Scott Harney

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Flagstaff fire crews plan to conduct 20 acres of pile burns on the west side of the city Monday.

The Flagstaff Fire Department tells The Arizona Daily Sun the pile burns will be at the U.S. Naval Observatory off West Route 66.

The wood piles are the result of forest thinning activities meant to reduce the risk of wildfire and to restore forest health.

Fire crews expect smoke from the controlled burn to disperse to the east and switch to the south Monday afternoon.