Arizona Forestry Starting Prescribed Fire Project at Lost Dutchman State Park
News Source: Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management
Apache Junction, AZ (1/19/2026) – On Tuesday, January 20, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM), in collaboration with Arizona State Parks and Trails initiates a one-day pile burn project at Lost Dutchman State Park, northeast of Apache Junction.
DFFM project managers plan to start ignitions on Tuesday morning, in accordance with appropriate and safe weather conditions. Ignitions should last a few hours with smoke off the project expected to lift and move to the southwest. Smoke will be visible to park guests, drivers along State Route 88, and some Apache Junction residents. Lost Dutchman State Park will remain open to visitors.
DFFM collaborates with Arizona State Parks and Trails annually to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect nearby communities. Arizona State Parks and Trails staff handles the ongoing vegetation maintenance while DFFM provides the qualified resources to safely burn remaining fuel piles when conditions allow. The current project is located within designated park boundaries on the southeast side of the park. Pile burning is a more efficient way to reduce fuels leftover from hand or mechanical treatments. DFFM will conduct similar projects at other state park locations in the coming months.
All prescribed fire projects whether broadcast or pile burns are weather dependent and can be rescheduled due to resource availability or unfavorable weather. Project work plans must be approved by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality prior to ignitions starting.
