One of the mandatory burns for the next week is a highly visible project from the Naval Observatory Sedona.Biz

Flagstaff AZ (May 8, 2021) – Several mandatory burns – including a highly visible project east of the Naval Observatory in Flagstaff – are set to continue throughout Coconino National Forest over the weekend and next week.

The Naval Observatory project, slated to begin Tuesday, is likely to cause large amounts of smoke to be visible in the city of Flagstaff.

The Upper Beaver Creek Project, which began in late April, is expected to be completed early next week.

In addition, the Mint East project may begin this weekend and run through next week.

Marine observatory:

• When: May 11-14.
• Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. East of the US Naval Observatory, south of I-40. GPS: 35,184, -111,731
• Why: Continue forest health and restoration in areas previously treated by mechanical thinning projects.
• Size: 135 acres.
• Duration: four days.
• Type / Type of Combustion: Maintenance Combustion.
• Effects on Smoke: When west winds are predicted, smoke is predicted to move east. The units were mechanically thinned and previously burned in. The smoke development and duration should be less than with prescribed fire projects in untreated landscapes. In the evenings, at cooling temperatures, smoke can develop in the lower-lying areas around the combustion as well as along Naval Observatory Road and the I-40 corridors. Smoke will be visible in the Flagstaff Metro Area, I-17, I-40, Hwy 180, 89, and 89A corridors
• Closures / Restrictions: None expected.

Upper Beaver Creek:

• When: Monday 10 May.
• Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. About seven miles south of Mormon Lake. GPS: 34.780833, -111.448056
• Why: This incineration is part of a grassland restoration project that will improve feed for cattle and wildlife. It will also reduce hazardous fuels like deadwood and pine needles that have built up in the combustion area.
• Size: 1,000 acres.
• Duration: one to two days.
• Method / Type of Combustion: Broadcast Combustion.
• Effects on Smoke: The smoke is expected to move northeast, so effects on smoke are expected near Lake Mary Road and surrounding homes south of Stoneman Lake Road.
• Closures / Restrictions: None are expected.
• Notes: This will be the final burn scheduled for this spring in the Upper Beaver Creek area.

Mint East:

• When: Scheduled to start possibly this weekend (May 8th).
• Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Southeast of Mormon Lake Village, Corridors FR 124, 125 and FH3. GPS: 34,907, -111,407
• Why: Promoting forest health and restoration in areas previously treated in the 2015 Camillo fire.
• Size: 2,554 acres.
• Duration: Until May 14th, approximately one week. This incineration is divided into three separate blocks that are completed over three to seven days depending on weather conditions.
• Type / Type of Combustion: Broadcast Maintenance Fire.
• Effects on Smoke: The smoke is predicted to move northeast. In cooler evening temperatures, smoke can settle in lower areas around the combustion and along the corridor of Lake Mary Road. Smoke will be visible in the Flagstaff, I-17, I-40, Hwy 180, 89, and 89A subway areas.
• Closures / Restrictions: None expected.
• Notes: This burn is aimed at using air ignition and burning larger mornings if possible. If not, smaller blocks are burned by hand.

Mandatory burns always depend on weather and wind conditions, as well as approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved mandatory burns on the ADEQ website at Rauch.azdeq.gov. Burns in the Coconino National Forest begin with the designation “COF”.

Notifications of upcoming mandatory burns are provided regularly through press releases throughout the season, as well as through the following online resources: