Flagstaff AZ (April 17, 2021) – Coconino National Forest firefighters plan to take advantage of future favorable weather conditions and have tentatively planned large fire treatments in the Flagstaff Ranger District and Mogollon Rim Ranger District that will span several thousand acres and span several weeks.
If weather conditions allow, these treatments could start as early as the middle of next week and continue into May.
Prescribed burns are one of the most effective tools resource managers have in restoring fire-dependent ecosystems. These fire treatments mimic natural fires by reducing the accumulation of hazardous fuels, recycling nutrients, and increasing habitat diversity.
Any mandatory incineration is designed to achieve specific goals, including proactively protecting communities from the threat of extreme forest fires by reducing forest fuels.
Peaks Rx project
- When: Ignitions scheduled on Wednesday or Thursday (April 21 or April 22) for three to 10 days.
- Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. About 15 miles north of Flagstaff, northeast of the San Francisco Peaks. GPS: 35,405, -111,637
- Why: This treatment ensures forest health and restoration in areas north of Forest Road 418 while protecting wilderness areas south of FR 418 and private land holdings northeast of the project area.
- Size: 4,164 hectares in total.
- Duration: This incineration is divided into seven separate sections that complete over three to 10 days depending on weather conditions.
- Type / Type of Combustion: Broadcast Maintenance Fire.
- Effects on Smoke: With southwest winds predicted, the smoke should move northeast and be visible for many miles. In the evenings, cooling temperatures can cause smoke to settle in the lower-lying areas around the combustion and along US Highway 89 northeast of the mountains and in Deadman Wash.
- Closures / Restrictions: Because of this burning, no roads or paths will be closed or restricted, although forest roads 413 and 773 may be affected by increased fire service traffic and smoke.
- Note: Firefighters plan to use air ignition techniques to achieve larger burn areas in less time. If unsuitable, the sections are burned by hand.
Upper Beaver Creek Rx Project
- When: Firings scheduled on Thursday (April 22nd), possibly by May 15th.
- Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. About 15 miles northwest of Clints Well, 2 miles east of Stoneman Lake. GPS: 34.763494, -111.437873
- Why: This treatment ensures the health and restoration of forests while protecting many private land holdings near the project area.
- Size: 13,000 acres in total.
- Duration: This incineration is divided into 15 separate sections that will be completed over several weeks depending on weather conditions.
- Type / Type of Combustion: Broadcast Maintenance Fire.
- Effects on Smoke: With southwest winds predicted, the smoke should move northeast and be visible for many miles. While burning off Lake Mary Road and for the safety of firefighters and motorists, firefighters burn when wind conditions turn east, pushing smoke west during that time. Smoke will likely drain down Jacks Canyon into Beaver Creek and could hit areas of Interstate 17 west of the fire. In the evenings, cooling temperatures can cause smoke to settle in the lower-lying areas and along Lake Mary Road that surrounds the burn. Smoke could also settle in Rattlesnake Canyon, affecting Oak Creek Village, Stoneman Lake, and homes near Double Cabin Park.
- Closures / restrictions: Because of this burning, no roads or paths are closed or restricted. However, firefighters monitor conditions and work with ADOT if temporary closures are required.
- Note: Firefighters plan to use hand and air ignition techniques to achieve larger burn areas in less time.
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:
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