Small Burns Planned as part of Annual Basin Operation Drill

Photo: Schoolhouse Gulch Trail

The annual multi agency “Basin Operation Drill” is planned for April 14-15, 2023, in the Groom Creek area south of Prescott, Arizona.  The drill will involve the Prescott National Forest, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, City of Prescott Fire, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Bureau of Land Management and many other emergency response agencies including Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and several volunteer organizations. The annual basin operations drill provides all participants an opportunity to train together, test communication systems and equipment in preparation for the upcoming wildfire season.

For training purposes fire managers will simulate 3-6 small fires over the two days near Schoolhouse Gulch (T13N, R2W, Sec 35); pending favorable weather conditions. Smoke will be visible in the immediate areas of the burn activity, including portions of Forest Road 79, Senator Highway, and Whispering Pines Camp.  In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the prescribed fire burn units as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.

For fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.