Phase 2 of fire restoration project begins to repair old burn scar

PHOENIX — The second phase of a fire restoration project in the Tonto National Forest is officially underway, officials announced Monday.

The scars date back to 1990, when the lightning-caused Dude Fire raged north of Payson. The fire killed six inmate firefighters from the Perryville Fire Department.

It took 10 days to bring the fire under control. During that time, the Dude Fire burned more than 24,000 acres and destroyed 63 homes, according to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

Although more than 30 years have passed, the scars still have a huge impact on the Payson Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest.

In fact, the Salt River Project (SRP) said the scar causes “abnormally dense vegetation” in the area.

This density presents a significant fire risk. Essentially, this makes it more difficult for native pine trees to regrow, SRP said.

That's why SRP launched a two-phase project to clear flammable brush and debris from the area in 2023. Funds of more than $288,000 from data center developer EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure supported the project, said PRS.

“This initiative addresses unhealthy forests and devastating wildfires that threaten the health of the SRP watershed and, therefore, the SRP's ability to provide clean, reliable water to the Phoenix metropolitan area,” according to an SRP announcement last year.

The first phase of the project was completed in February this year. Crews treated a total of 1,453 acres.

What is unique about the second phase of the fire restoration project?

The goal of the next phase of the Dude Fire Restoration project is to help improve the health of ponderosa pines.

Contracted crews have begun restoring 1,143 acres of forested land. They reduce tree density and remove competing brush, according to the Tonto National Forest.

Patty Ringle of the Tonto National Forest said the project could prevent future fires in the area.

“Without mechanical treatment, it is only a matter of time before the area is again impacted by a stand replacement wildfire, which would return the area to conditions similar to those of 1990 after the Dude fire,” Ringle said in a statement released Monday.

Officials expect the second phase to be completed by December. The project includes four phases in total, which will continue until 2026. Ultimately, project organizers will treat a total of 7,600 acres.