TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, drivers and passersbys near Prince and I-10 may see smoke or flames coming from Sweetwater Wetlands.
No need to call the fire department: It's an annual controlled burn of the popular recreation and bird-watching spot. However, if you are a regular at Sweetwater, be aware that the entire wetland will be closed Nov. 3 -4.
SWEETWATER BURN 🔥 Burning has begun. Smoke will be visible, but no cause for alarm. Avoid the area pic.twitter.com/HX0HT71RYW
— Tucson Fire Department (@TucsonFireDept) November 3, 2022
Tucson Water and Tucson Fire Department have conducted a controlled burn of Sweetwater since 1999, in part to control the mosquito population. This year's burn is also planned early, to help habitat regenerate in time for the winter migratory bird population.
The burn also helps provide training to Tucson Fire Department’s regional wildlands firefighters.
SWEETWATER BURN 🔥 The annual Sweetwater Wetlands controlled burn is going ahead as scheduled this morning. Significant smoke will be visible from west of I-10 just north of Prince. No need for alarm, and avoid the area today #TFD pic.twitter.com/pacIImrZYQ
— Tucson Fire Department (@TucsonFireDept) November 3, 2022
Expect the burn to produce light smoke and ash, though TFD has planned the burn around forecasts of the prevailing winds, and expect the weather to be favorable.
In the event that weather does not permit, the burn will be rescheduled. Individuals sensitive to smoke and ash should plan to avoid the area and take precautions.
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Anne Simmons is the digital executive producer for KGUN 9. Anne got her start in television while still a student at the University of Arizona. Before joining KGUN, she managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and has worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector. Share your story ideas and important issues with Anne by emailing anne.simmons@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
