If weather conditions are favorable, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the White Mountain Apache Tribe will begin prescribed burning Monday, Oct. 22. Approximately 28,000 acres are targeted to be treated by either pile burning or broadcast burning. The late fall conditions are expected produce low to moderate fire intensity which produces beneficial post-fire effects. These small prescribed fires will help reduce fuel accumulation from logging and thinning projects, decrease the risk of high intensity wildfire and protect communities. Broadcast burns involve applying fire across the forest floor. Flames make their way along the surface, consuming accumulated needles, leaves, branches, and logs while recycling nutrients back into the soil. Broadcast burns typically produce the most noticeable smoke.