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The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Thursday, March 6
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Thursday, March 6 due to elevated levels of PM10 (dust).
Take Action
- Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
- Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
- Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting Maricopa.gov/AQ.
- Reduce your wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
- Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
- Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
- Properly seal household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air.
No Burn Day Restrictions
- Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
- Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
- Off-road vehicles are prohibited from being used.
Regulated Businesses
Businesses conducting dust-generating operations must be vigilant of their dust control measures. Workers may need to cease operating, after stabilizing disturbed areas, if water application and other dust control measures prove ineffective.
PM10 is coarse particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter that are generally emitted from sources such as vehicles traveling on unpaved roads, materials handling, and crushing and grinding operations, as well as windblown.
PM2.5 is fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that result from fuel combustion from motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial facilities, as well as from residential fireplaces and wood stoves.
*/ /*-->*/ Source Maricopa County Air Quality Department March 6, 2025 - 09:35am Keyword No Burn Day Maricopa County Maricopa County Air Quality Department burn restrictions PM10 dust PM2.5 pollutionPile Burning Planned in the Prescott Basin on the Bradshaw Ranger District
Fire managers on the Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District plan to burn piles of debris in and around the Prescott Basin. Ignitions are planned to start on Friday, March 7, and continue through March 31 as favorable weather conditions allow. Fire managers expect smoke impacts to be light and visible from multiple locations including Prescott, Chino Valley, and surrounding areas.
In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the pile burns as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.
The purpose of this project is to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface and increase ecosystem and community resilience following thinning and fuelwood removal activities. Reducing hazardous fuels helps reduce the threat of future high-severity, high-intensity wildfires.
All prescribed fire activity is dependent on several different factors which fire managers closely monitor prior to and during implementation. These factors include availability of personnel and equipment, weather, fuels and conditions that minimize smoke impacts as much as possible, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (www.azdeq.gov).
For fire information please call Prescott National Forest at (928)443 8000; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and X.
*/ /*-->*/ Source Prescott National Forest March 5, 2025 - 03:30pm Keyword Prescott National Forest pile burns Bradshaw Ranger District wildfire prevention fuel reduction smoke impacts Prescribed Fire ecosystem resilience hazardous fuels fire mitigationPile burns planned Wednesday, and Thursday
Coconino National Forest fire managers with the Flagstaff Ranger District plan to conduct pile burns today and tomorrow in several areas around the forest to take advantage of favorable weather conditions.
The piles to be burned are leftover slash from previous thinning projects and are ignited using drip torches and carefully monitored. Burning these piles help remove forest fuels and reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire.
Smoke will be noticeable to people in the immediate areas of these pile burns, and impacts may be felt during the day in areas north/northeast of the piles due to the general wind direction coming from the southwest. In evening hours, smoke impacts will be felt in areas adjacent to the pile burns, as smoke tends to settle and flow like water to lower areas of elevation.
The following pile burns are planned for today, March 5:
- Aspen Walker Lake piles: located 14.5 miles northwest of Flagstaff.
- Fern Mountain piles: located 12.5 miles northwest of Flagstaff, near Hart Prairie Preserve.
- Hochderffer Aspen piles: located 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff, northeast of Arizona Nordic Village.
The following pile burns are planned for tomorrow, March 6:
- Mormon Lake Work Center piles: located at the Coconino NF Mormon Lake Work Center off Lake Mary Road, just south of Bennett Estates.
- Naval Observatory piles: located 4 miles west of Flagstaff and north of the Naval Observatory.
- Peaks Admin piles: located behind the Flagstaff Ranger Station across from the Flagstaff Mall.
- Pine Grove Admin piles: located 15 miles southeast of the Flagstaff, adjacent to Pine Grove Campground.
Areas of County Within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to Enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Friday
After consultation with Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM), Forest Lakes Fire District, and the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2025.
This decision, per Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, follows similar Stage 1 fire restrictions enacted by USFS, Navajo County, and Apache County and will apply to all private property within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This includes the unincorporated community of Forest Lakes and all private campgrounds and recreation areas.
“Coconino County implements fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. CCEM continues to work closely with our fire mitigation partners at the federal, state, and local levels to determine if fire restrictions are needed, and if so, to what extent,” said Tim Carter, acting Emergency Management Director. “In coordination with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ decision to enter Stage 1 restrictions, Coconino County will also enact Stage 1 restrictions for all private lands within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in southeastern Coconino County.”
Under the County’s Stage 1 restrictions igniting, building, or maintaining a fire fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and/or coal is strictly prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site. The use of tracer or incendiary rounds of ammunition or explosive targets is also strictly prohibited. Fireworks are always prohibited on all National Forest and State lands.
Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed only in a developed recreation site. A developed recreation site is defined in the County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance as an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 15 feet of the device.
“Wildfire mitigation is the responsibility of all of us,” added Carter. “Now is a great time to improve defensible space around structures, clear pine needles and debris, and never leave fires unattended.”
For information on Coconino County’s Stage 1, 2, and 3 fire restrictions please visit: www.coconino.az.gov/firerestrictions.
Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, Forest Orders, and general forest conditions are available for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are available here: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
*/ /*-->*/ Source Coconino County February 27, 2025 - 05:05pm Keyword Stage 1 fire restrictions Coconino County wildfire prevention Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest fire mitigation burn ban defensible space fire safety emergency management recreation sites.
Fuels projects support wildfire risk reduction underway in Yavapai County
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) continues its ongoing efforts to protect Arizona’s residents and critical infrastructure with two fuels reduction projects in Yavapai County.
Ruger Ranch Phase 2
The 2,500-acre Ruger Ranch Phase 2 fuels reduction project spans north of Peeples Valley, southwest of Kirkland Junction, and west of SR 89.
The project, located on State Trust land, involves mastication work to reduce dense Chaparral within the large-scale treatment area. DFFM Foresters developed the project to protect Yavapai County’s rural communities of Kirkland, Peeples Valley, and Skull Valley from catastrophic wildfires.
Project work is expected to be completed by July 2025 pending no delays due to weather or fire restrictions. Residents in the Ruger Ranch area should expect to see contractor traffic near Ruger and Sorrells Roads, off SR 89.
Granite Oaks Phase 2
This 960-acre project is currently underway 9 miles northwest of Prescott and 2.5 miles southeast of the Williamson community.
Project goals include, reducing the connectivity of dense and hazardous fuels within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) through mastication work. Masticators are heavy pieces of equipment used to break apart and chip vegetation such as shrubs and small woody trees. Mastication helps break up fuel continuity which decreases fire spread and reduces a fire’s intensity.
Granite Oaks is a strategically designed project which provides wildland firefighters safer and more manageable fire suppression operations and ultimately, reduces the threat of high intensity fire burning through the area. Project operations take place on State Trust land parcels north and east of the community of Granite Oaks and will complement previous fuels mitigation efforts that border the Granite Oaks community.
There are no road closures associated with this project, but area residents should be mindful of heavy equipment traveling the roads.
The project is expected to be completed by December 2025 pending delays for fire restrictions, fire activity, or weather.
Ruger Ranch Phase 2 and Granite Oaks Phase 2 projects are just two of many hazardous fuels reduction projects for the agency that fall within DFFM’s prioritized objectives and mission to protect neighborhoods and communities from wildfire, improve the health of Arizona’s native vegetation and forests, and safeguard critical infrastructure.
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For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected].
Avian influenza found in dairy cattle in Maricopa County
On February 11, 2025 the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA), working in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), confirmed Arizona’s first identified H5N1 avian influenza detection in milk produced by a dairy herd in Maricopa County. As a protective measure, the facility is currently under quarantine. Unlike other detections involving B3.13 H5N1, cattle have not yet displayed signs of illness with this particular D1.1, but if clinical symptoms become evident, cattle will be isolated from the main herd.
This detection stemmed from AZDA’s implementation of the National Milk Testing Strategy initiated in January focusing on farm-level bulk tank testing. This detection of avian influenza is consistent with a D1.1 genotype and unrelated to the recent Nevada detection of this virus. This D1.1 genotype bears no features that would make it more likely to infect humans. Every dairy in Arizona has been tested at least once since January; thus far only a sample from this dairy has tested positive. Milk and other dairy products that have been pasteurized are safe to consume.
The health and safety of dairy workers and the public are AZDA's top priority. AZDA is working closely with the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health to provide worker safety guidance, monitor staff at the affected site, and prevent spread among livestock. Overall, the risk to the general public remains low. Individuals in close contact with dairy cattle may be at increased risk due to contact with potentially affected animals.
*/ /*-->*/ Source Arizona Department of Agriculture February 14, 2025 - 12:15pm Keyword influenza H5N1 avian influenza Arizona Department of Agriculture AZDA Arizona Department of Health Services ADHS Maricopa County Department of Public Health United States Department of Agriculture USDAFavorable weather helps firefighters, Brady Fire is now 60% contained
Due to minimal fire activity and current weather conditions, this will be the last Brady Fire update, unless significant changes occur. The Brady Fire has not grown, and containment increased to 60%. Fire objectives will remain the same, which include, providing for the safety of the public and fire resources, keeping the fire within its current footprint, and ensuring total suppression of the fire.
Firefighters will continue with suppression repair work, hazardous tree removal, and backhaul supplies. Patrolling, and monitoring lines along the perimeter and around interior fuels that may be smoldering will continue for the next several weeks. As a reminder, residents within the Brady Fire area need to travel with caution while driving on the roads as firefighters continue to work in and around the fire area.
For the health and safety of firefighters and residents affected, we ask that you please avoid the area around the Brady Fire. The public is reminded to always be cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of the time of year. We all have a role in preventing wildfires.
Below normal temperatures are forecast for today and tomorrow, with daytime highs in the low to mid 40s. Winds will be light out of the west, increasing up to 15 mph with gusts near 25 mph this afternoon. Rain/Snow showers will continue through the day.
Evacuations have been lifted per Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management News Release dated February 12, 2025: “After consultation with fire leadership, YCSO has decided to lift the GO status for zones YCU-2174-B and YCU-2216 as of 6:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 12th, 2025. The wildfire no longer poses a threat to the Pine Flats area. All roadblocks in the area were lifted at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14th, 2025. Until then, only residents of the evacuated area will be permitted access.” To receive emergency notifications, please sign up for Everbridge – Alert Yavapai at: https://member.everbridge.net/337829242601768/login
For Brady Fire information please call Ansgar Mitchell, at (928) 713-6349 (hours 7AM – 7PM); or following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Fire details:
- Start Date: February 10, 2025
- Cause: Under Investigation
- Location: North of Pine Flat on the Bradshaw RD
- Acres: 363
- Containment: 60%
- Fuels: Brush and Chaparral
- Resources: 2 Crews, 1 Engine
Brady Fire is now 49% contained, residents return to Ready status
Firefighters worked diligently yesterday constructing and securing a line along the fires edge increasing containment on the Brady Fire to 49%. The fire has had no additional growth and remains at 363 acres. Due to minimal fire activity and increased containment, fire managers have begun right-sizing resources and personnel attached to the incident. Crews, engines and support resources helping on the Brady Fire will be released, freeing them up to support other possible incidents across the Southwest. Remaining crews and engines will continue to monitor the fire's perimeter and begin suppression repair. There may be some lingering smoke as light interior fuels continue to burn.
For the health and safety of firefighters and residents affected, we ask that you please avoid the area around the Brady Fire. The public is reminded to always be cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of the time of year. We all have a role in preventing wildfires.
Mostly cloudy with an 80% chance of precipitation today. Snow showers likely this morning changing to rain showers this afternoon as a storm system moves across the fire area today through Saturday morning. The snow level will start out around 4500 feet Thursday morning and then rise to 7500 feet Thursday night.
Evacuations have been lifted per Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management News Release dated February 12, 2025: “After consultation with fire leadership, YCSO has decided to lift the GO status for zones YCU-2174-B and YCU-2216 as of 6:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The wildfire no longer poses a threat to the Pine Flats area. All roadblocks in the area will be lifted at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025. Until then, only residents of the evacuated area will be permitted access.” To receive emergency notifications, please sign up for Everbridge – Alert Yavapai at: https://member.everbridge.net/337829242601768/login
Firefighters will be using a full suppression strategy to achieve 100 percent containment of the Brady Fire. The cause of the Brady Fire is under investigation.
For Brady Fire information please call Ansgar Mitchell, at (928) 713-6349 (hours 7AM – 7PM); or following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Fire details:
- Start Date: February 10, 2025
- Cause: Under Investigation
- Location: North of Pine Flat on the Bradshaw RD
- Acres: 363
- Containment: 49%
- Fuels: Brush and Chaparral
No longer threatened by Brady Fire, Pine Flats residents may return home and back to Ready Status
The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) has been working in close collaboration with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), Prescott
National Forest, and other fire agencies involved with the Brady Fire south of Mayer, Arizona.
After consultation with fire leadership, YCSO has decided to lift the GO status for zones YCU-2174-B and YCU-2216 as of 6:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 12th, 2025. The wildfire no longer poses a threat to the Pine Flats area. All roadblocks in the area will be lifted at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14th, 2025. Until then, only residents of the evacuated area will be permitted access.
Please note that emergency vehicles and fire apparatus may still be in the area as they work on operations for the fire. We ask that residents use caution and allow these emergency personnel to carry out their duties without interference.
We sincerely thank everyone for their cooperation, patience, and understanding during this time. We are especially grateful to the brave individuals who have tirelessly worked on the fire, ensuring the safety of our community and protecting vulnerable people and structures. A special thank you to our volunteer organizations: the American Red Cross for opening up an evacuation center, Large Animal Sheltering and Emergency Readiness (LASER) for sheltering barn animals, Animal Disaster Services (ADS) for sheltering domesticated pets, and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) for providing
emergency communication support.
We remind all Yavapai County residents of the importance of maintaining READY, preparing for, and staying aware of any possible hazards threatening your community. Register for emergency alerts at www.ycsoaz.gov/ENS, make an emergency evacuation and communication plan, and follow reputable and reliable sources for information.
Residents in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County should visit Protect.Genasys.com to find their evacuation zone. Write your zone ID down and keep it in an easily accessible place.
For more information on how to be prepared for wildfires and other emergencies, please visit www.yavapaiready.gov
*/ /*-->*/ Source Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management February 12, 2025 - 06:25pm Keyword wildfire Yavapai County Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management Prescott National Forest Brady Fire Mayer Arizona Ready statusBrady Fire Update and Notification for Public Health and Safety
Cooler evening temperatures along with firefighters and the help of air support kept the Brady Fire from growing yesterday. Air support assisted firefighters on the ground by dropping retardant slowing active fire behavior. After more accurate mapping the Brady Fire is holding at 363 acres. Crews will continue constructing line along the fires edge and securing where achievable. The assessment of values at risk and protection efforts needed will resume in the community of Pine Flat. With increased afternoon forecasted winds out of the southwest crews will focus on the northern portion of fire keeping active fire inside the exiting footprint.
The Brady Fire which started on February 10, 2025, is estimated to be 363 acres and is burning west of Mayer, Arizona near the community of Pine Flats. As dry fuels continue to consume, smoke will be visible from surrounding communities.
For the health and safety of firefighters and residents affected, we ask that you please avoid the area around the Brady Fire. Yavapai County Sheriff's Office has closed County Road 177 into Pine Flat. The public is reminded to always be cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of the time of year. We all have a role in preventing wildfires.
Below normal temperatures are forecast for today and tomorrow, with daytime highs in the low to mid 40s. Winds will be light out of the west, increasing up to 15 mph with gusts near 25 mph this afternoon. Rain/Snow showers will begin on Thursday. Precipitation looks to begin around 0500, and likely will start as snow Thursday morning. Throughout the day Thursday snow levels look to climb, turning the precipitation type to rain for the burn area. Rain and snow showers will continue through the end of the week.
Evacuations are in place for residents of Pine Flat. For current evacuation information and shelter locations please call Yavapai County Sheriff’s at (928) 771-3260. To receive emergency notifications, please sign up for Everbridge – Alert Yavapai at: https://member.everbridge.net/337829242601768/login
Firefighters will be using a full suppression strategy to achieve 100 percent containment of the Brady Fire. The cause of the Brady Fire is under investigation.
For Brady Fire information please call Ansgar Mitchell, at (928) 713-6349 (hours 7AM – 7PM); or following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Fire details:
- Start Date: February 10, 2025
- Cause: Under Investigation
- Location: North of Pine Flat on the Bradshaw RD
- Acres: 363
- Containment: 0%
- Fuels: Brush and Chaparral
- Resources: 4 Crews, 16 Engines, 1 Bulldozer, 2 Helicopters
Residents in two zones near Brady Fire remain in GO status; Shelters available in Cordes Lakes
The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) is working closely with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), Prescott National Forest, and other fire agencies involved with the Brady Fire near Mayer, Arizona.
At this time, zones YCU-2174-B and YCU-2216 are still on GO status.
Go means LEAVE immediately. Do not wait. Gather only essential items and leave as quickly as possible to ensure your safety. Visibility in the area may be reduced, and roads and evacuation routes can become blocked.
The American Red Cross has MOVED the evacuation shelter to the Cordes Lakes Community Center, located at 16375 S. Cordes Lakes Drive in Cordes Lakes, for residents who have evacuated. If you need shelter, please call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED-CROS).
Sheltering for barn animals is near Arizona Downs, located at 10445 County Fair Trail, Prescott Valley, AZ, 86315, provided by Large Animal Sheltering and Emergency Readiness (LASER).
Sheltering for domestic household pets is available at Glassford Hill Middle School, 6901 E. Panther Path, Prescott Valley, AZ, 86315, provided by Animal Disaster Services. If you need sheltering for your pet, please call 928-642-0758.
We remind all Yavapai County residents of the importance of maintaining READY, preparing for, and staying aware of any possible hazards threatening your community. Register for emergency alerts at www.ycsoaz.gov, make an emergency evacuation and communication plan, and follow reputable and reliable sources for information.
Residents in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County should visit Protect.Genasys.com to find their evacuation zone. Write your zone ID down and keep it in an easily accessible place. For more information on how to be prepared for wildfires and other emergencies, please visit www.yavapaiready.gov
*/ /*-->*/ Source Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management February 11, 2025 - 05:54pm Keyword wildfire smoke Prescott National Forest Yavapai County Ready Set Go! SET statusBrady Fire grows to 400 acres near Pine Flats; evacuations in place as crews work toward containment
Today fire crews with the assistance of heavy equipment, where feasible, will continue to make access to the portions of the fire’s perimeter and construct line along the fires edge. The assessment of values at risk and protection efforts needed will resume. With forecasted winds, crews will look for opportunities to slow the fires progression to the north. Little growth was reported last night as cooler temperatures moderated fire behavior.
The Brady Fire which started on February 10, 2025, is estimated to be 400 acres and is burning west of Mayer, Arizona near the community of Pine Flats. As dry fuels continue to consume, smoke will be visible from surrounding communities.
For the health and safety of firefighters and residents affected, we ask that you please avoid the area around the Brady Fire. Yavapai County Sheriff's Office has closed County Road 177 into Pine Flat.
Below normal temperatures are forecast for today as an approaching storm brings 15-25 mph gusty winds out of the southwest. No precipitation is expected today, but there is a chance for snow showers on Wednesday afternoon.
Evacuations are in place for residents of Pine Flat. For current evacuation information and shelter locations please call Yavapai County Sheriff’s at 928-771-3260; for assistance in evacuation call 911.
Firefighters will be using a full suppression strategy to achieve 100 percent containment of the Brady Fire. The cause of the Brady Fire is under investigation.
Fire details:
- Acres: 400
- Start Date: February 10, 2025
- Location: North of Pine Flat on the Bradshaw RD
- Cause: Under Investigation
- Personnel: 146
- Fuels: Brush and Chaparral
- Containment: 0%
- Resources: 5 Crews | 15 Engines | 1 Bulldozers
For Brady Fire information please call Ansgar Mitchell, at 928-713-6349 (hours 7AM – 7PM); or following us on Facebook and Twitter.
*/ /*-->*/ Source Prescott National Forest February 11, 2025 - 08:40am Keyword Brady Fire wildfire Mayer Arizona Pine Flats fire containment evacuations smoke impacts fire suppression Yavapai County heavy equipment.Brady Fire evacuation status
The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) is working closely with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) and other fire agencies involved with the Brady Fire near Mayer, Arizona.
At this time, YCSO has put zones YCU-2174-B and YCU-2216 on GO status. LEAVE immediately. Do not wait. Gather only essential items and leave as quickly as possible to ensure your safety. Visibility in the area may be reduced, and roads and evacuation routes can become blocked. If you do not leave now, you could be trapped or injured, and there is no guarantee that first responders will be able to assist you. Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety officials and reputable sources.
Please be advised that fire apparatus and emergency vehicles are actively operating in the area. We urge all residents and travelers to keep roads clear to allow these vehicles to maneuver. Exercise caution when driving, and do not obstruct the path of emergency responders. Your cooperation is crucial in allowing them to reach affected locations quickly and safely.
The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation shelter at Mayer High School, located at 17300 E Mule Deer Dr, Spring Valley, AZ 86333, for residents that have evacuated.
Sheltering for barn animals is available at Arizona Downs, located at 10445 County Fair Trail, Prescott Valley, AZ, 86315, provided by Large Animal Sheltering and Emergency Readiness (LASER).
We remind all Yavapai County residents of the importance of maintaining READY status, preparing for, and staying aware of any possible hazards threatening your community. Register for the emergency notification system at www.ycsoaz.gov, make an emergency evacuation and communication plan, and follow reputable and reliable sources for information. Residents in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County should visit Protect.Genasys.com to identify their evacuation zone. Record this information and keep it in an easily accessible place within your home. For more information on how to be prepared for
wildfires and other emergencies, please visit www.yavapaiready.gov
Firefighters respond to the Brady Fire south of Mayer, AZ
This afternoon around 3:00 P.M., resources from Prescott National Forest and AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management responded to a wildfire south of Mayer, Arizona near the community of Pine Flats off Forest Road 67. The Prescott Hot Shots, several Engines, and a Type 2 crew are on scene and have begun suppression efforts. The Brady fire is estimated to be 400 acres and is burning brush and grass. Smoke can be seen from surrounding communities including Prescott, Chino Valley, Prescott Valley and Crown King. Additional resources have been ordered including air support.
An approaching storm will deliver gusty southwest winds the next couple of days. There is a chance for increased moisture Tuesday to Wednesday; with a possible chance of snow showers on Wednesday, but the forecast is for little to no accumulation.
Firefighters will be using a full suppression strategy to achieve 100 percent containment of the Brady Fire. The cause of the Brady Fire is under investigation.
For current evacuation information please call Yavapai County Sheriff’s at 928-771-3260; for assistance in evacuation call 911.
For the health and safety of firefighters and residents affected, we ask that you please avoid the area around the Brady Fire.
For information, call 928-713-6349 from 7AM – 7PM; or following the Prescott National Forest on Facebook and Twitter.
Arizona Forestry begins fuels reduction project at Oracle State Park to mitigate wildfire risk
The Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) has started a fuels reduction project within Oracle State Park in an ongoing effort to protect Arizona’s communities and improve the health of the state’s
diverse landscapes.
DFFM foresters designed the 36-acre Cherry Project to reduce the wildfire threat to the park and nearby communities as well as to improve the resiliency of Arizona’s native vegetation.
The strategically designed project consists of reducing the density of the shrubs, including Pointleaf manzanita and Catclaw to decrease the chances of a high intensity fire moving through the area. Plus, reducing the overgrown vegetation provides a healthier space for established oak species to grow. Fuels crews will pile debris as they work which will then be burned off at a later time. In addition, crews will be using herbicide treatment to prevent resprout and reduce any non- native vegetation within the project area.
The Cherry Project is located along the southwest side of Oracle State Park and adjacent to the Coronado National Forest boundary. Project work will not impact visitors to the state park and is expected to be completed by March 2025.
For more information contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected]
*/ /*-->*/ Source https://dffm.az.gov/ February 10, 2025 - 09:45am Keyword fuels reduction wildfire prevention Oracle State Park Cherry Project vegetation management native species fire mitigation Arizona Forestry habitat restoration Coronado National Forest.Pile Burn operations planned for several at State Parks mid February
Over the next few weeks, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) plans to conduct pile burn operations at three Arizona state parks. DFFM supports Arizona State Parks and Trails every year with their fuels mitigation projects by providing qualified fire personnel to burn off debris piles leftover from their project work.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
On Tuesday, February 11, DFFM will burn off piles along the southwest and northwest sides of Dead Horse Ranch State Park in
Cottonwood. Ignitions to the 25-acre project are planned for 9:00am and should take a few hours to complete. Firing operations will be monitored and adjusted according to the weather and fire behavior. The project may be visible to the community of Cottonwood. Smoke is expected to move to the north/northeast with some minor impacts to the park and the town. Crews will monitor the piles overnight and through the following day checking for any residual heat.
Picacho Peak State Park
On Wednesday, February 12, firing operations will take place at Picacho Peak State Park, southeast of Eloy. This project is also a
25-acre pile burn on the southwest side of the park. Due to the location of the burn, smoke will be very visible to drivers along I-10. Smoke may impact the nearby RV park and homes within the vicinity of the burn. In addition, drivers along I-10 should be advised to use caution through the area. Ignitions are expected to begin around 9:00am.
Lost Dutchman State Park
On Tuesday, February 18, DFFM will start a pile burn operation at Lost Dutchman State Park, northeast of Apache Junction. Project work takes place on the southeast side of the park and away from active campgrounds. Approximately 25-acres in piles will be treated. Smoke will be visible to park visitors, along SR-88, and some residents of Apache Junction. Ignitions are tentatively planned for 10:00am.
These pile burn operations help reduce leftover debris from prior, ongoing fuels work conducted by Arizona State Parks and Trails staff to reduce the fire threat to their parks and adjacent communities. Dead Horse Ranch, Picacho Peak, and Lost Dutchman State Parks will remain open to visitors. All prescribed fire projects, whether pile burns or broadcast burns are weather dependent and can be rescheduled or postponed due to resource availability or unfavorable weather conditions. Projects must have approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality prior to burning.
For day-of prescribed fire project information:
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Arizona Forestry conducting prescribed fire projects next week
The recent moisture across the state provides an opportunity for the Arizona Department of Forestry and
Fire Management (DFFM) to begin two prescribed fire projects on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The projects include a pile burn operation east of Flagstaff and a broadcast burn southwest of Buckeye. In total, project managers plan to treat approximately 30 acres and each project should take one day to complete.
Flagstaff Programmatic Pile Burn:
The Flagstaff Programmatic Pile Burn is a 20-acre project intended to reduce debris piles leftover from prior fuels mitigation on State Trust land. Pile burning helps further safeguard nearby infrastructure and private lands and provides a more efficient way to reduce that leftover debris. DFFM hand crews already started project prep work around the piles. The project is located on the east side of Flagstaff and one mile south of I-40. Project managers expect winds to push smoke to the northeast with very minimal smoke impacts
to nearby neighborhoods or the interstate. Ignitions are expected to start around 9:00 am and should be completed by the late afternoon.
Arlington RX Fire:
The Arlington prescribed burn is a 10-acre broadcast burn designed to reduce hazardous fuel and invasive species within the Arlington Wildlife Area. The project also aids with habitat restoration to the wildlife areas. Project managers expect some smoke impacts to the communities of Buckeye, Goodyear, and Arlington due to forecast winds out of the southeast. Ignitions are expected to begin late morning with project work completed by the end of the day. The project is located southwest of Arlington and approximately 15 miles
southwest of Buckeye. Prescribed fires are an effective tool to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. At the same time they help improve the health of Arizona’s forests, provide for watershed protection, and enhancement of wildlife habitats. Prescribed fires act as a cleansing mechanism to remove ground litter, invasive species, and overcrowded vegetation. All prescribed fire projects whether pile burns or broadcast burns are weather dependent. DFFM works closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to ensure safe burning conditions with minimal smoke impacts. All projects must have approval from ADEQ prior to ignitions. Prescribed burns are weather dependent and can be cancelled or rescheduled due to unfavorable weather conditions.
For day-of prescribed fire project information: Follow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry
Follow us on Twitter – https://x.com/azstateforestry
Download or mobile phone application – https://www.apexmobile.net/app/azdffm/
For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected]
*/ /*-->*/ Source Department of Forestry and Fire Management January 31, 2025 - 02:25pm Keyword Prescribed Fire Arizona Forestry Flagstaff Buckeye Arlington Wildlife Area fuel reduction wildfire prevention smoke impacts habitat restoration Air QualityContinuing prescribed fire activity planned on the Lakeside Ranger District
Fire managers plan to continue prescribed fire operations on the Lakeside Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests between January 30 through January 31, 2025, as weather and vegetation conditions allow for successful operations.
The Lewis Canyon prescribed fire piles project is 2 acres of piles located directly south of Pinedale, Arizona in the Lewis Canyon Campground on Forest Road 130.
The objective of this prescribed fire project is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations, minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires, and return the landscape to a more fire-resistant condition, aligning with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. The Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy aims to reduce wildfire risk to people, communities, and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient fire-adapted forests.
Smoke may be visible from the communities of Pinedale, Clay Springs, Vernon, the City of Show Low, Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, and along State Routes 77 and 260 and U.S. Highway 60. Smoke could last for several days after initial ignitions take place, but should be significantly less each day afterwards. We recognize that smoke can impact residents, visitors, and our fire personnel. We will continue to coordinate closely with our partners and communities to minimize smoke impacts as much as possible.
The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program. When smoke impacts are present, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality recommends that smoke sensitive individuals should reduce physical activity and stay indoors with windows and doors closed. For those who are unable to avoid smoke exposure, use of a particulate-filtering respirator mask can help. Real-time mapping of smoke and other air quality impacts is available at fire.airnow.gov.
Visit the A-S National Forests website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf and follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/
*/ /*-->*/ Source Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest January 30, 2025 - 11:20am Keyword Prescribed Fire Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Lakeside Ranger District Lewis Canyon wildfire risk reduction smoke impacts Air Quality Pinedale Arizona Wildfire Crisis Strategy fuel reduction.Tonto National Forest schedules pit burns near Payson
Tonto National Forest firefighters are planning five “pit burns” on the Payson Ranger District beginning tomorrow and continuing through March as weather and related conditions permit.
The Payson Pits prescribed fire project will remove assorted woody fuels resulting from clearing projects on federal and private lands. The Tonto’s Facebook and ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) social media pages will post specific start dates and projected end times for each prescribed fire.
Each pit is approximately two acres and includes debris from National Forest System lands, area cooperators and local property owners. Fire specialists will oversee burning at the following locations:
- Chase Pit, located 11 miles north of Payson, Arizona.
- Conner Pit, located 20 miles south of Young, Arizona, on the Globe-Young Highway near mile marker 281.
- Gisela Pit, located one mile north of Gisela, Arizona.
- Pleasant Valley Pit, located two miles south of Young, Arizona, on the Globe-Young Highway near mile marker 304.
- Ponderosa Pit, located 12 miles east of Payson on State Route 260 at mile marker 265.
For additional information about the above projects, contact the Payson Ranger Station located at 1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, Arizona. Or phone the station at (928) 474-7900 Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
*/ /*-->*/ Source Tonto National Forest January 28, 2025 - 04:14pm Keyword Tonto National Forest pit burns Payson Payson Ranger District Payson Pits
Coconino National Forest fire managers pivot to pile burns following Monday snow
Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to continue pile burning this week following Monday’s snowstorm.
Firefighters will ignite piles located in three different areas of the Flagstaff Ranger District this week, and smoke is expected to be widely visible during burning.
The Coconino National Forest uses the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page to relay last-minute project changes with the public should planned projects not proceed due to wind, weather, or other reasons.
Snowbowl Road pile burn:
- Date: Tuesday, Jan. 28
- Location: North of Flagstaff. Along Snowbowl Road 2 miles north of U.S. Route 180.
- Smoke Impact: Smoke will be noticeable along Snowbowl Road and from portions of Flagstaff, including Fort Valley and along U.S. Route 180.
Willard TS and Horse Park pile burn:
- Date: Tuesday, Jan. 28
- Location: South of Flagstaff. Roughly 2-to-3 miles north of Munds Park, on the east side Interstate 17.
- Smoke Impact: Smoke will be highly noticeable from Interstate 17.
White Horse Pit pile burn:
- Date: Tuesday, Jan. 28
- Location: 14 miles north of Flagstaff. Near the junction of Hart Prairie Road and Freedline Drive, 14 miles north of Flagstaff.
- Smoke impact: Smoke will be visible from U.S. Route 180.
Last week’s tentative plans to continue working on Crater Sinks—located 12 miles southwest of Flagstaff – have been put on hold until conditions are more suitable to continue work on the project.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.
SMOKE IMPACTS
Fire managers take air quality concerns seriously and seek to minimize smoke impacts to the greatest extent possible. Despite the benefits of prescribed burns, we are aware that members of the community can be sensitive to the smoke produced. We coordinate closely with partners to keep communities informed about projects and potential smoke, as well as try to mitigate impacts to communities as much as possible. One tool to use to track air quality and smoke impacts is fire.airnow.gov.
A public hotline is available at 928-226-4608 for the public to leave their name and number if they would like to speak to fire leadership regarding smoke impacts and prescribed burn concerns.
*/ /*-->*/ Source Coconino National Forest January 28, 2025 - 09:15am Keyword Coconino National Forest prescribed burns Flagstaff smoke impacts Snowbowl Road Air Quality Munds Park Fire Management InciWeb updates public hotline