Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management Starting Pile Burn Operation at Picacho Peak State Park

News Source: DFFM

Picacho, AZ (4/07/2026) – On Thursday, April 9, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) will conduct a one-day pile burn operation at Picacho Peak State Park, southeast of Eloy.

Prescribed fire managers expect ignitions to start in the morning and should take a few hours to complete. The project is approximately 25 acres and is located on the southwest side of the park. Smoke off the project may be visible to the nearby RV park, Eloy residents, and park visitors. Due to the location of the burn, smoke will be visible to drivers along Interstate 10 with light afternoon winds possibly shifting residual smoke toward the highway. Motorists should proceed with caution through the area. The park will remain open to visitors during the project work. DFFM crews will monitor the project through the day Thursday and into Friday.

DFFM collaborates with Arizona State Parks and Trails annually at many of the State Parks to reduce vegetation piles leftover from fuels work conducted by their staff. Pile burning provides a more efficient way to reduce the debris from hand or mechanical treatments. The project work further safeguards the Picacho Peak State Park along with nearby homes and businesses from the threat of wildfires.

All prescribed fire projects whether broadcast or pile burns are weather dependent and can be rescheduled due to resource availability or unfavorable weather. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality must approve all burn plans prior to work starting to mitigate any potential long-term smoke impacts.