(AP) — More than three dozen fires are being set in northwest Nebraska to reduce the risk of wildfires in the Pine Ridge area.

The officials who oversee the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands are planning to burn the piles of wood and brush to eliminate fuel for wildfires.

Fires in the Nebraska Panhandle burned about 258 square miles in three counties during 2012. Much of the land that burned was part of the forested Pine Ridge.

Acting Pine Ridge District Ranger Carla Loop says burning the slash piles is an important way to reduce fire risk.

The fires will only be set when weather conditions meet certain conditions, and the fires will be monitored until they are out.