The prescribed burns aim to enhance safety and ecological vitality. Specific locations slated for broadcast burning include the New Canyon prescribed burn unit, situated east of Ephraim in Sanpete County, and the Shingle Mill prescribed burn unit, located west of Monticello in San Juan County. During ignition operations, area closures may be imposed as deemed necessary.

Prescribed burning serves as a crucial tool for mitigating hazardous fuels, thus diminishing the potential for high-intensity, severe wildfires. It also plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of insect and disease outbreaks, promoting nutrient recycling that enhances soil productivity, fostering improved wildlife habitats, and facilitating aspen restoration.

While smoke will be visible in these areas during prescribed burns, it is not anticipated to affect residential regions at lower elevations, as the smoke should dissipate quickly. It’s important to note that all prescribed burns are conducted with the approval of the Utah Division of Air Quality. The public can monitor approved prescribed fires at http://deq.utah.gov.

For additional information regarding the scheduled prescribed burns, please reach out to the following Ranger District Offices:

• Sanpete Ranger District Office: 435-283-4151
• Ferron/Price Ranger District Office: 435-384-2372
• Moab Ranger District Office: 435-259-7155
• Monticello Ranger District Office: 435-587-2041

You can also visit the official website at http://fs.usda.gov/mantilasal or stay updated by following Manti-La Sal National Forest on Facebook at http://facebook.com/mantilasalnationalforest), on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ml_nf, and Utah Fire Info at http://UtahFireInfo.gov.