Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest are preparing for prescribed fire operations in the Prescott Basin south of Prescott, with work planned for a weather-dependent window from May 20 through May 31, 2025.
The operation will take place on the Bradshaw Ranger District. The timing of ignitions will depend on weather, fuel conditions, available personnel and equipment, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
## Burn location
The Goldwater Prescribed Burn area is east of Highway 89 and Ponderosa Park Road, west of School House Gulch Road, north of Marapai Road and west of Goldwater Lake.
A mix of ground and aerial resources will be used during the project. After ignitions are completed, resources will remain in the area to monitor and patrol the burn for several days.
People traveling near Goldwater Lake, Marapai Road and the Bean Peaks trail system should be prepared for temporary access restrictions. Fire-related vehicles and personnel will also be working in the area.
## Trails and camping may close
Trails in the Bean Peaks area may be temporarily closed while prescribed fire operations are underway. The affected routes may include Green Bean Trail No. 0007, Magic Bean Trail No. 0015, Spicy Bean Trail No. 0017, Baked Bean Trail No. 0015, Beany Baby Trail No. 0018 and Mr. Bean Trail No. 0007.
Other trails that may be affected are Bean Sprout Trail No. 0019, Rice and Beans Trail No. 0018, Limey Bean Trail No. 0023, Jelly Bean Trail No. 0025, Ponderosa Trail No. 0382 and Schoolhouse Gulch Trail No. 0067.
Marapai Road and dispersed camping sites in the project area may also be closed temporarily for firefighter and public safety. Forest visitors should follow posted traffic directions and comply with any temporary road or trail closures. Extra caution is advised because firefighting equipment and related traffic may be present near the burn.
The closures are expected to be tied to active operations rather than the entire May 20-31 window. The specific timing will depend on whether conditions allow crews to proceed.
## Smoke may be visible across the region
Light to moderate smoke impacts are expected. Smoke may be visible from Prescott, Prescott Valley, Wilhoit, Chino Valley and other surrounding communities.
As temperatures fall at night, smoke may settle and remain in valleys and drainage areas. Visibility of smoke does not necessarily mean crews are conducting new ignitions, because burned material may continue producing smoke after active operations have ended.
## Purpose of the treatment
Prescribed fire is part of the Prescott National Forest’s approach to improving long-term forest health and reducing accumulated vegetation that can contribute to hazardous wildfire conditions.
Low- to moderate-intensity prescribed fire can reduce fuels and improve the ability of forests and nearby communities to withstand future fires. In areas where development meets wildland vegetation, treated areas can also provide buffer zones that may help firefighters stop an unwanted wildfire more safely.
Every planned ignition remains subject to conditions at the site. Fire managers must consider weather, fuel conditions, staffing, equipment and environmental approval before moving forward.
## Where to get updates
An information booth is planned on days when prescribed fire activity is taking place. Times and locations will be shared through Prescott National Forest social media accounts.
The Bradshaw Ranger District can provide fire information at 928-443-8000 during regular office hours. The office is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Updates are also available through the Prescott National Forest website and its Facebook and X accounts.