Prescott and Verde Valley residents should be aware of an upcoming prescribed burn.

Fire managers on the Verde Ranger District will start the Brushy Prescribed Burn on Tuesday, Feb. 6, and it will continue through Friday, Feb. 9, as long as weather conditions are favorable.

Fire crews will use aerial ignitions to burn approximately 4,725 acres located 2 miles south and east of the junction of Interstate 17 and Highway 169. Before they begin burning, they will need good weather conditions, support from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and an adequate number of fire management resources.

Residents will see visible smoke in the immediate areas of the burn activity including I-17. There may be minor traffic delays as the burn progresses along Forest Road 732, 523, and 68D, according to a news release.  In the interest of safety, forest visitors are asked to obey all traffic signs and be cautious when traveling in the vicinity of the prescribed burn as firefighters will be in the area.

Fire managers use prescribed fires to restore fire-adapted ecosystems. These burns are one of the most effective tools as they mimic natural fires by reducing hazardous fuel accumulation and reintroducing fire into a fire dependent system. These burns also help by increasing habitat diversity and recycling nutrients. Prescribed fires are operated with firefighter and public safety as the number one priority.

Weather forecasts, personnel and equipment availability and conditions may impact the schedule.

For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/prescott or call 928-567-4121.