Emergency Information
Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project to Continue This Week Near Williams
Kaibab National Forest fire managers plan to continue prescribed fire treatments on additional units of the Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project north of Williams beginning Tuesday of this week. 2050 acres have been successfully treated to date with approximately 5350 acres remaining.
Operations may continue throughout the week as weather conditions permit. Daily ignitions will only occur when environmental factors align with the required prescription that will achieve desired results and meet land management objectives.
The 7400 acre prescribed burn area is located just north of the City of Williams and Interstate 40, east of Forest Road 124, and west of Airport Road and Highway 64. Goals of the prescribed fire treatment include decreasing the threat of unnatural severe wildfire by reducing accumulated fuels, improving forest health, and reintroducing fire to the landscape that aligns with the desired historical condition.
The project will be broken into smaller units that will be scheduled to be burned on days that will help to allow smoke to disperse away from developed areas and ventilate quicker reducing the impacts to local communities.
Area residents can expect to see and hear a helicopter in the area, as aerial ignitions will occur on portions of the burn. Smoke will be highly visible from the City of Williams and from roadways and recreation areas in the general vicinity of this project. Specific areas from which smoke is likely to be noticeable include H.A. Clark Memorial Field airport, Kaibab Lake, portions of State Route 64, Valle, the City of Williams, and Interstate 40. Smoke is expected to lift during the day and travel northeast toward Red Lake Valley. However, cooler overnight temperatures may cause smoke to settle into low-lying areas surrounding the burn location.
Fire managers are aware that community members may be sensitive to the smoke produced, and they make every effort to limit the amount and duration of production. Prescribed fires with short-term impacts to air quality can help prevent future severe unplanned wildfires under unpredictable conditions with smoke that may pose significant risks to public health and safety.
To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
No road or trail closures are planned as part of this project however motorists are reminded to watch for traffic control personnel on Interstate 40 and the Highway 64 corridor and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active project areas.
All prescribed burns are subject to approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Members of the public may view approved prescribed burns for any given day on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov/
Notifications of upcoming prescribed fire projects are provided regularly by news releases throughout the year and through the following sources:
• InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/
• Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
• Fire Information Recorded Hotline: (928) 635-8311
Coconino National Forest tentatively plans prescribed burns next week
- When: Monday (Nov. 4).
- Where: Approximately 8 miles northwest of Flagstaff, near the Fort Valley Trailhead. GPS: 35.270153, -111.677685
- Size: 302 acres total, in two burn blocks.
- Duration: 1-day operation.
- Method/Type of burn: This is a broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches. The burn is an operation in partnership with the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Center, Northern Arizona University and the Ecological Research Institute to study the effects of consistent return intervals of low-intensity fire.
- Smoke Impacts: With a westerly wind forecast, smoke should move northeast towards Schultz Pass. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn, potentially impacting Doney Park, Baderville, Fort Valley, the U.S. Highway 180 corridor and Rio de Flag river drainage.
- Closures/Restrictions: The Arizona National Scenic Trail will be rerouted during the burn operations for visitor’s safety.
- When: Monday-Thursday (Nov. 4-7).
- Where: Approximately 6.5 miles southeast of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District office, west of Leonard Canyon. GPS: 34.540829, -111.104980
- Size: 2,900 acres total. Daily acreage varies upon the conditions. Day 1 is planned for 600 acres.
- Duration: This is a four-day burn operation.
- Type of Burn: This is a broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches. This burn operation will reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, protect private property, benefit wildlife habitat and improve forest health.
- Smoke Impacts: Daytime winds are forecast from the southwest. Smoke should lift and disperse toward the northeast of the project area during the day. Overnight smoke could settle in the local burn area, Blue Ridge communities, and will probably drain down East Clear Creek. Smoke may end up in the eastern side of the Verde Valley until daytime temperatures rise enough to lift the smoke into the transport winds.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
- Additional Information: Each day the burn block will be ignited independently after the project's burn prescription and smoke impacts are evaluated.
- When: Possibly Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (Nov. 5-7), dependent on weather conditions and possible smoke impacts. An alternative to this burn is the Mint 4 & 5 project listed below.
- Where: Approximately 3 miles northeast of Kendrick Park. GPS: 35.437863, -111.705663
- Size: 2,528 acres total. Daily burn blocks will be smaller.
- Duration: This will be a 2- or 3-day operation.
- Method/Type of burn: This is an initial-entry broadcast burn using drip torches and helicopter aerial ignitions. The use of a helicopter is to ensure the burn is conducted in a quicker timeframe, as well as access areas typically unreachable for firefighters. The burn operation will reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health and protect private property.
- Smoke Impacts: Due to this being an initial-entry broadcast burn, smoke will be thicker than normal, as forest fuels will be dense. Smoke is forecast to move toward the northeast, away from Kendrick Park and the U.S. Hwy 180 corridor. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn impacting Kendrick Park, White Horse Park and the U.S. Hwy 180 and 89 north corridors.
- Closures/Restrictions: The Arizona National Scenic Trail will be rerouted during the burn operations for visitor’s safety.
- When: Possibly Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (Nov. 5-7) dependent on weather conditions and smoke impacts. This operation is an alternative to the Slate 4 burn operation.
- Where: Approximately 31 miles south of Flagstaff, immediately south of Mormon Lake Village. GPS: 34.848744, -111.452362
- Size: 754 acres total, burning 322 acres the first day.
- Duration: If selected as the alternate, this will be a 2- or 3-day operation.
- Method/Type of burn: This is a broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches. The burn operation will reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health and protect private property.
- Smoke Impacts: Smoke forecast is to move toward the west and southwest away from Bear Park community and the Lake Mary Road corridor. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn, potentially effecting Bear Park, Mormon Lake Village and other communities near the Lake Mary Road corridor.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
Coconino NF: tentative plans for prescribed burns next week
As the weather continually changes this time of year, Coconino National Forest firefighters make plans to conduct prescribed burns and also alternate plans to focus on burns at locations where weather changes may help mitigate smoke impacts.
These burns are among the prescribed burn projects planned for the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District this fall and are part of a strategy to allow fire across the landscape in order to restore forests to healthier conditions, protect watersheds and improve the safety of the communities around them.
Frequent, low-intensity fire removes accumulated smaller fuels and recycles nutrients in the soils to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat. A healthier forest is a safer forest for firefighters and residents when wildfires inevitably occur.
The prescribed burn projects listed below are in chronological order and may occur on days other than noted, depending on favorable weather conditions. Firing ignitions for each of these projects begin at approximately 10 a.m. on the mornings indicated.
Sawmill
- When: Likely Monday (Oct, 28).
- Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Six miles south of Mormon Lake Village. North of Stoneman Lake Road on the immediate east side of Lake Mary Road. GPS: 34.8177200, -111.4269700
- Size: 800 acres.
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches. The burn is being conducted to reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health, and to protect private property.
- Smoke Impacts: Daytime winds are predicted to be out of the southwest, so smoke will disperse to the northeast of the project area. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas near Hutch Mountain.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected. If smoke is on Lake Mary Road, traffic control may be used.
Slate 4
- When: Possibly Tuesday (Oct. 29).
- Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. 16 miles north of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.446216, -111.703208.
- Size: 2,528 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast initial-entry burn conducted by drip torch and helicopter. This burn is located in a strategic area to protect Kendrick Park, White Horse Park and Snowbowl Estates by removing dense forest fuels that could endanger the communities if a severe wildfire started in the area.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the north and then switch southerly later in the day. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and White Horse Canyon. This will likely impact U.S. Highways 180, 89, Kendrick Park, White Horse Park and Snowbowl Estates. Since this is an initial-entry burn, smoke will be thicker than normal.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
Victorine
- When: Planned for Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 29 & 30).
- Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Five miles east of C.C. Cragin Reservoir along Leonard canyon GPS: 34.540840, -111.104972
- Size: 600+ acres per day (3,000 acres total).
- Duration: Four to five days (unlikely to be in the same week).
- Method/Type of Burn: Maintenance burn conducted by drip torch and helicopter to protect private lands and wildlife habitat.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the south. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn. Smoke could impact the local community and Payson.
Upper Lake Mary 3
- When: Wednesday (Oct. 30).
- Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Approximately 15 miles southeast of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.014971, -111.463811
- Size: 919 acres.
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: This is a initial-entry burn conducted by drip torch and helicopter. This burn’s specific objectives are to protect Pine Grove Campground and Lake Mary Road corridor from any southwesterly fire threats and to help lessen any potential wildland fires that may start near Pinegrove Campground. Since this is an initial-entry burn, smoke will be thicker and more noticeable than a maintenance burn due to the amount of forest fuels in the burn area.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the southwest, which may impact Lake Mary Road in the area, Interstate 17, Mormon Lake Village, and Munds Park.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
89A - Block 25
- When: Wednesday (Oct. 30).
- Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Four miles southwest of Flagstaff adjacent to Fort Tuthill county park. GPS: 35.131526, -111.697872
- Size: 421 acres.
- Duration: One day operation.
- Method/Type of burn: This is an initial-entry broadcast burn using drip torches and conducted jointly with Flagstaff Fire Department. The burn is being conducted to reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health, protect private property and helping the health of the forest.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the southwest away from I-17. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn, Pumphouse Wash and Kelly Canyon.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
Experimental Forest
- When: Friday (Nov 1).
- Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Six miles northwest of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.272710, -111.691766.
- Size: 302 acres.
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. This burn is being conducted for fire research purposes and in partnership with NAU, RMRS, and Ecological Restoration Institute in order to measure things such as pine regeneration, tree mortality, and other factors associated with wildfire in this fire-dependent ecosystem. Note: the heavy fuels will be seen burning from U.S. Highway 180 for a week or longer. They look similar to a small campfires in the middle of the forest.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast and may impact U.S. Highways 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas of Ft. Valley Ranch, Cheshire, and possibly Baderville.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected. However, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will likely reduce the speed limit on Hwy 180 and impose lane restrictions where needed.
Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly by news releases throughout the season. Timely updates about ignitions and whether or not a project is cancelled can be found on the Forest's social media sites:
Elk/Lee Prescribed Fire Project completed on Williams Ranger District
Fire crews have successfully treated 8152 acres of forested landscape over the past 4 days bringing the Elk / Lee Prescribed Fire Project to full completion.
Located 10 miles south of Williams on the northwest side of Sycamore Canyon, this project was identified by local fire managers as a high priority area in need of fuels reduction on the Williams Ranger District.
"Critical watersheds that supply water to several of the communities to the south in the Verde Valley will now be better protected from the threat of a destructive wildfire" said Fuels Program Manager Mike Uebel. "This type of burning not only helps protect these resources but also restores these landscapes to a more sustainable healthier condition".
Officials recognize the inconvenience that smoke has caused for many residents who experienced impacts from this burn. Smoke is an unfortunate and unavoidable byproduct of this work. One of the goals is to limit the number of days that smoke is in the air as opposed to an uncontrolled wildfire where smoke can be much denser and linger for prolonged periods of time.
Kaibab National Forest officials are grateful for the patience and support of all members of the public from the surrounding communities who were affected by this project. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness
All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. (ADEQ) To view approved prescribed burns for any given day on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website go to:
Notifications of upcoming prescribed fire projects are provided regularly by news releases throughout the year and through the following sources:
- InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/
- Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
- Fire Information Recorded Hotline: (928) 635-8311
Coconino NF cancels prescribed burns today
Fire managers have canceled all prescribed burns across the Coconino National Forest today after considering the high winds forecast by the U.S. National Weather Service.
Firefighters will focus on ensuring any prescribed burns on the Coconino NF from earlier in the week remain within their operational boundaries today and will look at plans for resuming important prescribed burns next week.
Information about any prescribed burns planned for next week will be distributed tomorrow through a news release.
Health Watch issued for PM-10 in the Yuma area, effective October 24, 2019
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for course particulate matter (PM-10) effective October 24, 2019, in the Yuma area. PM-10 is made up of small particles found in dust. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HW is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.
Health Impacts
People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors and people with heart or lung disease and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and upper respiratory issues. Long-term exposure is linked to premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat and decreased lung function.
Please help reduce PM-10 by doing one or more of the following:
- Avoid dirt roads
- Avoid the use of leaf blowers
- Ride transit, carpool or telework
- Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips
- Use gas or electric instead of burning wood
- Limit the lighting of fireworks
- If burning wood for heat or food preparation, use dry wood (burning wet wood releases more particulate matter)
BACKGROUND
High Pollution Advisory (HPA) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.
Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.
Particulate Matter Fact Sheet | View >
Ozone Fact Sheet | View >
FIND THE FORECAST
ADEQ Air Quality Hourly Forecast | View >
Text or Email Alerts | Subscribe >
Officials to lift Ikes Fire closure on the North Kaibab Ranger District
Effective Sunday, Oct. 27, the Kaibab National Forest will lift the area closure around the Ikes Fire, including the popular Rainbow Rim Trail that has been in place since the lightning caused wildfire started in late July.
The public will be able to access Kaibab National Forest lands in and around the fire area, which had been closed to ensure public and firefighter safety during ongoing fire operations. Areas affected by the fire in Grand Canyon National Park will continue to remain closed to protect the public as well as natural and cultural resources. For information on closures within Grand Canyon National Park please visit www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm
"We want to thank the public for their compliance while the closure has been in effect," said North Kaibab District Ranger Randall Walker. "That area of the forest is extremely popular, and we appreciate their patience and cooperation while we completed operations restoring fire to the ecosystem, which will improve overall forest health and greatly reduce the risk of future catastrophic wildfire."
Due to the lack of significant moisture over the fire area, isolated pockets of heat and smoke may still be found within the fire area. The public is advised to have heightened awareness about potential safety hazards and exercise increased caution regarding personal safety while in the area.
“We urge visitors to understand the potential hazards and to prepare accordingly,” said Peter Goetzinger North Zone Fire Management Officer for the Kaibab National Forest. “We want them to enjoy the forest but we also want them to do it safely, recognizing that any area recently impacted by wildfire will likely have some greater risk than other areas.”
Potential risks in any area recently burned by wildfire include the following:
- Burned out stump holes that could cause injury if stepped in;
- Unstable terrain with potential for rolling debris (boulders, logs, rocks, etc.);
- Fire weakened trees and snags that could fall or drop large limbs;
- Blowing dust and ash on roads and hillsides.
For additional information please visit:
- Ikes Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/
- Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Prescribed burn planned tomorrow north of Mormon Lake
- When: Thursday (Oct. 24).
- Where: Approximately 15 miles southeast of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.014971, -111.463811
- Size: 919 acres
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: This is an initial-entry burn conducted by drip torch and helicopter. This burn’s specific objectives are to protect Pine Grove Campground and Lake Mary Road corridor from any southwesterly fire threats and to help lessen any potential wildland fires that may start near Pinegrove Campground. Since this is an initial-entry burn, smoke will be thicker and more noticeable than a maintenance burn due to the amount of forest fuels in the burn area.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the southwest, which may impact Lake Mary Road in the area, Interstate 17, Mormon Lake Village, and Munds Park.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
Prescribed burn plans halted today due to smoke impacts
Coconino National Forest firefighters were planning to conduct prescribed burns today near the Fort Valley area and other areas north of Flagstaff later during the week, but those plans have been cancelled today due to unhealthy smoke impacts in Flagstaff and predicted northerly winds.
The prescribed burn north of Flagstaff on Monday sent smoke south and there was very little lift required to disperse the smoke up and out of northern Arizona yesterday. This caused "Unhealthy" conditions in downtown Flagstaff overnight, which were measured by air particulate monitors.
Due to identical conditions predicted today, fire managers cancelled all burns north of Flagstaff. Fire managers are planning to conduct prescribed burns later this week in areas southeast of Flagstaff to take advantage of predicted northerly winds and lessen impacts to communities.
These burns are among the prescribed burn projects planned for the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District this fall and are part of a strategy to allow fire across the landscape in order to restore forests to healthier conditions, protect watersheds and improve the safety of the communities around them.
Williams Ranger District to begin Elk / Lee prescribed fire project
A new prescribed fire project is set to begin next week on the Williams Ranger District and will likely progress into the months ahead as opportunities arise to use fire for beneficial restoration treatments on this piece of the Kaibab National Forest. The Elk Lee Prescribed Fire project is located about 10 miles southeast of the City of Williams and is 8166 acres in size.
The project will be broken up into smaller units for daily operations to minimize heavy smoke impacts and allow ventilation to move smoke out of the vicinity more rapidly. The specific units to be ignited will be chosen based on fuel moistures and weather conditions that are within prescriptive levels that meet fuels reduction objectives. A Helicopter will be utilized to conduct aerial Ignitions which will accelerate the overall length of time the project will last, and will also reduce the number of days smoke may linger in the atmosphere.
Officials understand that impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration of smoke more effectively using prescribed methods as opposed to an uncontrolled wildfire situation. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
The Kaibab National Forest is part of a fire-dependent ecosystem. Fire on the landscape is critical to overall ecosystem functioning and the sustainability of local communities, watersheds and wildlife habitat. Managers use prescribed fire as a practical means to reduce risks associated with uncharacteristic wildfires that can pose significant threats to public health and safety.
During operations, fire personnel and vehicles will be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas. Hunters and campers are encouraged to seek alternative campsites away from the active fire vicinity while operations are occurring.
All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. (ADEQ) To view approved prescribed burns for any given day on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website go to: smoke.azdeq.gov/
Notifications of upcoming prescribed fire projects are provided regularly by news releases throughout the year and through the following sources:
- InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/
- Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
- Fire Information Recorded Hotline: (928) 635-8311
Prescribed burns planned for next week on the Coconino National Forest
- When: Monday (Oct. 21), determined by conditions and staffing.
- Where: 1.5 miles south of Blue Ridge Ranger Station. GPS: 34.582733, -111.174404
- Size: 300 acres
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. This burn will reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health, and protect the local watershed. Since this is an initial-entry burn, smoke will be thicker and more noticeable than a maintenance burn due to the amount of forest fuels in the burn area.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Smoke impacts are expected for Blue Ridge communities, Winslow, Holbrook and state Route 87. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding Blue Ridge and the Moqui Draw.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
- When: Tuesday (Oct. 22).
- Where: Six miles northwest of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.272710, -111.691766.
- Size: 525 acres.
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. This burn is being conducted for fire research purposes and in partnership with NAU, Ecological Restoration Institute, and The Nature Conservancy in order to measure things such as pine regeneration, tree mortality, and other factors associated with wildfire in this fire-dependent ecosystem.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast and may impact U.S. Highways 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas of Ft. Valley Ranch, Cheshire, and possibly Baderville.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected. However, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will likely reduce the speed limit on Hwy 180 and impose lane restrictions where needed.
- When: Wednesday (Oct. 23).
- Where: 16 miles north of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.446216, -111.703208.
- Size: 2,528 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast initial-entry burn conducted by drip torch and helicopter. This burn is located in a strategic area to protect Kendrick Park, White Horse Park and Snowbowl Estates by removing dense forest fuels that could endanger the communities if a severe wildfire started in the area.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and White Horse Canyon. This will likely impact U.S. Highways 180, 89, Kendrick Park, White Horse Park and Snowbowl Estates. Since this is an initial-entry burn, smoke will be thicker than normal.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
- When: Wednesday (Oct, 23) or Thursday (Oct. 24).
- Where: Six miles south of Mormon Lake Village. North of Stoneman Lake Road on the immediate east side of Lake Mary Road. GPS: 34.8177200, -111.4269700
- Size: 800 acres
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches. The burn is being conducted to reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health, and to protect the private property and help the health of the forest.
- Smoke Impacts: Daytime winds are predicted to be out of the southwest, so smoke will disperse to the northeast of the project area. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas near Hutch Mountain.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected. If smoke is on Lake Mary Road, traffic control may be used.
- When: Thursday (Oct. 24).
- Where: Five miles northwest of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.250812, -111.824213 & 35.263236, -111.806195
- Size: 833 acres total in two burn blocks.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. These burns are located south of Wing Mountain and north of Bellemont.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn, Interstate 40 and the west side of Flagstaff. This will likely impact Fort Valley, Snowbowl Ski Resort area and possibly U.S. Highway 180.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
Sheridan Fire Area Closure Lifted
Effective Friday, October 18th at 6:00 am, the Prescott National Forest will lift the fire related area closure for the Sheridan Fire in Camp Wood, north and west of Prescott.
The public is advised to have heightened awareness about potential safety hazards and exercise increased vigilance regarding personal safety and understand that potential hazards can still exist. Be aware of their surroundings, check current and forecasted weather conditions, let someone know where you will be camping, and keep a well charged cell phone with you.
Potential risks in any area recently burned by wildfire include the following:
- Burned out stump holes that could cause injury if stepped in;
- Unstable terrain with potential for rolling debris (boulders, logs, rocks, etc.);
- Unsound burned trees (snags) that could fall or drop large limbs;
- Storms resulting in flash flooding that could wash out roads, initiate debris flows, and entrap people at flooded stream courses;
- Eroded and very rough roads that could result in unsafe driving conditions
The public can obtain additional information via the following:
- Prescott NF Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/
- Twitter: @PrescottNF
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/
- Fire Information: (928) 925-1111
- Local Ranger Station: Chino Valley RD (928) 777-2200
Prescribed Burns planned on Oct 16 in the Bradsahw Ranger District
Fire managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to take advantage of favorable weather conditions and have planned to start treating the 79/80 and Waterfalls Prescribed Burns south of Prescott and Groom Creek, near the Lower and Upper Wolf Creek Campgrounds on Wednesday, October 16. All burning is weather dependent.
Fire managers will utilize tactics to keep smoke impacts as minimal as possible. These may include canceling approved burns when conditions aren’t favorable, timing daytime ignitions to allow the majority of smoke to disperse prior to settling overnight, and burning larger sections at a time when conditions are favorable to reduce the overall number of days smoke is in the area.
79/80: Broadcast burn unit. Approximately 662 acres located south of Groom Creek off Senator Hwy (FS Rd 52). Fire managers may be utilizing aerial ignition devices in addition to ground ignitions on this prescribed burn.
Waterfalls: Broadcast burn unit. Approximately 644 acres located south of Groom Creek off Wolf Creek Rd (County Rd 101). Fire managers may be utilizing aerial ignition devices in addition to ground ignitions on this prescribed burn.
In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of all prescribed burn units as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area. Drivers should be prepared for short delays adjacent to operations along roads.
Prescribed fires are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems. These burns will mimic natural fires by reducing hazardous fuels accumulations, and reintroduce fire into a fire dependent system; recycling nutrients and increasing habitat diversity. Prescribed fires are managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority.
All prescribed fire activity is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, weather forecasts, fuels moisture levels and conditions that minimize smoke impacts as best as possible and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (www.azdeq.gov).
Messages will be posted to social media when managed fires are ignited on the Prescott National Forest:
The public can obtain additional information via the following:
- Prescott NF Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/
- Twitter: @PrescottNF
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/
- Fire Information: (928) 925-1111
- Local Ranger Station: Bradshaw RD (928) 443-8000
Prescribed burn plans changed to mitigate smoke impacts
Ignitions scheduled to begin on two prescribed burns in Navajo and Coconino counties
On Tuesday, October 15, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management resumes ignitions to a pile burn project in Navajo County, northwest of Pinetop.
This is the second phase of the 35-acre Brownlow-Lee Rx Burn, four miles northwest of Pinetop, south of the Maverick gas station, on the south side of Highway 260.
Ignitions are scheduled for 7am and weather dependent.
Smoke may be visible to the Pinetop-Lakeside area during the day. Overnight, smoke is expected to move through Billy Creek toward Show Low.
Also tomorrow, DFFM crews begin the McCreary Rx Burn near Happy Jack, two miles north of Clint’s Well in Coconino County.
The McCreary Rx Burn is also a pile burn project aimed at reducing 475 acres of debris piles from prior fuels mitigation work in the area.
Smoke from this project will be visible from Lake Mary Road (Forest Road 3 or Highway 487).
Prescribed burning provides a variety of benefits to the landscape. It provides a more efficient way of removing leftover debris from fuels mitigation projects, reduces the risk of wildfires, stimulates forest health by ridding diseased vegetation, and helps to improve wildlife habitat.
The safety of our firefighters and the public is our first priority and the department monitors conditions closely before test ignitions even start. In addition, DFFM must obtain prior approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
Burn information can be found on the agency’s Twitter and Facebook pages and will also be provided through the department’s mobile phone application.
To download the free app, go to the iTunes or Google Play store and search - Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
Prescribed burns planned this week near Flagstaff, Clints Well
- When: Tuesday (Oct. 15).
- Where: Six miles northwest of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.272710, -111.691766.
- Size: 525 acres.
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. This burn is being conducted for fire research purposes and in partnership with NAU, Ecological Restoration Institute, and The Nature Conservancy in order to measure things such as pine regeneration, tree mortality, and other factors associated with wildfire in this fire-dependent ecosystem.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast and may impact U.S. Highways 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas of Ft. Valley Ranch, Cheshire, and possibly Baderville.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected. However, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will likely reduce the speed limit on Hwy 180 and impose lane restrictions where needed.
- When: Tuesday or Wednesday (Oct. 15 or 16), determined by conditions and staffing.
- Where: 1.5 miles south of Blue Ridge Ranger Station. GPS: 34.570083, -111.168889.
- Size: 1,500 acres
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast initial-entry burn conducted by drip torch. This burn will reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health, and protect the local watershed. Since this is an initial-entry burn, smoke will be thicker and more noticeable than a maintenance burn due to the amount of forest fuels in the burn area.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn, Moqui Draw, and possibly moderate to heavy smoke impacts expected for Blue Ridge communities and state Route 87. ADOT will assist with traffic along SR 87 if smoke impacts the roadway.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
- When: Wednesday (Oct. 16).
- Where: Immediately north of Munds Park. GPS: 34.957259, -111.645870.
- Size: 920 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast initial-entry burn conducted by drip torch and helicopter. This burn is located in a strategic area north of the Munds Park community to remove dense forest fuels that could endanger Munds Park and Flagstaff communities if a severe wildfire started north of Munds Park.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn. This will likely impact the community of Munds Park and possibly reduce visibility on Interstate 17 during the morning hours following the burn and disperse by the afternoon. Since this is an initial-entry burn, smoke will be thicker than normal.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
- When: Thursday (Oct. 17).
- Where: Nine miles south of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.072046°, -111.711435°.
- Size: 291 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. This burn is located in strategic areas near the communities of Kachina Village and Forest Highlands in order to keep fuels from accumulating, which could present dangerous conditions if a severe wildfire approached the area. This is the second and final block of the Kachina Project.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn. However, because this is a maintenance burn, there will be thinner forest fuels in the area, and this burn should only produce light smoke.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
- When: Thursday (Oct. 17).
- Where: North side of C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir. GPS: 34.564833, -111.224333
- Size: 3,000 acres
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches and helicopter aerial ignitions. The burn is being conducted to reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health, and to protect the East Clear Creek Water Shed.
- Smoke Impacts: Daytime winds are predicted to be out of the southwest, so smoke will disperse to the northeast of the project area. Nighttime patrols will be implemented along SR 87 to monitor overnight conditions.
- Closures/Restrictions: A portion of the Arizona Trail will be rerouted during the burn operation.
After temporary delay, fire managers optimistic to begin Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project on Oct 15
Kaibab National Forest fire managers will make another attempt at applying prescribed fire treatments on the first units of the Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project north of Williams beginning Tuesday of next week. The project was temporarily postponed last week due to unfavorable conditions that would have presented difficulty meeting objectives and managing smoke Impacts to the community.
Operations may continue throughout the week as weather conditions permit. Daily ignitions will only occur when environmental factors align with the required prescription that will achieve desired results and meet land management objectives.
The 7400 acre prescribed burn area is located just north of the City of Williams and Interstate 40, east of Forest Road 124, and west of Airport Road and Highway 64. Goals of the prescribed fire treatment include decreasing the threat of unnatural severe wildfire by reducing accumulated fuels, improving forest health, and reintroducing fire to the landscape that aligns with the desired historical condition.
The project will be broken into smaller units that will be scheduled to be burned on days that will help to allow smoke to disperse away from developed areas and ventilate quicker reducing the impacts to local communities.
Area residents can expect to see and hear a helicopter in the area, as aerial ignitions will occur on portions of the burn. Smoke will be highly visible from the City of Williams and from roadways and recreation areas in the general vicinity of this project. Specific areas from which smoke is likely to be noticeable include H.A. Clark Memorial Field airport, Kaibab Lake, portions of State Route 64, Valle, the City of Williams, and Interstate 40. Smoke is expected to lift during the day and travel northeast toward Red Lake Valley. However, cooler overnight temperatures may cause smoke to settle into low-lying areas surrounding the burn location.
Fire managers are aware that community members may be sensitive to the smoke produced, and they make every effort to limit the amount and duration of production. Prescribed fires with short-term impacts to air quality can help prevent future severe unplanned wildfires under unpredictable conditions with smoke that may pose significant risks to public health and safety.
To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
No road or trail closures are planned as part of the this project however access to Kaibab Lake will be temporarily restricted while ignition operations are occurring within the day use picnic and fishing areas. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active project areas.
All prescribed burns are subject to approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Members of the public may view approved prescribed burns for any given day on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov/
Notifications of upcoming prescribed fire projects are provided regularly by news releases throughout the year and through the following sources:
• InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/
• Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
• Fire Information Recorded Hotline: (928) 635-8311
Coconino County confirms first flu cases of the 2019-20 season
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials announced the first case of influenza for the 2019 – 2020 flu season in the County. The individual has recovered from the illness.
Due to the case, public health officials are reminding people to receive the flu vaccination (flu shot).
“Influenza can be a serious disease,” said Thomas Pristow, CCHHS Director and Chief Health Officer. “Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and then spread it to others. The first confirmed flu cases of the season are an important reminder for everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves and to protect others.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first step in protecting against flu viruses. It is strongly recommended that everyone 6-months old and over get a flu shot each year.
Flu shots are available by appointment from 8 a.m. –– 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, at the CCHHS Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff. Walk-ins are accepted as availability permits. Call the CCHHS Clinic at 928-679-7222 to make an appointment.
The cost for a flu vaccination at the CCHHS Clinic is $30. High-dose flu vaccinations are $50. As a courtesy, the CCHHS will bill the insurance company, but those seeking a flu shot should check with their insurance provider to determine whether they are covered and asked to bring their insurance card. No one will be denied services due to inability to pay.
Flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes and can cause death.
In addition to getting a seasonal flu shot, these actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect people from getting sick:
- Wash hands frequently during the flu season.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth with your upper sleeve or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Don’t share eating utensils, cups and straws.
- Stay home when you are sick.
Additional information is available at www.coconino.az.gov/health. Contact your healthcare provider or call the Coconino County Health and Human Services Clinic at 928-679-7222 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272.
Prescribed burn planned for tomorrow south of Flagstaff
Coconino National Forest firefighters are planning to conduct a prescribed burn tomorrow south of Kachina Village and will continue other burn projects next week if weather conditions remain favorable.
These burns are among the prescribed burn projects planned for the Flagstaff Ranger District this fall and are part of a strategy to allow fire across the landscape in order to restore forests to healthier conditions and improve the safety of the communities around them.
Frequent, low-intensity fire removes accumulated smaller fuels and recycles nutrients in the soils to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat. A healthier forest is a safer forest for firefighters and residents when wildfires inevitably occur.
The prescribed burn projects listed below are in chronological order. Firing ignitions for each of these projects begin at approximately 10 a.m. on the mornings indicated.
Kachina - Block 1
- When: Thursday (Oct. 10).
- Where: Nine miles south of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.072046°, -111.711435°.
- Size: 553 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. This burn is located in strategic areas near the communities of Kachina Village and Forest Highlands in order to keep fuels from accumulating, which could present dangerous conditions if a severe wildfire approached the area. There are two blocks to the Kachina Project. Block 2 is planned for the following week.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn. However, because this is a maintenance burn, there will be thinner forest fuels in the area, and this burn should only produce light smoke.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
Experimental Forest
- When: Tuesday (Oct. 15).
- Where: Six miles northwest of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.272710, -111.691766.
- Size: 525 acres.
- Duration: This is a one-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. This burn is being conducted for fire integral research purposes and in partnership with NAU, Ecological Restoration Institute, and The Nature Conservancy in order to measure things such as pine regeneration, tree mortality, and other factors associated with wildfire in this fire-dependent ecosystem.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast and may impact U.S. Highways 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas of Ft. Valley Ranch, Cheshire, and possibly Baderville.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected. However, Arizona Department of Transportation will likely reduce the speed limit on Hwy 180 and impose lane restrictions where needed.
Frog Tank
- When: Oct. 16 (Wednesday).
- Where: Immediately north of Munds Park. GPS: 34.957259, -111.645870.
- Size: 920 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast initial-entry burn conducted by drip torch and helicopter. This burn is located in a strategic area north of the Munds Park community to remove dense forest fuels that could endanger Munds Park and Flagstaff communities if a wildfire started north of Munds Park.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn. This will likely impact the community of Munds Park and possibly reduce visibility on Interstate 17 during the morning hours following the burn and disperse by the afternoon. Since this is an initial-entry burn, smoke will be thicker than normal.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
Kachina - Block 2
- When: Oct. 17 (Thursday).
- Where: Nine miles south of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.072046°, -111.711435°.
- Size: 291 acres.
- Duration: One-day operation.
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. This burn is located in strategic areas near the communities of Kachina Village and Forest Highlands in order to keep fuels from accumulating, which could present dangerous conditions if a severe wildfire approached the area. This is the second and final block of the Kachina Project.
- Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn. However, because this is a maintenance burn, there will be thinner forest fuels in the area, and this burn should only produce light smoke.
- Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly by news releases throughout the season. Timely updates about ignitions and whether or not a project is cancelled can be found on the Forest's social media sites:
Methods and Types of Prescribed Burns
There are two methods of prescribed burns mostly used on the Coconino National Forest—broadcast and pile.
Often, in areas of 50 or more acres or areas that are difficult for firefighters to reach, helicopters with aerial ignition devices are used to light broadcast burns, called such because the burn is widely broadcast across the landscape. Firefighters also use drip torches to create many lines of fire in a pattern that allows the strips of fire to broadcast and burn together over a sizable area. This is done so large areas can be burned in a shorter amount of time so communities aren't impacted by smoke for long periods of time.
Pile burns involve burning slash piles created from hand-thinning or timber projects. These are mostly conducted during cooler winter months—often when snow is on the ground—in order to burn the piles in safer conditions.
There are two types of prescribed burns, which include initial-entry or maintenance. Initial-entry burns are termed such if an area where a prescribed burn is going to take place has not seen fire in many years. This means forest fuels will be more dense and produce more smoke than a maintenance burn. Maintenance burns involve areas that have seen fire within the last couple of years and have less forest fuels that will produce less smoke. Maintenance burns are done so forest fuels can be maintained and consumed at regular intervals, helping keep forest fuels from accumulating over the years.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions, as well as approval from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed burns on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest burns begin with the Burn Number designation “COF.”
For more information about prescribed burns and the benefits of these fires across the landscape, please visit our Prescribed Burns and Smoke webpage. As well, if you are interested in how prescribed burns are planned and implemented, please see the document "Planning for and Implementing Prescribed Fire in Fire-Dependent Forests," by NAU’s Ecological Restoration Institute.
High Pollution Advisory Issued for PM-10 effective Oct. 10 in the Yuma area
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for course particulate matter (PM-10) effective October 10 in the Yuma area. PM-10 is made up of small particles found in dust. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.
Check the Hourly Air Quality Forecast on the Air Arizona Mobile App
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Health Impacts
People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors and people with heart or lung disease and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and upper respiratory issues. Long-term exposure is linked to premature death in people with heart or lung disease, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat and decreased lung function.
Please help reduce PM-10 by doing one or more of the following:
- Avoid dirt roads.
- Avoid the use of leaf blowers.
- Ride transit, carpool or telework.
- Eliminate all unnecessary driving and/or combine trips.
- Use gas or electric instead of burning wood
- Limit the lighting of fireworks
- If burning wood for heat or food preparation, use dry wood (burning wet wood releases more particulate matter)
BACKGROUND
High Pollution Advisory (HPA) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.
Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.
Particulate Matter Fact Sheet | View >
Ozone Fact Sheet | View >
FIND THE FORECAST
ADEQ Air Quality Hourly Forecast | View >
Text or Email Alerts | Subscribe >
Air Arizona Mobile App | Learn More >
