesse Causer, Grand Canyon National Park Supervisory Forest Technician at 928.638.7948 or Charles Strickfaden, Public Information Officer, Flagstaff Area National Monuments at 928.526.1157, extension 228.