Officials with the U.S. Forest Service are planning two prescribed fires in Utah County during the next two months that will burn more than 10,000 acres in an effort to reduce unexpected wildfires.
The prescribed burns will also curtail hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitats and restore fire-adaptive ecosystems, according to two press releases issued on Friday.
Firefighters started the first controlled burn on Sunday approximately 10 miles east of Kamas and on the northeast side of the Mirror Lake Highway. The 6,007-acre area is between Norway Flats road on the east and the Upper Setting road on the west.
“For public and firefighter safety the burn area, and Forest Service roads and trails will be closed two days prior to the prescribed burn, during the prescribed burn and two days after completion of the prescribed burn,” the press release stated.