The City of Phoenix, working alongside the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, has announced plans to conduct a prescribed burn at the Tres Rios Wetlands this October. The exact date is penciled in for Wednesday, Oct. 16, though this might shift subject to the whims of weather and other considerations. A considerable smoke plume is expected, which will be visible in southwest Phoenix and areas further afield.
The operation is essential to properly maintain dense vegetation and contribute to the ongoing efforts to restore the vital riparian habitat in the area. In what is nature's own method to enrich soils, fire will be intentionally set to eliminate invasive plants and enhance the ecosystem's health.
As per the City of Phoenix's announcement, conventional methods of vegetation management at the wetlands have been both cumbersome and costly. Prescribed burns have emerged as a favorable alternative for the Water Services Department due to their effectiveness in both maintenance and in reducing risks of extreme fires in the community. Furthermore, the prescribed burn is aligned with the Tres Rios Safe Harbor Agreement, which allows for such activities from October through February, minimizing impacts on breeding seasons.
The Phoenix Fire Department is slated to administer the controlled fire, closely supervised by DFFM. This event will also serve as a practical training exercise for firefighters, preparing them to safely and effectively engage with wildfires threatening the city. Their training will span various certifications, including Wildland Firefighting 1 and 2, Wildland Engine Boss, and Incident Commander Type 4, among others.
After the prescribed burn is completed, fire mitigation steps will include a water truck dousing the perimeter to quench any lingering flames. The water quality will be tediously monitored, ensuring it meets standards before being released from the Tres Rios Flow Regulating Wetlands to the Overbank Wetlands. This completes a critical quality assurance step in the fire debris settlement and water sampling plan.
The Tres Rios Wetlands are a crucial component of Phoenix's ecosystem, receiving reclaimed water from the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant and providing a habitat to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species. Efforts to maintain this area not only serve environmental goals but offer a real-world canvas for emergency response teams to hone their skills.
For media intending to cover the event, contact details for Michael Gertzman, Senior Public Information Officer, have been made available and interviews with fire experts will be possible on-site. Due to safety and operational concerns, the use of drones in the area during the burn has been prohibited.
