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CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) -- The state Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is helping property owners prepare for next summer's wildfire season by clearing possible fuels now.
Smoke has dotted Cedar Highlands for a couple of weeks as fire officials burned small piles of excess wood and debris.
The division has 35 projects in Southern Utah, said Ryan Riddle, Iron County fire warden.
The next project will be the Bryce woodlands in Kane County.
"We're just kind of floating all over the place as conditions exist (to burn)," he said.
Fuels reduction is a year-round effort. During the summer, crews chip excess wood. This time of year, with just a bit of snow on the ground, conditions are good for burning.
The division works with other agencies and property owners in the area to create fuel brakes that look natural and beautiful.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
