Arizona Emergency Information Network
Tonto National Forest will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Tonto National Forest officials will implement Stage 1 Fire and Recreational Target Shooting Restrictions for portions of the forest beginning Thursday, May 23 at 8 a.m. due to increased fire danger across the forest.
The decision to enter Stage 1 restrictions was made in conjunction with other federal and state land management agencies in Arizona.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions also include recreational shooting restrictions in an effort to protect public and firefighter safety, as well as impacts to natural resources on National Forest System lands. Restrictions will remain in effect until Forest Service officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts when visiting the Tonto:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside a structure that is provided by the Forest Service within a designated area. A fire structure is a permanent metal or concrete structure specifically designed to contain a campfire or cooking fire that the Forest Service or equivalent installed and maintains. Designated areas are developed recreation sites such as campgrounds and picnic areas that are maintained and administered by the Forest Service, shown on the current Forest visitor maps, and equipped with permanent fire structures;
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. Deposit butts and remains in an ashtray or inside a building; do not toss or discard on the ground; and
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun.
Exemptions to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions include:
- Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device; Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of official duty;
- Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them; and
- Persons engaged in legal hunting activity pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations are allowed to discharge a firearm while taking wildlife.
- Fire Staff Officer Andy Mandell urges the public to adhere to current fire restrictions to reduce the risk of wildfires on the Tonto.
“Vehicle fires continue to occur along SR 87. It only takes one spark from dragging trailer chains or an exposed wheel rim cause by a tire blowout to ignite dry vegetation,” said Mandell. “We urge the public to have their vehicles inspected before heading to the forest to avoid a blowout. Properly greased axles can help reduce the risk of a roadside fire.”
According to Mandell, parking over dry grass still has the potential to spark a wildfire with current high temperatures and the public can play a key role in preventing wildfires by making sure their vehicles are properly maintained.
Violation of fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. For more information regarding the fire restrictions closure order, shooting restrictions and an accompanying map, see Alerts & Warnings.
The public can obtain current state and federal fire restrictions information across Arizona on the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention and Information website.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory today for Maricopa County
Ozone levels are forecast to be highest between the hours of 11:00am - 6:00pm.
Currently, the atmosphere overtop the desert southwest is in a transition between exiting systems continuing to move off the east, and the arrival of new systems moving in from the west. Lightest winds are expected today and tomorrow in the valley, with southwest winds of 5-10 mph building later in the afternoon.
By the weekend, wind will increase again, improving ventilation and lowering high temperatures for a few days. Early next week, stagnant conditions will envelop the region, likely increasing high temperatures into the triple digits and another chance for ozone levels to increase.
Ozone and Your Health
People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors, people with heart or lung disease, and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure to ozone 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. View the ADEQ Ozone Fact Sheet below.
Please help reduce ozone by doing one or more of the following:
- Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
- Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
- Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, if possible
- Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers - delay big painting projects
- Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air Ozone Fact Sheet from the Arizona Department of Air Quality_Page_1.jpg Ozone Fact Sheet from the Arizona Department of Air Quality_Page_2.jpg
Wildcat Fire Update May 21,2024
Wildcat Fire now 23 percent contained
Good progress was made by firefighters on the Wildcat Fire on Sunday night and Monday. Containment increased from 0% to 23% during the period. The fire size increased minimally to 14,283 acres due to the efforts of firefighters. A cold front passing through the region also helped containment efforts. Grasses that the firefighters are encountering are so high they are hard to walk through. Higher grass could challenge them while conducting suppression activities.
Operations: Although the fire was less intense Monday, firefighters were able to make progress, however, temperatures are predicted to rise to near 90 degrees on Tuesday with relative humidity falling to nearly 10%. This combination along with possible 20 mile per hour wind gusts in the afternoon may increase the chances of the fire increasing in intensity.
Weather: Hot, windy, and dry conditions will persist for the next several days. South winds are expected to gust up to 20 miles per hour during the afternoon. This could make fire suppression efforts more difficult. The winds are forecasted to lessen in the evening.
Smoke: Smoke from the Wildcat Fire has recently decreased, however it may be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke will drift to the north and east due to prevailing winds. Individuals who are sensitive to smoke and people with heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid the area while crews conduct fire suppression. Citizens are urged to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System. The system allows you to be quickly notified of emergency evacuations. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.
Closures: A larger closure order is in effect for the protection of public health and safety due to firefighting operations. Bartlett Lake Road remains closed. The public is requested to stay away from the area. This is for the safety of the public and firefighters. The closure order is available on the Tonto National Forest website by going to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/?aid=87558
Fire details
- Location: East of the Desert Mountain Community and Tonto Hills Development; West of Bartlett Lake Reservoir in the Cave Creek Ranger District.
- Start Date: May 18, 2024
- Size: Approximately 14,283 acres
- Percent Contained: 23%
- Cause: Under investigation.
- Vegetation: The fire is burning grass and brush.
- Resources: 9 crews, 21 fire engines, 4 helicopters, and 4 water tenders.
- Number of Personnel Assigned: 31
Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/fire
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-wildcat-fire
Fire email: [email protected]
Information Phone: (480) 608-2181
Wildcat Fire Update (05/20/24)
Location: East of the Desert Mountain Community and Tonto Hills Development; West of Bartlett Lake Reservoir in the Cave Creek Ranger District.
Start Date: May 18, 2024
Size: Approximately 14,072 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Under investigation.
Vegetation: The fire is burning short grass and brush.
Resources: 8 crews, 16 fire engines, 3 helicopters, and 2 water tenders.
Number of Personnel Assigned: 300
Highlights: The Wildcat Fire increased to 14,072 acres due to windy weather conditions Sunday. The Tonto National Forest is expanding the size of the closure order due to wind gusts forecasted up to 40 miles per hour this afternoon. Aviation resources were used heavily yesterday on the southeast side of the fire. This resulted in limited fire growth. Continued night operations assisted in additional fire suppression.
Operations: The fire continues to be active on the southeast side of the fire perimeter due to weather conditions. Fire crews are continuing to scout and construct fire lines to prevent fire spread. Fire retardant dropped by aircraft alone will not suppress this fire. Firefighters are needed to complete the fire suppression activities. Additional aviation assets have been ordered and will arrive today to assist firefighters.
Weather: Hot, windy, and dry conditions will persist for the next several days. South winds are expected to gust between 25 and up to 40 miles per hour during the afternoon. This will make fire suppression efforts difficult. The winds are expected to lessen in the evening.
Closures: There is fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Wildcat Fire in the Cave Creek Ranger District. A closure order is in effect for the protection of public health and safety due to firefighting operations. Bartlett Lake Road remains closed. The public is urged to stay away from the area. This is for the safety of the public and firefighters. The closure order is available on the Tonto National Forest website.
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid the area while crews conduct fire suppression operations. The public is urged to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System. The system allows you to be quickly notified of possible emergency evacuations. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.
Smoke: Smoke from the Wildcat Fire may be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke will drift to the north and east due to prevailing winds. Individuals who are sensitive to smoke and people with heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-wildcat-fire
Fire Email: [email protected]
Information Phone: (480) 608-2181
Wildcat_update_2.jpgWildcat Fire Update
Location: East of Desert Mountain Community and Tonto Hills Development; West of Bartlett Lake Reservoir on the Cave Creek Ranger District.
Start Date: May 18, 2024
Size: Approximately 12,100 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Under investigation.
Vegetation: The fire is burning grasses and desert shrub.
Resources: 1 large and 1 light helicopter, 7 fire crews, 10 fire engines, 1 water tender and 1 medic crew with more resources on route.
Number of Personnel Assigned: 180
Highlights: The Wildcat Fire significantly increased overnight from 5,000 to 12,100 acres due to weather conditions. Night shift crews successfully completed fire suppression efforts to the north and the east.
Operations: The fire is active on the southeast side of the fire perimeter. Fire crews are scouting and constructing fire lines to prevent the spread of the fire. Aviation operations continue to slow the growth of the fire using fire retardant and water.
Weather: Temperatures will gradually warm to above normal levels into the upper 80s to near 90s with relative humidity between 9-14%. South winds will gust during the afternoon and are expected to climb up to 20 miles per hour before subsiding in the evening. Overnight temperatures are forecasted to reach around 61 degrees Fahrenheit at the minimum with maximum humidity between 25-30%. Southwest winds will range from 6 to 11 miles per hour at night.
Closures: A closure order is in effect for the protection of public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Wildcat Fire on the Cave Creek Ranger District. The public is urged to stay away from the area so as not to impede fire suppression. Bartlett Lake Road is closed. The closure order is available on the Tonto's website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1176254.pdf
Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid the area while crews conduct fire suppression operations for public and firefighter safety. The public is urged to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System to be quickly notified of possible emergency evacuations if necessary. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. Drones and firefighting aircraft are a dangerous mix and could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly, we can’t.
Smoke: Smoke from the Wildcat Fire may be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke will drift to
the north and east due to southwest winds. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or
heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/
allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.
Information Links and Contacts:
Tonto National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/fire
InciWeb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-wildcat-fire
Fire email [email protected]
Firefighters responding to Wildcat Fire on Cave Creek Ranger District
Firefighters are responding to a wildfire, named the Wildcat Fire, on the Tonto National Forest near Vista Verde north of Dynamite Blvd. and 136th Street on the Cave Creek Ranger District.
The Wildcat Fire was reported at approximately 9:20 a.m. this morning and is currently estimated to be 500 acres. Resources responding include the Geronimo and Prescott hotshot crews, three engines, air attack, an air tanker, one helicopter, and more resources have been ordered. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has closed Bartlett Dam Road as the fire is burning on both sides of the road and visitors are carefully being escorted from Bartlett Lake. Please avoid the area while crews conduct fire suppression operations for public and firefighter safety. The public is urged to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System to be quickly notified of possible emergency evacuations if necessary. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network visit https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go#County/Tribal%20Emergency%20Notification%20Systems.
Remember, drones and firefighting aircraft are a dangerous mix and could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly, we can’t.
Updates will be posted on the Tonto Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest/; and Twitter at https://twitter.com/TontoNF.
wildcat_fire.jpgPrescribed burn projects continue around Flagstaff
Coconino National Forest fire managers will begin conducting the Mint West prescribed burn project this weekend to help protect communities from catastrophic wildfires and improve the health of the forest.
The Mint West project is slated to begin Saturday, May 18 and is located 25 miles south of Flagstaff. Smoke impacts may occur along Lake Mary Road and in the Mormon Lake Village area.
Plans for prescribed burns often change quickly since they are dependent upon weather conditions and wind predictions. Details and updates about all prescribed burns can be found at inciweb.wildfire.gov. Planned prescribed burn projects will always be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind and humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plan.
More information about the relationship between prescribed fire, weather and why prescribed burns are conducted at certain times of the year is available on Coconino National Forest’s prescribed burns & smoke web page.
Mint West (Bar-M)
- Tentative date: Saturday, May 18 (one day) (see the project map below)
- Location: 25 miles south of Flagstaff: South of Mormon Lake.
- Size: 1,742 acres.
- Type of burn: Broadcast, initial entry. Initial entry burns mean wildfire has not been through the area in a very long time and thus results in thicker smoke due to a large amount of forest fuels being present that must be burned. Broadcast burning means firefighters use tools, such as drip torches, to move fire across large swaths of land.
- Smoke impacts: Smoke impacts will be felt along Lake Mary Road and in the Mormon Lake Village area.
- Why: This prescribed fire will reduce fuel loading south of Mormon Lake, thus lessening the risk of catastrophic unplanned wildfire during times of critical fire weather. This project also reintroduces fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem.
- Notes: There are no closures anticipated.
Three Sisters prescribed fire project near City of Williams planned for next week
Kaibab National Forest fire managers plan to initiate prescribed fire treatments on Monday, May 20, on the Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project located just north of the City of Williams and Interstate 40, east of Airport Road, west of Highway 64, and along the north shore of Kaibab Lake. The planned ignition date may change should conditions not prove conducive for safety and smoke impacts. Crews are targeting a total of 2,245 acres on four units and anticipate ignitions to take up to three days, conditions safely allowing.
Area residents and visitors can expect to see and hear a helicopter in the area as aerial ignitions will occur on portions of the burn. Citizens are strongly urged to refrain from using any type of aerial-drone systems near the active project area that could potentially interfere with aircraft operations. Approximately 70 personnel will be assigned to this fire, and fire managers will be in close contact with the National Weather Service for current and predicted weather before and during operations, as well as with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Air Resources Division who will be modeling and monitoring the smoke.
Smoke will be highly noticeable from the Williams area, particularly the H.A. Clark Memorial Field Airport, Kaibab Lake, Ash Fork, Red Lake, Valle, and portions of State Route 64 and I-40. Smoke can be expected to lift during the day, however cooler overnight temperatures may cause smoke to settle into low-lying areas surrounding the burn location. Fire managers are looking for winds out of the south/southwest to minimize smoke impacts to the City of Williams.
No road or trail closures are planned as part of the Three Sisters prescribed fire project. However, during operations, fire personnel and vehicles will be visible to the public. Visitors to the Kaibab Lake area need to be especially cautious and aware during and in the days following ignitions for their safety. Motorists are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active project areas.
Fire managers recognize that community members may be sensitive to smoke and use strategies to limit the amount and duration. This includes dividing large projects into smaller units so that crews can focus efforts where and when conditions will help smoke disperse away from developed areas and ventilate quicker, reducing the impacts to local residents and businesses. Prescribed fires with shorter-term impacts to air quality help significantly reduce the risks to public health and safety.
Goals of prescribed fire treatments include decreasing the threat of unnatural severe wildfire and potential negative consequences to the community, improving forest health, and reintroducing fire to an ecosystem that relies on frequent fire to maintain resilience. Prescribed fires help reduce hazardous fuels that have accumulated due to drought, climate change, insects and disease, and decades of fire suppression. Fire also recycles nutrients back to the soil, promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers, and other plants, and improves habitat for threatened and endangered species. Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. These efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to increase prescribed fire and other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.
All prescribed fires are subject to approval by an agency administrator and by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
The Kaibab National Forest remains committed to providing the public with ongoing updates with as much advance notice as possible. Sign up to receive Kaibab NF news releases in your email.
Additional information can be found on the Kaibab NF website, X, Facebook, Flickr, or by contacting local ranger stations.
unnamed (16).jpgWolf Fire operations wrap up following 10,000 acres of forest treatment
Wolf Fire operations have resulted in the treatment of roughly 10,000 acres of land following a late April lightning strike on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District.
Fire managers spent roughly one week conducting firing operations to reduce dead vegetation and hazardous fuels, restore critical nearby watersheds, improve wildlife habitat and lessen the future risk of catastrophic wildfire in the Clints Well area.
“We’ve had really good fire effects with west winds pushing in over the last few days,” said Incident Commander (Trainee) Paul Oltrogge. “The weekend’s light rains moderated things nicely, and the effects of the Wolf Fire are already looking incredibly beneficial for the landscape.”
Firing operations wrapped up in advance of heavier predicted rains on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Northern Arizona Type 3 Incident Management Team, which has been managing the Wolf Fire since April 6, plans to transition management of the fire back to the Coconino National Forest on Wednesday.
A closure order remains in place for the area surrounding the fire, as does a temporary flight restriction. Drone and aircraft operators are asked to abide by the issued restrictions.
Forest visitors can check the Coconino National Forest’s website at coconinonationalforest.us for updates regarding fire area closures.
There are roughly 150 personnel assigned to the 9,896-acre Wolf Fire, including two Hotshot crews, nine engines, one dozer, two water tenders and one hand crew.
Lightning-caused fires allow an opportunity for land treatment: The removal of forest fuels – such as pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees and other dry plant matter – that create hazardous conditions that could lead to potential catastrophic wildfire.
Land treatment using fire is an important part of the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to reduce the risk of wildfire to critical infrastructure and communities.
As part of the overall Wildfire Crisis Strategy, the Coconino National Forest is committed to restoring land and protecting watersheds – including work on the Cragin Watershed Protection Project – as part of the wider Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI).
This is the last scheduled news release regarding the Wolf Fire. For continued updates on the Wolf Fire, please visit inciweb.wildfire.gov, where fire updates will be posted until full fire containment.
A map of the Wolf Fire May 13 2024.jpgContinual Fire Activity in Pinal County Concerning for State Wildland Fire Management
A recent spike in wildfire activity in some parts of Pinal County is causing concern for state fire management officers. Since April 1 to May 9, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) responded to 25 wildfires, mostly concentrated in the western portion of the county, south and southwest of Maricopa within the Thunderbird Farms and Hidden Valley areas. DFFM overhead assigned to those incidents report all 25 were found to be human-caused, many of which were due to equipment usage, such as welding and grinding. However, with some of those fire starts, no ignition source could be determined. Data acquired from DFFM’s Arizona Dispatch Center (ADC) showed those fires burned more than 2,600 acres.
DFFM’s Fire Behavior Analyst Byron Kimball believes the uptick in activity stems from the abnormal fuel loading in that area catching residents off guard. “In previous years, residents may have conducted the same activities with minimal issues. If a fire were to start, they were likely to catch it themselves with tools or water. Now, as that grass and brush begin to cure, those fires are becoming more challenging for residents to suppress on their own. Fires are starting faster and spreading even quicker due to the abundance of fuel along with hot, dry, and windy conditions.”
In 2023, between April 1 and May 9, ADC reported nine human-caused fires that burned nearly 100 acres in Pinal County on state and private lands. In total for 2023, 41 fires burned 2,463 acres. Of those 41 fires, 34 were determined to be human-caused, six due to lightning and one caused by a powerline. In 2022, between April 1 and May 9, ADC data found only four fires, all human caused, that burned a total of 3.45 acres.
Fires in Pinal County this year have ranged in size from half an acre to the 2,000-acre Range Fire north of Florence. With the continual starts and near daily-activity, DFFM recently started staging engines near Stanfield and the Maricopa-area to provide for both faster response times and additional support for local resources. DFFM’s Prevention Engine will also begin patrols within Pinal County.
“Firefighters have responded to almost as many human-caused fires in about a one-month period this year in the Maricopa and Florence areas than all of 2023. The common denominator with these starts is the human factor within the wildland urban interface. The unusual amount of activity is definitely raising eyebrows and causing concerns. We urge residents be careful when working outdoors. If it’s windy outside, it’s unsafe to burn or conduct work that involves fire. Conditions are dry and only going to get hotter and drier. We ask residents to be mindful when working outside and create defensible space around their properties,” says Pedro Mungarro, DFFM’s Deputy Fire Prevention Officer.
There are no fire restrictions currently on state or federal lands however a burn ban is in effect in Pinal County. For additional information on the burn ban: https://www.pinal.gov/312/Permitted-FiresRestrictions.
For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at (602) 540-1036 or by email at [email protected].
Forest Service to conduct thinning projects near Parks, AZ
This week, the Kaibab National Forest Williams Ranger District is resuming mechanical thinning projects around Parks. These crucial treatments target dense forests to help restore historic, healthier conditions and reduce the risk of uncharacteristically severe fire.
Residents and visitors can expect to see paint markings on trees, active cutting, woodchippers and grinders, log decks, slash piles, and materials being hauled away. Always use caution in the vicinity of active projects and follow any safety signage that may be posted. Closures for thinning operations are rare but may be necessary on occasion for public and crew safety. Closure information would be posted on the Kaibab National Forest website.
Mechanical thinning projects on the Williams Ranger District include:
- Government Prairie – located north of Parks. Work anticipated to occur during weekdays, not on weekends or major holidays with no fewer than 12 truckloads per day. Major haul routes are Forest Roads 107, County Road 141, and Route 66. Project expected to be completed in September 2024.
- Klostermeyer – located northeast of Parks. Work anticipated to occur during weekdays, not on weekends or major holidays (although Saturdays may be possible) with up to 20 truckloads per day. Main haul route is from northern gas pipeline to Forest Roads 107 on to Route 66.
- Spitz Hill – located west of Parks. Expected to begin in June.
- Beacon Boxcar – located just south of I-40 near Sherwood Forest. Contractor is currently working on the southeast side of Davenport Lake. Operations expected to continue into.
- Fortyniner East – located east of Parks. Bid expected to be awarded by June.
- Fortyniner West – located east of Parks. Contractor has returned to skid, process, and haul timber that was cut in March. Project expected to be completed in late September 2025.
- Junction – located just east of Williams, south of I-40 and Old Rt. 66 near Bearizona. Currently inactive, expected to be completed summer of 2024.
- Sawmill Springs Biomass – located northwest of Parks. Work anticipated to occur during weekdays, not on weekends or major holidays with up to 24 truckloads per day. Expected to begin in mid-June and completed by mid-August.
- Sitgreaves West – located northeast of Williams. Expected to be offered for bid this summer.
- Holden – located west of Williams. PROJECT COMPLETE: full removal of log material cut, skid, processed, decked, and removed – all acres had timber stand improvements as well as thinning of smaller materials, a majority of the slash material was ground and shipped to the Novo BioPower Plant between Snowflake and Heber/Overgaard, AZ.
For additional details about mechanical thinning on the district contact the Williams Ranger Station at (928) 635-5680. More information can be found on the Kaibab NF website, X, Facebook, and Flickr.
A map of the Parks AZ thinning project May 13 2024.jpgPrescribed burn projects continue north, west of Flagstaff
Coconino National Forest fire managers will resume plans for the Horseshoe Wild Bill and Maxwell Springs prescribed burn projects through this week in an effort to help protect communities from catastrophic wildfires and improve the health of the forest.
The Horseshoe Wild Bill project will begin today through Tuesday and is located 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff. Smoke impacts may occur along U.S. Highway 180 around the Kendrick Park area as smoke is predicted to move toward the east.
The Horseshoe Maxwell Springs project is planned for May 14 through May 16 and is located about 2.5 miles north of Bellemont. Smoke impacts may occur in the Kendrick Park, Fort Valley and Hart Prairie area, depending on wind direction.
Plans for prescribed burns often change quickly since they are dependent upon weather conditions and wind predictions. Details and updates about all prescribed burns can be found at inciweb.wildfire.gov. Planned prescribed burn projects will always be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind and humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plan.
More information about the relationship between prescribed fire, weather and why prescribed burns are conducted at certain times of the year is available on Coconino National Forest’s prescribed burns & smoke web page.
Horseshoe - Wild Bill project
- Tentative dates: Monday May 13 through Tuesday, May 14.
- Location: 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff: 4.5 miles north of Bellemont.
- Size: 3,960 acres total (broken up into different amounts each day).
- Type of burn: Broadcast, initial entry. Initial entry burns mean wildfire has not been through the area in a very long time and thus results in thicker smoke due to a large amount of forest fuels being present that must be burned.
- Smoke impacts: Possible smoke impacts will be felt along Highway 180 and in and around Kendrick Park during the daytime. Possible smoke impacts may be felt in the Bellemont area and along Interstate 40 overnight.
- Why: This prescribed fire will reduce fuel loading in the project area. Additionally, it will provide protection to the Upper Rio de Flag watershed, which will reduce the ensuing risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent flood damage to the City of Flagstaff.
- Notes: There are no closures anticipated.
A map of the Horseshoe Wild Bill prescribed burn May 13 2024 .jpg
Horseshoe - Maxwell Springs project
- Tentative dates: May 14 through May 16 (3 days)
- Location: 11 miles northwest of Flagstaff: 2.5 miles north of Bellemont.
- Size: 581 acres
- Type of burn: Broadcast, initial entry. Initial entry burns mean wildfire has not been through the area in a very long time and thus results in thicker smoke due to a large amount of forest fuels being present that must be burned.
- Smoke impacts: Possible smoke impacts will be felt along Highway 180 and in and around Kendrick Park and Fort Valley area during the daytime. Possible smoke impacts may be felt in the Bellemont area and along Interstate 40 overnight.
- Why: This prescribed fire will reduce fuel loading in the project area. Additionally, it will provide protection to the Upper Rio de Flag watershed, which will reduce the ensuing risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent flood damage to the City of Flagstaff.
- Notes: There are no closures anticipated.
Alpine Ranger District plans Wallow West prescribed fire
The Alpine Ranger District plans to conduct prescribed fire operations across 4,582 acres on the Wallow West, Unit 4 East starting as early as May 14 and running through May 19, 2024 as weather conditions allow.
Fire managers will be monitoring weather conditions leading up to, during, and after implementation and will not burn during, or with high forecasted winds. Prescribed fire operations are contingent on multiple factors, including favorable weather conditions, air quality, and resource availability.
The project area is located 16 miles southwest of Alpine on Forest Road (FR) 25. The project area boundaries are east of FR 8780, west of FR 25H and the Black River. The southern boundary is a dozer line that was constructed during the Dart fire in 2023, and the northern boundary is FR 25.
Forest restoration objectives include reducing dead and down fuels from the Wallow fire, reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire by bringing the area into desired conditions, and enhancing herbaceous plants for forage.
The Alpine Fire Department will be on hand to assist Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests firefighters and will utilize this partnership opportunity to conduct important prescribed fire training.
The historic PS Knoll fire lookout tower is within the footprint of the Unit 4 East burn area, and fire crews cleared brush and other vegetation in the vicinity to protect this value at risk.
Smoke may be visible on FR 24 and FR 25 and may drift towards Hannagan Meadow and the Blue community. Information on air quality is available at https://www.airnow.gov/.
Prescribed fires support land management objectives by improving plant and wildlife habitat, reducing the threat of invasive species on the landscape, and help protect communities from extreme wildfires. This prescribed fire is within the Four Forest Restoration Initiative area (4FRI) and is part of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape and other treatments to improve forest health.
Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
Deadline Approaching in Arizona for SBA Working Capital Loans Due to Drought
Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded small nonfarm businesses in 10 Arizona counties of the June 10, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Oct. 3, 2023.
- Primary Arizona counties: Gila, Maricopa and Pinal;
- Neighboring Arizona counties: Coconino, Graham, La Paz, Navajo, Pima, Yavapai and Yuma.
According to Sánchez, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. “Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Sánchez.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage,” Sánchez added.
The interest rate is 4 percent for businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on Oct. 10, 2023.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
BLM Arizona Strip District fire crews contain Black Fire off Interstate 15
BLM Arizona Strip District fire crews responded to the Black Fire off the Interstate-15 Black Rock exit near mile marker 27. The fire started at approximately 10:04 a.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Forward progression of the fire was stopped. The fire was mapped at 77 acres. Four engines, 1 water tender, and 1 Type 3 helicopter were dispatched to the incident. The fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the area.
Visit Inciweb for more information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasd-black-fire
Follow @BLMArizona on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Flickr.
High winds and low humidities halt Hidden-2 prescribed fire plans
Spring brings warmer weather, lower relative humidities, and high winds. This weather process tends to dry out fuels like grass, brush, and timber which can result in severe fire behavior that is not ideal for landscape benefit. Wind is especially troublesome because it threatens to move prescribed fire into unplanned areas or carry embers aloft beyond and outside of control lines.
Prescribed fires are generally conducted in the spring and again in the fall when weather conditions are favorable. Fire managers continually monitor weather conditions leading up to, during, and after implementation and will not burn during, or with forecasted high winds. Treatments typically involve thinning fuels and removing vegetation to reduce heavy fuel loads that can increase the risk of extreme wildfire events and using a risk-based approach to restore healthy fire to fire-adapted ecosystems. Prescribed fires support land management objectives by improving plant and wildlife habitat, reducing the threat of invasive species on the landscape, and help protect communities from extreme wildfires. The treatment areas modify wildfire behavior by reducing ladder fuels composed of vegetation on or just above the forest floor such as branches or low lying shrubs and trees that can carry fire from the ground to the tops of trees.
As summer approaches, the windows of opportunity for prescribed ignitions become less frequent. Changes in weather conditions and environmental considerations inevitability lead to fire managers postponing burns until later in the year when favorable weather conditions return.
The Black Mesa Ranger District had planned the Hidden 2 prescribed fire on 348 acres to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires. The Hidden 2 project west of Forest Lakes is part of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy and may be rescheduled in the fall.
The Lakeside Ranger District was gearing up for ignitions on the Doyle and Ortega units of the Lakeside East prescribed fire project that encompasses 2,254 acres. The Lakeside East project is within the Four Forest Restoration Initiative area (4FRI). This project southwest of Vernon may be postponed until later this year.
To learn more about how prescribed fire improves forest health go to our website, and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management highlights animal preparedness for National Pet Week
In recognition of National Pet Week, the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) honors the pets that bring joy to our lives and encourage responsible pet care and pet preparedness every day of the year. YCOEM collaborates with volunteer organizations such as Large Animal Shelter and Emergency Readiness (LASER) and Animal Disaster Services (ADS) to ensure the safety of our pets during emergencies.
For pet and domestic livestock owners, the well-being and security of animals are incredibly important in emergencies. LASER and ADS serve as essential community assets, offering support, shelter, and care for animals in times of crisis. Their expertise and commitment are
critical to promoting pet preparedness, reducing the burden on owners, and above all, ensuring animals are safe and well-cared-for.
Residents are encouraged to take the following steps to prepare their animals for emergencies:
- Create an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit containing food, water, medicines, and veterinary records.
- Plan for Evacuation: Identify safe locations for your animals and arrange a mode of transportation.
- Update Information: Maintain current photos of your animals and ensure that identification tags are updated with your latest address and phone number.
Ashley Ahlquist, Emergency Manager at YCOEM stated, "Our partnership with LASER and ADS significantly enhances our community's disaster response capabilities. Their concentrated efforts on animal care during emergencies are indispensable to our comprehensive preparedness
strategy."
For additional resources and information regarding animal preparedness and the services offered by LASER and ADS, please visit Laser-Shelter.org, AnimalDisasterServices.com, and YavapaiReady.gov/Animals.
Together, we can ensure that every member of our community, whether two-footed or four-footed, remains safe and prepared.
For information about Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management, please contact Sarah Townsley at 928-771-3321or email [email protected] or visit www.YavapaiReady.gov
Fire managers continue work today on the 3Echo prescribed burn project south of Flagstaff
Coconino National Forest fire managers will resume spring prescribed fire plans for the 3Echo prescribed burn project, looking to burn approximately 2,700 acres today 5 miles south of Flagstaff.
Yesterday’s burn was successful in treating 1,700 acres and went as planned with the weather and wind lifting and blowing smoke impacts up and away from the community.
Fire managers will conduct a test ignition today at 9:30 a.m. to ensure conditions are appropriate and safe for continuing with the burn project. If conditions are appropriate, fire managers will commence burning and a large smoke plume will be seen south of Flagstaff just southeast of the airport.
Successful prescribed burns require ideal conditions. Prescribed burns are termed such because they are conducted within a “prescription” that defines the fuel moisture levels, air temperatures, wind conditions, and relative humidity levels that are appropriate for each project.
“Hazardous fuels” – including pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees and decaying plant matter on forest floors – need to be dry enough to burn at a low rate of intensity, but not too dry as to burn hot and fast.
Planned prescribed burn projects will always be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind and humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plan.
More information about the relationship between prescribed fire and weather is available at coconinonationalforest.us, and the latest updates regarding prescribed fire plans on the Coconino National Forest can be found at inciweb.wildfire.gov.
3Echo Prescribed Burn Project (Flagstaff Ranger District)
- Dates: May 8 through May 10 (Wednesday through Friday). Duration: Three days. Location: 5 miles south of Flagstaff: Between Lower Lake Mary and Mountainaire.
- Size: 4,622 acres. Click here for the project map.
- Type of burn: Broadcast, maintenance.
- Smoke impacts: Smoke will be highly visible from the City of Flagstaff and all surrounding areas. Smoke is expected to travel in an east or northeast direction during ignitions, and possible daytime impacts will be felt on the east side of Flagstaff, along Interstate 40, at Walnut Canyon National Monument, along Lake Mary Road south of Flagstaff and in the Continental community. Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
- Why: This prescribed burn project will reduce hazardous forest fuels south of Flagstaff, thus lessening the risk of catastrophic unplanned wildfire during times of critical fire weather. This project also reintroduces fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem.
- Notes: There are no closures anticipated.
Speed limit lowered on Lake Mary Road to aid Wolf Fire backburning operations
The Coconino County Public Works Department has lowered the top speed limit to 35 mph along the southernmost 10 miles of Lake Mary Road in support of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) backburning operations for the Wolf Fire. The 35-mph speed limit is in effect on Lake Mary Road between Milepost 300.5, which is located about five miles south of Happy Jack, to the junction with State Route 87. Electronic message boards are also in place to notify motorists of the speed limit reduction.
The reduced speed limit is being implemented for the safety of firefighters who are working alongside Lake Mary Road, and for the traveling public due to potentially heavy smoke from backburning operations that could obscure visibility and create hazardous driving conditions.
USFS fire managers and the County are continually monitoring the smoke density in the backburning operations area, which is located adjacent to Lake Mary Road. Increases in smoke density could necessitate further speed limit reductions in the interest of public safety.
Located approximately three miles northwest of Clints Well, the lightning-caused Wolf Fire began on April 29, 2024. The USFS is now managing wildfire as a prescribe fire project to remove forest fuels – such as pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees, and other dry plant matter – that create hazardous conditions that could lead to potential catastrophic wildfire.
The reduced speed limit will remain in effect until conditions allow for the County to safely restore the normal speed limit along this section of Lake Mary Road.
Ignitions begin on lightning-caused Wolf Fire; area surrounding fire closed to public
Ignitions have started on the Wolf Fire, a lightning-sparked wildfire located about 3 miles northwest of Clints Well on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District.
A closure order has been issued for the area surrounding the wildfire.
Fire managers had already planned to treat the area of the Wolf Fire with the Clints prescribed fire project scheduled for later this month.
Despite the change in cause of ignition – from a planned prescribed fire to an unplanned naturally-sparked wildfire – fire managers will proceed with ignitions as part of an overall fire management plan to improve the health of the forest landscape.
Fire managers are looking to treat about 2,000 acres of land over the next few days and are hoping to treat 11,000 acres over the course of the next roughly two weeks.
The northern Arizona-based Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed management of the 6-acre Wolf Fire on Monday, May 6.
“We’re looking forward to using the Wolf Fire to accomplish several objectives for this piece of land,” said Deputy Incident Commander Jesse Causer. “The management techniques we’re implementing here allow us to reduce hazardous fuel loading, protect the nearby C.C. Cragin Watershed and fulfill our obligations to the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy.”
Heavy smoke impacts along Lake Mary Road are expected over the coming days. Speed limits in the Wolf Fire area – from mile post 300 to the junction of Highway 87 – will be temporarily reduced to allow for firefighter and public safety.
Motorists are asked to remain cognizant of fire personnel working in the area.
A temporary flight restriction has been issued for the area surrounding the Wolf Fire. Drone operators are asked to abide by the issued restrictions.
Lightning-caused wildfires allow an opportunity for land treatment: The removal of forest fuels – such as pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees and other dry plant matter – that create hazardous conditions that could lead to potential catastrophic wildfire.
Naturally-ignited wildfires work similarly to prescribed fires in that they allow fire managers to help fire fulfill its natural role in the northern Arizona ecosystem.
Land treatment using fire – whether it’s conducted as part of a planned prescribed fire or part of an unplanned wildfire – is an important part of the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to reduce the risk of wildfire to critical infrastructure and communities.
As part of the overall Wildfire Crisis Strategy, the Coconino National Forest is committed to restoring land and protecting watersheds – including work on the Cragin Watershed Protection Project – as part of the wider Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI).
Throughout the fire management process, fire managers will employ a strategic, risk-based response that is appropriate for changing conditions on the ground. This response will use a full range of management actions that consider fire and fuel conditions, weather, values at risk and resource availability.
Smoke is an unavoidable byproduct of land restoration work and wildfire. While early spring wind patterns typically funnel smoke upward for a wider distribution that will lessen smoke impact to nearby communities, area residents and visitors should be prepared for lingering smoke in the Wolf Fire area. More information is available at airnow.gov.
Capture.PNG