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Wolf Fire operations wrap up following 10,000 acres of forest treatment
Wolf Fire operations have resulted in the treatment of roughly 10,000 acres of land following a late April lightning strike on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District.
Fire managers spent roughly one week conducting firing operations to reduce dead vegetation and hazardous fuels, restore critical nearby watersheds, improve wildlife habitat and lessen the future risk of catastrophic wildfire in the Clints Well area.
“We’ve had really good fire effects with west winds pushing in over the last few days,” said Incident Commander (Trainee) Paul Oltrogge. “The weekend’s light rains moderated things nicely, and the effects of the Wolf Fire are already looking incredibly beneficial for the landscape.”
Firing operations wrapped up in advance of heavier predicted rains on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Northern Arizona Type 3 Incident Management Team, which has been managing the Wolf Fire since April 6, plans to transition management of the fire back to the Coconino National Forest on Wednesday.
A closure order remains in place for the area surrounding the fire, as does a temporary flight restriction. Drone and aircraft operators are asked to abide by the issued restrictions.
Forest visitors can check the Coconino National Forest’s website at coconinonationalforest.us for updates regarding fire area closures.
There are roughly 150 personnel assigned to the 9,896-acre Wolf Fire, including two Hotshot crews, nine engines, one dozer, two water tenders and one hand crew.
Lightning-caused fires allow an opportunity for land treatment: The removal of forest fuels – such as pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees and other dry plant matter – that create hazardous conditions that could lead to potential catastrophic wildfire.
Land treatment using fire is an important part of the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to reduce the risk of wildfire to critical infrastructure and communities.
As part of the overall Wildfire Crisis Strategy, the Coconino National Forest is committed to restoring land and protecting watersheds – including work on the Cragin Watershed Protection Project – as part of the wider Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI).
This is the last scheduled news release regarding the Wolf Fire. For continued updates on the Wolf Fire, please visit inciweb.wildfire.gov, where fire updates will be posted until full fire containment.
A map of the Wolf Fire May 13 2024.jpgContinual Fire Activity in Pinal County Concerning for State Wildland Fire Management
A recent spike in wildfire activity in some parts of Pinal County is causing concern for state fire management officers. Since April 1 to May 9, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) responded to 25 wildfires, mostly concentrated in the western portion of the county, south and southwest of Maricopa within the Thunderbird Farms and Hidden Valley areas. DFFM overhead assigned to those incidents report all 25 were found to be human-caused, many of which were due to equipment usage, such as welding and grinding. However, with some of those fire starts, no ignition source could be determined. Data acquired from DFFM’s Arizona Dispatch Center (ADC) showed those fires burned more than 2,600 acres.
DFFM’s Fire Behavior Analyst Byron Kimball believes the uptick in activity stems from the abnormal fuel loading in that area catching residents off guard. “In previous years, residents may have conducted the same activities with minimal issues. If a fire were to start, they were likely to catch it themselves with tools or water. Now, as that grass and brush begin to cure, those fires are becoming more challenging for residents to suppress on their own. Fires are starting faster and spreading even quicker due to the abundance of fuel along with hot, dry, and windy conditions.”
In 2023, between April 1 and May 9, ADC reported nine human-caused fires that burned nearly 100 acres in Pinal County on state and private lands. In total for 2023, 41 fires burned 2,463 acres. Of those 41 fires, 34 were determined to be human-caused, six due to lightning and one caused by a powerline. In 2022, between April 1 and May 9, ADC data found only four fires, all human caused, that burned a total of 3.45 acres.
Fires in Pinal County this year have ranged in size from half an acre to the 2,000-acre Range Fire north of Florence. With the continual starts and near daily-activity, DFFM recently started staging engines near Stanfield and the Maricopa-area to provide for both faster response times and additional support for local resources. DFFM’s Prevention Engine will also begin patrols within Pinal County.
“Firefighters have responded to almost as many human-caused fires in about a one-month period this year in the Maricopa and Florence areas than all of 2023. The common denominator with these starts is the human factor within the wildland urban interface. The unusual amount of activity is definitely raising eyebrows and causing concerns. We urge residents be careful when working outdoors. If it’s windy outside, it’s unsafe to burn or conduct work that involves fire. Conditions are dry and only going to get hotter and drier. We ask residents to be mindful when working outside and create defensible space around their properties,” says Pedro Mungarro, DFFM’s Deputy Fire Prevention Officer.
There are no fire restrictions currently on state or federal lands however a burn ban is in effect in Pinal County. For additional information on the burn ban: https://www.pinal.gov/312/Permitted-FiresRestrictions.
For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at (602) 540-1036 or by email at [email protected].
Forest Service to conduct thinning projects near Parks, AZ
This week, the Kaibab National Forest Williams Ranger District is resuming mechanical thinning projects around Parks. These crucial treatments target dense forests to help restore historic, healthier conditions and reduce the risk of uncharacteristically severe fire.
Residents and visitors can expect to see paint markings on trees, active cutting, woodchippers and grinders, log decks, slash piles, and materials being hauled away. Always use caution in the vicinity of active projects and follow any safety signage that may be posted. Closures for thinning operations are rare but may be necessary on occasion for public and crew safety. Closure information would be posted on the Kaibab National Forest website.
Mechanical thinning projects on the Williams Ranger District include:
- Government Prairie – located north of Parks. Work anticipated to occur during weekdays, not on weekends or major holidays with no fewer than 12 truckloads per day. Major haul routes are Forest Roads 107, County Road 141, and Route 66. Project expected to be completed in September 2024.
- Klostermeyer – located northeast of Parks. Work anticipated to occur during weekdays, not on weekends or major holidays (although Saturdays may be possible) with up to 20 truckloads per day. Main haul route is from northern gas pipeline to Forest Roads 107 on to Route 66.
- Spitz Hill – located west of Parks. Expected to begin in June.
- Beacon Boxcar – located just south of I-40 near Sherwood Forest. Contractor is currently working on the southeast side of Davenport Lake. Operations expected to continue into.
- Fortyniner East – located east of Parks. Bid expected to be awarded by June.
- Fortyniner West – located east of Parks. Contractor has returned to skid, process, and haul timber that was cut in March. Project expected to be completed in late September 2025.
- Junction – located just east of Williams, south of I-40 and Old Rt. 66 near Bearizona. Currently inactive, expected to be completed summer of 2024.
- Sawmill Springs Biomass – located northwest of Parks. Work anticipated to occur during weekdays, not on weekends or major holidays with up to 24 truckloads per day. Expected to begin in mid-June and completed by mid-August.
- Sitgreaves West – located northeast of Williams. Expected to be offered for bid this summer.
- Holden – located west of Williams. PROJECT COMPLETE: full removal of log material cut, skid, processed, decked, and removed – all acres had timber stand improvements as well as thinning of smaller materials, a majority of the slash material was ground and shipped to the Novo BioPower Plant between Snowflake and Heber/Overgaard, AZ.
For additional details about mechanical thinning on the district contact the Williams Ranger Station at (928) 635-5680. More information can be found on the Kaibab NF website, X, Facebook, and Flickr.
A map of the Parks AZ thinning project May 13 2024.jpgPrescribed burn projects continue north, west of Flagstaff
Coconino National Forest fire managers will resume plans for the Horseshoe Wild Bill and Maxwell Springs prescribed burn projects through this week in an effort to help protect communities from catastrophic wildfires and improve the health of the forest.
The Horseshoe Wild Bill project will begin today through Tuesday and is located 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff. Smoke impacts may occur along U.S. Highway 180 around the Kendrick Park area as smoke is predicted to move toward the east.
The Horseshoe Maxwell Springs project is planned for May 14 through May 16 and is located about 2.5 miles north of Bellemont. Smoke impacts may occur in the Kendrick Park, Fort Valley and Hart Prairie area, depending on wind direction.
Plans for prescribed burns often change quickly since they are dependent upon weather conditions and wind predictions. Details and updates about all prescribed burns can be found at inciweb.wildfire.gov. Planned prescribed burn projects will always be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind and humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plan.
More information about the relationship between prescribed fire, weather and why prescribed burns are conducted at certain times of the year is available on Coconino National Forest’s prescribed burns & smoke web page.
Horseshoe - Wild Bill project
- Tentative dates: Monday May 13 through Tuesday, May 14.
- Location: 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff: 4.5 miles north of Bellemont.
- Size: 3,960 acres total (broken up into different amounts each day).
- Type of burn: Broadcast, initial entry. Initial entry burns mean wildfire has not been through the area in a very long time and thus results in thicker smoke due to a large amount of forest fuels being present that must be burned.
- Smoke impacts: Possible smoke impacts will be felt along Highway 180 and in and around Kendrick Park during the daytime. Possible smoke impacts may be felt in the Bellemont area and along Interstate 40 overnight.
- Why: This prescribed fire will reduce fuel loading in the project area. Additionally, it will provide protection to the Upper Rio de Flag watershed, which will reduce the ensuing risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent flood damage to the City of Flagstaff.
- Notes: There are no closures anticipated.
A map of the Horseshoe Wild Bill prescribed burn May 13 2024 .jpg
Horseshoe - Maxwell Springs project
- Tentative dates: May 14 through May 16 (3 days)
- Location: 11 miles northwest of Flagstaff: 2.5 miles north of Bellemont.
- Size: 581 acres
- Type of burn: Broadcast, initial entry. Initial entry burns mean wildfire has not been through the area in a very long time and thus results in thicker smoke due to a large amount of forest fuels being present that must be burned.
- Smoke impacts: Possible smoke impacts will be felt along Highway 180 and in and around Kendrick Park and Fort Valley area during the daytime. Possible smoke impacts may be felt in the Bellemont area and along Interstate 40 overnight.
- Why: This prescribed fire will reduce fuel loading in the project area. Additionally, it will provide protection to the Upper Rio de Flag watershed, which will reduce the ensuing risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent flood damage to the City of Flagstaff.
- Notes: There are no closures anticipated.
Alpine Ranger District plans Wallow West prescribed fire
The Alpine Ranger District plans to conduct prescribed fire operations across 4,582 acres on the Wallow West, Unit 4 East starting as early as May 14 and running through May 19, 2024 as weather conditions allow.
Fire managers will be monitoring weather conditions leading up to, during, and after implementation and will not burn during, or with high forecasted winds. Prescribed fire operations are contingent on multiple factors, including favorable weather conditions, air quality, and resource availability.
The project area is located 16 miles southwest of Alpine on Forest Road (FR) 25. The project area boundaries are east of FR 8780, west of FR 25H and the Black River. The southern boundary is a dozer line that was constructed during the Dart fire in 2023, and the northern boundary is FR 25.
Forest restoration objectives include reducing dead and down fuels from the Wallow fire, reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire by bringing the area into desired conditions, and enhancing herbaceous plants for forage.
The Alpine Fire Department will be on hand to assist Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests firefighters and will utilize this partnership opportunity to conduct important prescribed fire training.
The historic PS Knoll fire lookout tower is within the footprint of the Unit 4 East burn area, and fire crews cleared brush and other vegetation in the vicinity to protect this value at risk.
Smoke may be visible on FR 24 and FR 25 and may drift towards Hannagan Meadow and the Blue community. Information on air quality is available at https://www.airnow.gov/.
Prescribed fires support land management objectives by improving plant and wildlife habitat, reducing the threat of invasive species on the landscape, and help protect communities from extreme wildfires. This prescribed fire is within the Four Forest Restoration Initiative area (4FRI) and is part of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape and other treatments to improve forest health.
Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
Deadline Approaching in Arizona for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Drought
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 10 Arizona counties of the June 10, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Oct. 3, 2023.
- Primary Arizona counties: Gila, Maricopa and Pinal;
- Neighboring Arizona counties: Coconino, Graham, La Paz, Navajo, Pima, Yavapai and Yuma.
According to Sánchez, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Sánchez.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Sánchez added.
The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Oct. 10, 2023.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
BLM Arizona Strip District fire crews contain Black Fire off Interstate 15
BLM Arizona Strip District fire crews responded to the Black Fire off the Interstate-15 Black Rock exit near mile marker 27. The fire started at approximately 10:04 a.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Forward progression of the fire was stopped. The fire was mapped at 77 acres. Four engines, 1 water tender, and 1 Type 3 helicopter were dispatched to the incident. The fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the area.
Visit Inciweb for more information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasd-black-fire
Follow @BLMArizona on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Flickr.
High winds and low humidities halt Hidden-2 prescribed fire plans
Spring brings warmer weather, lower relative humidities, and high winds. This weather process tends to dry out fuels like grass, brush, and timber which can result in severe fire behavior that is not ideal for landscape benefit. Wind is especially troublesome because it threatens to move prescribed fire into unplanned areas or carry embers aloft beyond and outside of control lines.
Prescribed fires are generally conducted in the spring and again in the fall when weather conditions are favorable. Fire managers continually monitor weather conditions leading up to, during, and after implementation and will not burn during, or with forecasted high winds. Treatments typically involve thinning fuels and removing vegetation to reduce heavy fuel loads that can increase the risk of extreme wildfire events and using a risk-based approach to restore healthy fire to fire-adapted ecosystems. Prescribed fires support land management objectives by improving plant and wildlife habitat, reducing the threat of invasive species on the landscape, and help protect communities from extreme wildfires. The treatment areas modify wildfire behavior by reducing ladder fuels composed of vegetation on or just above the forest floor such as branches or low lying shrubs and trees that can carry fire from the ground to the tops of trees.
As summer approaches, the windows of opportunity for prescribed ignitions become less frequent. Changes in weather conditions and environmental considerations inevitability lead to fire managers postponing burns until later in the year when favorable weather conditions return.
The Black Mesa Ranger District had planned the Hidden 2 prescribed fire on 348 acres to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires. The Hidden 2 project west of Forest Lakes is part of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy and may be rescheduled in the fall.
The Lakeside Ranger District was gearing up for ignitions on the Doyle and Ortega units of the Lakeside East prescribed fire project that encompasses 2,254 acres. The Lakeside East project is within the Four Forest Restoration Initiative area (4FRI). This project southwest of Vernon may be postponed until later this year.
To learn more about how prescribed fire improves forest health go to our website, and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management highlights animal preparedness for National Pet Week
In recognition of National Pet Week, the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) honors the pets that bring joy to our lives and encourage responsible pet care and pet preparedness every day of the year. YCOEM collaborates with volunteer organizations such as Large Animal Shelter and Emergency Readiness (LASER) and Animal Disaster Services (ADS) to ensure the safety of our pets during emergencies.
For pet and domestic livestock owners, the well-being and security of animals are incredibly important in emergencies. LASER and ADS serve as essential community assets, offering support, shelter, and care for animals in times of crisis. Their expertise and commitment are
critical to promoting pet preparedness, reducing the burden on owners, and above all, ensuring animals are safe and well-cared-for.
Residents are encouraged to take the following steps to prepare their animals for emergencies:
- Create an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit containing food, water, medicines, and veterinary records.
- Plan for Evacuation: Identify safe locations for your animals and arrange a mode of transportation.
- Update Information: Maintain current photos of your animals and ensure that identification tags are updated with your latest address and phone number.
Ashley Ahlquist, Emergency Manager at YCOEM stated, "Our partnership with LASER and ADS significantly enhances our community's disaster response capabilities. Their concentrated efforts on animal care during emergencies are indispensable to our comprehensive preparedness
strategy."
For additional resources and information regarding animal preparedness and the services offered by LASER and ADS, please visit Laser-Shelter.org, AnimalDisasterServices.com, and YavapaiReady.gov/Animals.
Together, we can ensure that every member of our community, whether two-footed or four-footed, remains safe and prepared.
For information about Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management, please contact Sarah Townsley at 928-771-3321or email [email protected] or visit www.YavapaiReady.gov
Fire managers continue work today on the 3Echo prescribed burn project south of Flagstaff
Coconino National Forest fire managers will resume spring prescribed fire plans for the 3Echo prescribed burn project, looking to burn approximately 2,700 acres today 5 miles south of Flagstaff.
Yesterday’s burn was successful in treating 1,700 acres and went as planned with the weather and wind lifting and blowing smoke impacts up and away from the community.
Fire managers will conduct a test ignition today at 9:30 a.m. to ensure conditions are appropriate and safe for continuing with the burn project. If conditions are appropriate, fire managers will commence burning and a large smoke plume will be seen south of Flagstaff just southeast of the airport.
Successful prescribed burns require ideal conditions. Prescribed burns are termed such because they are conducted within a “prescription” that defines the fuel moisture levels, air temperatures, wind conditions, and relative humidity levels that are appropriate for each project.
“Hazardous fuels” – including pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees and decaying plant matter on forest floors – need to be dry enough to burn at a low rate of intensity, but not too dry as to burn hot and fast.
Planned prescribed burn projects will always be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind and humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plan.
More information about the relationship between prescribed fire and weather is available at coconinonationalforest.us, and the latest updates regarding prescribed fire plans on the Coconino National Forest can be found at inciweb.wildfire.gov.
3Echo Prescribed Burn Project (Flagstaff Ranger District)
- Dates: May 8 through May 10 (Wednesday through Friday). Duration: Three days. Location: 5 miles south of Flagstaff: Between Lower Lake Mary and Mountainaire.
- Size: 4,622 acres. Click here for the project map.
- Type of burn: Broadcast, maintenance.
- Smoke impacts: Smoke will be highly visible from the City of Flagstaff and all surrounding areas. Smoke is expected to travel in an east or northeast direction during ignitions, and possible daytime impacts will be felt on the east side of Flagstaff, along Interstate 40, at Walnut Canyon National Monument, along Lake Mary Road south of Flagstaff and in the Continental community. Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
- Why: This prescribed burn project will reduce hazardous forest fuels south of Flagstaff, thus lessening the risk of catastrophic unplanned wildfire during times of critical fire weather. This project also reintroduces fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem.
- Notes: There are no closures anticipated.
Speed limit lowered on Lake Mary Road to aid Wolf Fire backburning operations
The Coconino County Public Works Department has lowered the top speed limit to 35 mph along the southernmost 10 miles of Lake Mary Road in support of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) backburning operations for the Wolf Fire. The 35-mph speed limit is in effect on Lake Mary Road between Milepost 300.5, which is located about five miles south of Happy Jack, to the junction with State Route 87. Electronic message boards are also in place to notify motorists of the speed limit reduction.
The reduced speed limit is being implemented for the safety of firefighters who are working alongside Lake Mary Road, and for the traveling public due to potentially heavy smoke from backburning operations that could obscure visibility and create hazardous driving conditions.
USFS fire managers and the County are continually monitoring the smoke density in the backburning operations area, which is located adjacent to Lake Mary Road. Increases in smoke density could necessitate further speed limit reductions in the interest of public safety.
Located approximately three miles northwest of Clints Well, the lightning-caused Wolf Fire began on April 29, 2024. The USFS is now managing wildfire as a prescribe fire project to remove forest fuels – such as pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees, and other dry plant matter – that create hazardous conditions that could lead to potential catastrophic wildfire.
The reduced speed limit will remain in effect until conditions allow for the County to safely restore the normal speed limit along this section of Lake Mary Road.
Ignitions begin on lightning-caused Wolf Fire; area surrounding fire closed to public
Ignitions have started on the Wolf Fire, a lightning-sparked wildfire located about 3 miles northwest of Clints Well on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District.
A closure order has been issued for the area surrounding the wildfire.
Fire managers had already planned to treat the area of the Wolf Fire with the Clints prescribed fire project scheduled for later this month.
Despite the change in cause of ignition – from a planned prescribed fire to an unplanned naturally-sparked wildfire – fire managers will proceed with ignitions as part of an overall fire management plan to improve the health of the forest landscape.
Fire managers are looking to treat about 2,000 acres of land over the next few days and are hoping to treat 11,000 acres over the course of the next roughly two weeks.
The northern Arizona-based Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed management of the 6-acre Wolf Fire on Monday, May 6.
“We’re looking forward to using the Wolf Fire to accomplish several objectives for this piece of land,” said Deputy Incident Commander Jesse Causer. “The management techniques we’re implementing here allow us to reduce hazardous fuel loading, protect the nearby C.C. Cragin Watershed and fulfill our obligations to the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy.”
Heavy smoke impacts along Lake Mary Road are expected over the coming days. Speed limits in the Wolf Fire area – from mile post 300 to the junction of Highway 87 – will be temporarily reduced to allow for firefighter and public safety.
Motorists are asked to remain cognizant of fire personnel working in the area.
A temporary flight restriction has been issued for the area surrounding the Wolf Fire. Drone operators are asked to abide by the issued restrictions.
Lightning-caused wildfires allow an opportunity for land treatment: The removal of forest fuels – such as pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees and other dry plant matter – that create hazardous conditions that could lead to potential catastrophic wildfire.
Naturally-ignited wildfires work similarly to prescribed fires in that they allow fire managers to help fire fulfill its natural role in the northern Arizona ecosystem.
Land treatment using fire – whether it’s conducted as part of a planned prescribed fire or part of an unplanned wildfire – is an important part of the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to reduce the risk of wildfire to critical infrastructure and communities.
As part of the overall Wildfire Crisis Strategy, the Coconino National Forest is committed to restoring land and protecting watersheds – including work on the Cragin Watershed Protection Project – as part of the wider Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI).
Throughout the fire management process, fire managers will employ a strategic, risk-based response that is appropriate for changing conditions on the ground. This response will use a full range of management actions that consider fire and fuel conditions, weather, values at risk and resource availability.
Smoke is an unavoidable byproduct of land restoration work and wildfire. While early spring wind patterns typically funnel smoke upward for a wider distribution that will lessen smoke impact to nearby communities, area residents and visitors should be prepared for lingering smoke in the Wolf Fire area. More information is available at airnow.gov.
Capture.PNGLakeside Ranger District plans Doyle-Ortega prescribed fire
The Lakeside Ranger District plans to conduct prescribed fire operations across 2,254 acres starting as early as May 8 and running through May 15, 2024 as weather and vegetation conditions allow for successful operations. The Doyle (354 acres) and Ortega (1,900 acres) burn units are located directly to the southwest of Vernon and are situated along Forest Roads 44 and 3D.
Fire managers will be monitoring weather conditions leading up to, during, and after implementation and will not burn during, or with high forecasted winds. If conditions are favorable and ignitions occur, smoke will be visible from the City of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Vernon, McNary, Concho, Snowflake, and Springerville-Eagar. Smoke could also travel across Highways 60, 61, and 260 (with a northern wind). Smoke impacts could last for several days after initial ignitions take place but should be significantly less each day afterwards.
A public meeting will be held at the Vernon Fire Department on Monday, May 06, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Forest Service fire managers will be there to discuss the possibility for implementing the prescribed burn and will answer questions for those that may be impacted by smoke or are just interested in getting additional information.
Prescribed fires support land management objectives by improving plant and wildlife habitat, reducing the threat of invasive species on the landscape, and help protect communities from extreme wildfires. The treatment areas modify wildfire behavior by reducing ladder fuels composed of dead and live vegetation on, or just above the forest floor such as branches and needles or low lying shrubs and trees that can carry fire from the ground to the tops of trees.
This prescribed fire project also aims to improve wildlife habitat within hunting unit 3B. The burn treatment will improve range habitat for elk, mule deer, turkey, pronghorn, and bear.
This prescribed fire is within the Four Forest Restoration Initiative area (4FRI) and is part of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy to reduce wildfire risk to nearby communities and natural resources.
Information on air quality is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
A map of the Doyle Ortega prescribed fire May 3 2024.jpgCoconino National Forest to resume prescribed fire plans next week following rain-induced delay
Coconino National Forest fire managers will resume spring prescribed fire plans following an unexpected delay due to precipitation across northern Arizona.
“Last weekend’s snow and rain is an example of why we always frame our prescribed fire plans as ‘tentative’ until we can conduct our pre-project test fire,” said Jason Clawson, Coconino National Forest Fire Staff Officer.
Successful prescribed fire requires ideal conditions. “Hazardous fuels” – including pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees and decaying plant matter on forest floors – need to be dry enough to burn at a low rate of intensity, but not too dry as to burn hot and fast.
Planned prescribed fire projects will always be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind and humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plan.
More information about the relationship between prescribed fire and weather is available at coconinonationalforest.us, and the latest updates regarding prescribed fire plans on the Coconino National Forest can be found at inciweb.wildfire.gov.
Fire managers always start each prescribed fire with a test fire performed right before full ignitions, to ensure conditions are ideal to proceed with prescribed fire plans
“Conditions were just too wet to get the ideal results from any attempted ignition,” Clawson added. “If we attempted to burn earlier this week, we wouldn’t have had the results we were looking for.”
Projects planned for next week include:
Horseshoe (Peaks project area)
(Flagstaff Ranger District)
- Tentative dates: May 6 and May 7, 2024 (Monday and Tuesday).
- Duration: Two days.
- Location: 15 miles north of Flagstaff: North of the San Francisco Peaks and west of Highway 89.
- Size: 3,963 acres.
- Type of burn: Broadcast, maintenance. Maintenance burns usually mean wildfire has recently been through the area, which tends to mean less smoke since forest fuels will not be as thick or built up over time. Broadcast burning means firefighters use tools, such as drip torches, to move fire across large swaths of land.
- Smoke impacts: Smoke is expected to travel to the northeast during ignitions. Possible impacts will be felt along Highway 89. Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
- Why: This prescribed fire will reduce fuel loading north of Flagstaff, thus lessening the risk of catastrophic unplanned wildfire during times of critical fire weather. This project also reintroduces fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem.
- Notes: There are no closures anticipated. A helicopter may be used during this project to assist with aerial ignitions.
Blue Ridge Urban Interface
(Mogollon Rim Ranger District) (project map)
- Tentative dates: May 7 through May 10, 2024 (Tuesday through Friday).
- Duration: Four days.
- Location: 8.5 miles northeast of Clints Well: Near the Mogollon Rim Ranger Station
- Size: 1350 acres.
- Type of burn: Broadcast, maintenance.
- Smoke impacts: Smoke may impact Highway 87 and the Blue Ridge subdivisions, as well as possible impacts to the Winslow and Holbrook areas. Due to recent land treatments, smoke impacts are expected to be light in duration.
- Why: This project will continue 20 years of routine fire treatment in the Blue Ridge area to protect nearby infrastructure and maintain landscape health.
- Notes: There are no closures anticipated. However, Arizona Trail hikers are advised to avoid the project area.
3Echo (3E)
(Flagstaff Ranger District)
- Tentative dates: May 8 through May 10 (Wednesday through Friday).
- Duration: Three days.
- Location: 5 miles south of Flagstaff: Between Lower Lake Mary and Mountainaire.
- Size: 4,622 acres.
- Type of burn: Broadcast, maintenance.
- Smoke impacts: Smoke will be highly visible from the City of Flagstaff and all surrounding areas. Smoke is expected to travel in an east or northeast direction during ignitions, and possible daytime impacts will be felt on the east side of Flagstaff, along Interstate 40, at Walnut Canyon National Monument, along Lake Mary Road south of Flagstaff and in the Continental community. Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
- Why: This prescribed fire will reduce fuel loading south of Flagstaff, thus lessening the risk of catastrophic unplanned wildfire during times of critical fire weather. This project also reintroduces fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem.
- Notes: There are no closures anticipated.
Horseshoe (Wild Bill project area)
(Flagstaff Ranger District) (project map)
- Tentative dates: May 11 and May 12 (Saturday and Sunday).
- Duration: Two days.
- Location: 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff: 4.5 miles north of Bellemont
- Size: 3,960 acres
- Type of burn: Broadcast, initial entry. Initial entry burns mean wildfire has not been through the area in a very long time and thus results in thicker smoke due to a large amount of forest fuels being present that must be burned.
- Smoke impacts: Possible smoke impacts will be felt along Highway 180 and in and around Kendrick Park during the daytime. Possible smoke impacts may be felt in the Bellemont area and along Interstate 40 overnight.
- Why: This prescribed fire will reduce fuel loading in the project area. Additionally, it will provide protection to the Upper Rio de Flag watershed, which will reduce the ensuing risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent flood damage to the City of Flagstaff. Notes: There are no closures anticipated.
In addition to planned prescribed fire projects, the Coconino National Forest will continue beneficial land treatment methods as part of the Wolf Fire: a lightning-sparked wildfire located 3 miles northwest of Clints Well.
An increase in fire on the Coconino National Forest’s landscape is part of the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
During prescribed fire, smoke will be visible from several areas across the forest. Please refrain from contacting dispatch or 911 to report prescribed fires so lines can remain open for emergencies.
Prescribed fires are also subject to approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed fire projects on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest fire projects begin with the designator “COF.”
Fire managers take air quality concerns seriously and are trained to minimize smoke impacts to the greatest extent possible. The Coconino National Forest will continue to coordinate closely with partners to keep communities informed about projects and potential smoke. More information is available at airnow.gov.
PIO Peaks Project Rx.jpg BRUI_Visitor_map.jpg PIO 3 Echo (1).jpgBlack Mesa Ranger District works to reduce hazardous fuels
The Black Mesa Ranger District plans to conduct prescribed fire operations on 348 acres to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires.
Ignitions on the 348-acre Hidden 2 burn are planned to begin on May 6 and may continue through May 31, 2024. The prescribed project area is located approximately 3 miles west of Forest Lakes on the north side of Highway 260. This is a continuation of the Hidden timber stand improvement/fuels
reduction treatment in the area. The goal is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires. Weather conditions will determine the timing of ignitions.
Smoke and fire will be visible from Highway 260 and the community of Forest Lakes. Drivers are advised to reduce their speed when smoke impacts visibility in the area. Fire managers will monitor air quality conditions in and near the community of Forest Lakes. Prescribed fires support land management objectives by improving plant and wildlife habitat, reducing the threat of invasive species on the landscape, and help protect communities from extreme wildfires. These prescribed fires align with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy to reduce wildfire risk to nearby communities and natural resources. Air quality information can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/.
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A map of the Hidden Broadcast prescribed burn May 3 2024.jpgCoconino National Forest starting management of lightning-caused Wolf Fire near Clints Well
The Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District will begin managing a lightning-caused wildfire sparked earlier this week in an area already slated for a prescribed fire within the coming weeks.
The Wolf Fire, reported the morning of April 29, is roughly 1 acre and located about 3 miles northwest of Clints Well. Fire managers had planned to treat the area of the Wolf Fire with the Clints prescribed fire project scheduled for later this month and will be proceeding with land treatment plans following the lightning-sparked ignition.
“These opportunities give us the chance to help fire as it plays its natural role in our fire-adapted ecosystem,” said acting District Ranger True Brown. “We’d already planned to treat this piece of land using prescribed fire. Now, we’re just going to treat it with wildfire. We think this will be a great thing for our nearby communities.”
Lightning-caused wildfires allow an opportunity for land treatment: The removal of forest fuels – such as pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees and other dry plant matter – that create hazardous conditions that could lead to potential catastrophic wildfire.
While differing from a prescribed fire because they are unplanned, naturally-ignited wildfires use many of the same methods to allow fire managers to help fire fulfill its natural role in the northern Arizona ecosystem.
Fire managers aspire to treat roughly 11,000 acres of land over the course of the next two weeks. The northern Arizona-based Type 3 team has been ordered in to assume management of the Wolf Fire beginning Monday, May 6.
Throughout the fire management process, the team will employ a strategic, risk-based response that is appropriate for changing conditions on the ground. This response will use a full range of management actions that consider fire and fuel conditions, weather, values at risk and resource availability.
Ignitions will begin Monday, May 6. Fire managers hope to continue ignitions for roughly two weeks.
Land treatment using fire – whether it’s conducted as part of a planned prescribed fire or part of an unplanned wildfire – is an important part of the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to reduce the risk of wildfire to critical infrastructure and communities.
As part of the overall Wildfire Crisis Strategy, the Coconino National Forest is committed to restoring land and protecting watersheds – including work on the Cragin Watershed Protection Project – as part of the wider Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI).
Smoke is an unavoidable byproduct of land restoration work and wildfire. While early spring wind patterns typically funnel smoke upward for a wider distribution that will lessen smoke impact to nearby communities, area residents and visitors should be prepared for lingering smoke in the Wolf Fire area. More information is available at airnow.gov.
A closure order for the area of the Wolf Fire is expected to be issued soon.
Deadline approaching for SBA Working Capital Loans
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 16 New Mexico counties and neighboring counties in Arizona of the May 28, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Sept. 19, 2023.
Primary New Mexico counties: Hidalgo, Santa Fe, Torrance and Valencia;
Neighboring New Mexico counties: Bernalillo, Cibola, Grant, Guadalupe, Lincoln, Los Alamos, Luna, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval and Socorro;
Neighboring Arizona counties: Cochise and Greenlee.
According to Sánchez, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Sánchez.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Sánchez added.
The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Sept. 25, 2023.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Springerville Ranger District resumes Whiting prescribed fire
The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache- Sitgreaves National Forests plan to begin ignitions on the Whiting prescribed fire during the next available window of favorable weather conditions, potentially from April 30, 2024 through May 04, 2024. The prescribed fire unit is approximately 10 miles southeast of Vernon, near the Whiting homestead, and west of Forest Road 117.
In the fall of 2023, firefighters conducted black lining fire operations on the northern portion of the Whiting project and completed 1,226 acres of the 2,137 total acres, leaving 911 acres left to treat on the southern portion. Ignitions will depend on favorable weather conditions to achieve desired outcomes.
The Whiting prescribed fire project will aide in cleaning up dry climate grasses, ponderosa pine and the mixed conifer understory. Fire managers will work to mitigate impacts to values at risk within the unit that include nearby communities, private property, heritage sites, rangelands, and wildlife.
Smoke may impact the communities of Vernon and Springerville-Eagar, nearby private properties, and Highway 60. Drivers are cautioned that visibility may be reduced, especially in the overnight hours when smoke tends to form an inversion layer as it settles near the ground. Roads within the burn unit will not be closed but it is advised that individuals stay out of the area until the prescribed burn is completed. Information on air quality is available at https://www.airnow.gov/.
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WhitingRX_ PIO_20231010 (1).jpgDeadline Approaching in Arizona for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Drought
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 11 Arizona counties and neighboring counties in New Mexico of the May 28, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Sept. 19, 2023.
Primary Arizona counties: Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima and Santa Cruz;
Neighboring Arizona counties: Apache, Gila, Maricopa, Navajo, Pinal and Yuma;
Neighboring New Mexico counties: Catron, Grant and Hidalgo.
According to Sánchez, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Sánchez.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Sánchez added.
The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Sept. 25, 2023.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to California and some Arizona Small Businesses
Small nonfarm businesses in three California counties and neighboring counties in Arizona are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by monsoon, heavy rain and flash flooding in the following primary county that occurred Sept. 1, 2023.
- Primary California county: Imperial;
- Neighboring California counties: Riverside and San Diego;
- Neighboring Arizona counties: Yuma and La Paz.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Sánchez said.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Sánchez said.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on April 24.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to apply for economic injury is Dec. 24.