The city of Phoenix, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the Phoenix Fire Department, is planning to conduct a prescribed burn at the Tres Rios Wetlands in October.

The burn is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7,, but is subject to change depending on the weather conditions and other factors.

The event is expected to produce a significant smoke plume visible in southwest Phoenix and the surrounding areas, and 91st Avenue will be closed from the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant North Gate to Baseline Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 91st Avenue may open sooner if safe to do so.

The operation is designed to reduce dense vegetation and is part of the ongoing process of restoring riparian habitat. .

Previous attempts to mechanically maintain Tres Rios vegetation have proven to be time-consuming and cost-prohibitive.  Phoenix Water Services Department identified prescribed burns as an optimal means to maintain the wetlands. Additionally, a prescribed burn reduces hazardous fuels, protecting surrounding communities from extreme fire.

Per the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Tres Rios Safe Harbor Agreement, prescribed burns may be conducted from October through February to avoid impacts during the breeding season.

One Tres Rios Flow Regulating Wetland cell is allowed to be burned annually. The prescribed burn area is approximately 110 acres in size. 

After the prescribed burn is completed, a water truck will spray the perimeter of the cell to extinguish any smoldering flames. 

The prescribed burn will also serve as a training opportunity for the Phoenix Fire Department's Wildland Urban Interface program, which will provide Phoenix firefighters with the necessary skills, certification, and experience to battle wildfires that threaten the city of Phoenix. In addition, the prescribed burn may also give the Phoenix Police Department's Firebird helicopter crew a training opportunity.

The Tres Rios Wetlands receive reclaimed water from the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant and are maintained by the City of Phoenix Water Services Department.

The Tres Rios Environmental Restoration project involves the rehabilitation of nearly 700 acres in and around the Salt River, restoring a vital wetland and riparian habitat. It consists of the Tres Rios Flow Regulating Wetlands and Tres Rios Overbank Wetlands located just west of 91st Avenue, south of Broadway Road.

Editor's note: The above was republished from a city of Phoenix news release.