Park City Municipal will conduct prescribed pile burning operations in the Treasure Hill area on Friday in partnership with contractor Alpine Forestry. The burn is part of ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts to reduce fuel loads in the wildland urban interface, zones where human developments mee t or “interface” with wildland, open spaces relatively untouched by humans. Credit: Park City Municipal There are about 11 piles throughout the Treasure Mountain area to be burned. Current moisture conditions are favorable, and impacts to the surrounding area are expected to be minimal, the city said. Residents may notice smoke in the area during pile burning, which is the controlled ignition of organic materials following the collection of fuels (e.g. branches, logs, dead trees, excessive underbrush, etc.). It’s a technique in forest management to reduce wildfire risk and promote forest health where steep and isolated terrain eliminate options for chipping or removing material. Crews strategically construct piles from cut vegetation with the intention of controlled burning when weather conditions support minimal smoke dispersal and when snow or precipitation provide adequate moisture in the burn area and in the pile contents. Piles may remain hot for several days after ignition. Crews will be igniting and monitoring piles until all heat is extinguished. Crew vehicles will be parked on the roadside near work sites, and trail and area closures will be placed as necessary.  If conditions remain favorable, the work will continue into fall. The post Pile burning starts in Treasure Mountain Friday appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less