GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. — A prescribed burn is planned in a wooded area of Grand Canyon Village on the Grand Canyon's South Rim.

Park officials said National Park Service and Forest Service fire managers plan to burn 50 acres of predominantly ponderosa pine starting Thursday.

The area to be burned is just west of Mather Campground and between Center and Market Plaza roads.

Grand Canyon Village is the site of most of the South Rim's structures and facilities, including hotels, restaurants and employee housing.

Prescribed burns are intended to reduce hazardous accumulations of fire fuels, and park officials say Thursday's planned burn also will help fire crews prepare for the wildfire season.

Visitors and residents are being advised to drive slowly, turn on headlights and avoid stopping near where fire personnel are working.