Arizona Emergency Information Network
West Escudilla Pile Burn planned on Springerville Ranger District
The Springerville Ranger District is planning prescribed fire pile burns across 600 acres within the West Escudilla pinyon-juniper treatment units. Encroaching junipers were thinned in an effort to decrease tree density and canopy cover, and to prevent regrowth of new juniper to restore the fuel type to grassland, its original fire regime. A ‘fire regime’ is the term given to the general pattern in which fires naturally occur in a particular ecosystem over an extended period of time.
Winter is an optimal time to burn piled slash and woody debris because snow on the ground keeps the fire from spreading to adjacent vegetation. Recent weather has provided ideal conditions and fire managers will look for opportunities to initiate burning between February 16 and February 29, 2024.
The project area is located 10-15 miles southwest of Springerville-Eagar. Smoke from these prescribed fire pile burns is expected to be minimal but may impact Highways 60 and 180/191 and the communities of Springerville-Eagar. Drivers are cautioned that visibility may be reduced, especially in the overnight hours when smoke settles near the ground.
Each prescribed fire is designed to accomplish specific objectives and is managed with firefighter and public safety as the highest priority. Fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health, remove hazardous fuels, increase firefighter safety, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect communities and watersheds. Landscape treatments on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests align with the Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape and other treatments to improve forest health.
Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
BLM plans prescribed burns in Yavapai County
The Bureau of Land Management’s Phoenix District is planning prescribed burning operations to burn cut and piled brush from public lands in Yavapai County near Skull Valley and Yarnell. Burning may occur over multiple days through February as conditions allow.
BLM fire personnel will burn juniper piles cut from 50 acres of public lands about three miles east of Skull Valley. They will also burn piles from 30 acres of public lands about one mile south of Yarnell east of State Route 89. Thinning and burning juniper that has encroached into grasslands helps open wildlife corridors, reduce predator cover, and improve wildlife forage. Reduced fuel loads also help to lessen the intensity of unplanned wildfires and their impact on nearby communities.
To ensure public safety, BLM firefighters will ignite the piles only when weather conditions are conducive to safely burning. They will remain on scene to monitor public and resource safety. Area residents may see some light smoke during the burn operation. No local road closures are expected.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 provided funding for this prescribed burn. The legislation funds fuel treatments to help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and benefit neighboring communities.
For more information, contact Public Affairs Specialist, Chris Wonderly, at (602) 818-8295, or [email protected].
Measles Case Confirmed in Maricopa County as Cases Rise in U.S., Overseas
As measles cases rise across the United States and overseas, a measles case has been confirmed within Maricopa County involving an international visitor. Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is currently conducting an investigation.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread through the air. Those who are unvaccinated are at highest risk of developing the disease if exposed. Measles virus can survive in the air for several hours and may be transmitted to unvaccinated individuals even after the infected person left the room. Almost every person exposed to measles will get sick if they have not been vaccinated with the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine or had the disease in the past. A person with measles can give the disease to other people even before they feel sick. Measles can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women and people with depressed immune systems.
“Measles is both highly infectious and completely preventable,” said Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for MCDPH. “We encourage residents to stay up-to-date on their vaccines and watch for symptoms of measles, especially if you are high risk or unvaccinated,” Dr. Staab added.
Measles usually begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A rash usually appears 3 to 5 days later. The rash often begins on the forehead and spreads downward to other parts of the body. Individuals with a depressed immune system and those vaccinated with MMR between 1964 and 1967 may not have a typical rash.
Symptoms consistent with measles include:
- Fever
- Cough
- White spots in the throat
- Runny nose
- Red and/or watery eyes
- Rash
It can take up to 21 days after their last exposure for a person infected with measles to start showing symptoms.
In the event you experience fever, cough, runny nose, rash, or any other symptoms of measles:
- Please self-isolate, stay away from others and contact your healthcare provider by phone and let them know you are concerned you may have measles. They will let you know when to visit their office so as not to expose others in the waiting area.
- If you do not have a health care provider and need to seek care, please contact the urgent care or hospital before visiting and let them know that you suspect measles.
If your healthcare provider thinks that you have measles, please have your provider call (602) 506-6767 to notify MCDPH immediately so that appropriate follow-up can be initiated.
MCDPH will provide more information as the investigation continues.
For additional information on measles, please visit the MCDPH measles website.
Potential avalanche hazard and other winter hazards
The Coconino County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Unit and the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center would like to remind those recreating in the winter backcountry, particularly on the San Francisco Peaks, about some potential hazards.
Northern Arizona is currently experiencing a significant winter weather event. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, as the first in a series of three storms descends on the region. Storm totals above 10,000 feet on the
San Francisco Peaks could reach nearly 4 feet over the next 4 days. If maximum totals accumulate, dangerous avalanche conditions could result near and above tree line.
As new snow loads the current snowpack, weak layers at the bottom and middle, could release, resulting in large to very large avalanches. This storm is accompanied by high winds, which could further load some slopes. Human-triggered avalanches will be likely. This storm could lead to the first natural avalanche cycle of the season. Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center is recommending that skiers and riders avoid near tree line and above tree line slopes at all aspects until the danger subsides. For updated information, please see the avalanche forecast at www.Kachinapeaks.org.
In addition to the potential avalanche hazard on the San Francisco Peaks, winter weather hazards will exist throughout portions of Northern Arizona. Deep snow will make travel by foot and vehicle difficult. Some area roadways may be closed due to the snowfall and drivers should not be tempted to take alternative routes suggested by navigation apps, especially roads that are not routinely plowed or patrolled. It is generally best to wait out the closure in your vehicle or in town rather than attempt an unknown alternate route. Travelers should be prepared with extra supplies in their vehicles with an expectation of longer travel times and occasional road closures.
Those recreating on foot in the backcountry should be prepared for over the snow travel in deep snow and have the necessary equipment to safely negotiate the environment including navigation equipment (map, compass, GPS), food and water, extra warm clothing, headlamp or flashlight, first aid kit, emergency shelter materials, fire starting kit, pocket knife/multi-tool, whistle and signal mirror, and a fully charged cell phone with a back-up battery.
In potential avalanche terrain it is important to carry an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe, and avalanche shovel with the knowledge of how to use those tools and backcountry travelers should not travel alone. Leaving a detailed trip plan with a trusted person not on the trip is important so that search and rescue knows where to look in the event that a someone is overdue.
Alpine Ranger District looks to complete prescribed fire operations on West Escudilla Restoration Project piles
Fire managers on the Alpine Ranger District have completed prescribed fire pile burns across 1,165 acres in the West Escudilla Restoration Project where timber thinning was conducted. The Pace Creek and ELC units were successfully burned and met the objectives of treating cumulative fuel loading and reducing potential threats from wildfires.
The remaining 49 acres to be burned in the Loco Knoll unit is located 11 miles north of Alpine and 14 miles southeast of Springerville. Slash piles are east of Forest Road (FR) 275, along FR 8889D, north of FR 851, and west of the Arizona-New Mexico State line.
Ignitions on the Loco Knoll project, weather and site conditions permitting, is slated to begin February 6, and is expected to be completed by February 9, 2024 if weather conditions allow.
Smoke will be visible and may impact Highway 180/191 and the communities of Alpine and Nutrioso. Drivers are cautioned that visibility may be reduced, especially in the overnight hours when smoke settles near the ground.
Landscape treatments on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests align with the Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape and other treatments to improve forest health.
Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
AlpineDistrictPilesRX_PIOmap_20240118.jpg
Coconino County Flood Control District completes step in Post-Wildfire Flood Mitigation Project
The Coconino County Flood Control District has delivered another substantial element of post-wildfire flood mitigation to Flagstaff’s Spruce Avenue Wash Flood Corridor/Museum Flood Area with completion of the second and final phase of the Park Way Sediment Basins Project.
The Park Way Sediment Basins Project is one of a suite of ongoing post-wildfire flood mitigation projects in Spruce Avenue Wash, which was heavily impacted by flood flows from the Museum Fire scar in 2021. Phase I was completed in June 2023, and with the completion of Phase II, the project now includes three sediment basins with a total capacity of nine acre-feet—about the same as four and a half Olympic swimming pools.
“We know that sediment loads are a large contributor to overwhelming the infrastructure and flooding within post-wildfire flood corridors,” said Lucinda Andreani, Coconino County Flood Control District Administrator. “These sediment basins, in conjunction with the watershed restoration we have conducted upstream, will be key to minimizing the amount of flood sediment and debris that ends up downstream, which is important to the significant infrastructure investment the City is making downstream.”
The Park Way Sediment Basins were constructed on a parcel owned by the City of Flagstaff. They were engineered by Natural Channel Design Engineering to include three sediment basins, erosion control structures, and a re-establishment of a trail that previously occupied the area. The project was funded through the District and a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at total cost of over $1.4 million. Two separate contractors—Tiffany Construction and Kinney Construction Services (KCS)—participated in the construction effort, which was challenging due to its placement within a dense residential area.
“KCS coordinated with the team from Natural Channel Design and the City of Flagstaff for pre-determined hauling routes to ease congestion in the Park Site neighborhood,” said Will Odell, spokesperson for KCS. “Safety and public awareness were key elements for project success in this busy corridor along Linda Vista.”
City of Flagstaff flood mitigation projects in the Spruce Avenue Wash Flood Corridor are ongoing. For more information, visit www.museumfloodprojects.com.
Pile burns planned today on Coconino National Forest
The Coconino National Forest will conduct pile burns in two different locations today.
The Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) will burn 1,320 acres of piles located at Willard Springs, 5 miles north of Munds Park.
Smoke impact is anticipated to be minimal but may briefly affect Interstate 17.
The Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD) will burn 2 acres of piles located at Bly Pit, 14 miles northeast of Clints Well.
There are no anticipated road or trail closures due to any of the pile burn projects. Please refrain from calling dispatch lines if you see smoke from these pile burns so lines can remain open for any emergencies.
Burn plans may change at any time due to wind and weather conditions and forecasts.
Pile burns are an important part of forest restoration projects planned in accordance with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
Pile burns work alongside both prescribed fire and mechanical thinning to remove fuels such as woody debris and logging scraps from the forest floor during times of opportune weather.
Fire managers make every effort to effectively plan and execute burn plans at times when weather allows for smoke impacts to be minimized and transport up and over communities.
For more information about prescribed burns and why wildfire is a necessary part of this ecosystem, please visit our Prescribed Fires and Smoke web page and view the video Misconceptions and Benefits of Fire.
Lakeside Ranger District continues pile burning
Fire managers on the Lakeside Ranger District plan to continue prescribed fire operations on the Cabin unit slash piles. The project area is approximately 40 acres and is expected to be completed either today or tomorrow. Piles are composed of timber slash created from thinning projects or wildfire suppression activities and are treated to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations. Prescribed fire operations are contingent on multiple factors, including favorable weather conditions, air quality, and resource availability.
The Cabin project area is located 2 miles northeast of Lakeside, AZ. The project boundary is the Osprey Connector Trail, Forest Road (FR) 9712C, and FR 45. Fire crews will patrol the burn area each day until there is no threat of fire movement.
The objective for these prescribed fires is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires, aligning with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
Smoke impacts are expected to be minimal and may be visible from Highways 60, 77, and 260. Travelers are advised to use extra caution when driving in the vicinity during project implementation.
Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
Mesa Ranger District plans pile burns to reduce wildfire risk to facilities and high-use recreational sites
Tonto National Forest firefighters will begin a two-day, prescribed pile burn on the Mesa Ranger District beginning Jan. 31.
Firefighters will burn piles containing dead brush and limbs to reduce hazardous fuels from administrative sites and recreational areas near the Lower Salt River, Saguaro Ranch, Tortilla Flat and Canyon Lake.
Reducing these hazardous fuels from high-use recreation areas can help to limit the threat of wildfires to infrastructure and other values at risk. In addition, burning piles mitigates potential smoke impacts to the area by reducing the amount and duration of smoke in the air.
These treatments improve plant and wildlife habitat to increase biodiversity for wildlife corridors. Prescribed fires also help protect culturally significant native foods and plants, improve timber stands and recreational opportunities, and reduce the threat of invasive species on the landscape.
Prescribed fire operations are part of the USDA Forest Service’s overarching wildfire crisis strategy to reduce wildfire risk to people, communities, and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient fire-adapted forests. For more information about the Forest Service’s 10-year strategy to address the wildfire crisis, visit the Confronting the Wildfire Crisis web page.
For additional information, contact the Mesa Ranger Station located at 5140 E. Ingram Street, Mesa, Arizona. Or phone the station at (480) 610-3300 Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and noon and from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or X (formally Twitter) @TontoForest.
unnamed (4).pngFuels reduction project on Mesa Ranger District to improve three watersheds
Tonto National Forest firefighters will begin a two-day, 2-acre prescribed fire on the Mesa Ranger District beginning Jan. 24.
Firefighters will burn piles containing dead brush and limbs to reduce hazardous fuels in high-use administrative sites and recreational areas near the Lower Salt River, Saguaro Ranch, Tortilla Flat and Canyon Lake.
Removal of these ground fuels will improve three watersheds: the Lower Salt River along with Saguaro and Canyon Lakes. Prescribed fires aid watersheds by reducing the risk of large-scale wildland fires. Burned watersheds are prone to increased flooding and erosion, which can negatively affect water-supply reservoirs, water quality, and drinking-water treatment processes.
In addition to watershed improvement, these treatments improve plant and wildlife habitat to increase biodiversity for wildlife corridors. Prescribed fires also help protect culturally significant native foods and plants, improve timber stands and recreational opportunities, and reduce the threat of invasive species on the landscape.
Prescribed fire operations are part of the USDA Forest Service’s overarching wildfire crisis strategy to reduce wildfire risk to people, communities, and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient fire-adapted forests. For more information about the Forest Service’s 10-year strategy to address the wildfire crisis, visit the Confronting the Wildfire Crisis web page.
For additional information, contact the Mesa Ranger Station located at 5140 E. Ingram Street, Mesa, Arizona. Or phone the station at (480) 610-3300 Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and noon and from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or Twitter @TontoForest.
unnamed (3).pngSpringerville Ranger District plans West Escudilla Pile Burn
The Springerville Ranger District is planning prescribed fire pile burns across 600 acres within the West Escudilla pinyon-juniper treatment units. Encroaching junipers were thinned in an effort to decrease tree density and canopy cover, and to prevent regrowth of new juniper to restore the fuel type to grassland, its original fire regime. A ‘fire regime’ is the term given to the general pattern in which fires naturally occur in a particular ecosystem over an extended period of time.
Winter is an optimal time to burn piled slash and woody debris because snow on the ground keeps the fire from spreading to adjacent vegetation. Recent weather has provided ideal conditions, and with more snow in the forecast, fire managers will look for opportunities to initiate burning between January 25 and February 14, 2024.
The project area is located 10-15 miles southwest of Springerville-Eagar. Smoke from these prescribed fire pile burns is expected to be minimal but may impact Highways 60 and 180/191 and the communities of Springerville-Eagar. Drivers are cautioned that visibility may be reduced, especially in the overnight hours when smoke settles near the ground.
Each prescribed fire is designed to accomplish specific objectives and is managed with firefighter and public safety as the highest priority. Fire managers use prescribed fire to improve forest health, remove hazardous fuels, increase firefighter safety, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect communities and watersheds. Landscape treatments on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests align with the Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape and other treatments to improve forest health.
Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
WEPJ_IgnitionUnitMapBurnPlan20220216.jpgPublic Appeal Period Begins for Munds Park Preliminary Flood Maps
On January 23, 2024, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expected to publish a second notice announcing the start of the 90-day public appeal period for the Munds Park preliminary flood maps. The flood maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in the Munds Park area are at risk of flooding. These flood maps update 30-year-old studies and help determine flood insurance and building requirements.
Citizens can view the preliminary maps at www.coconino.az.gov/3141/Munds-Park. FEMA developed the preliminary flood maps in partnership with Coconino County. The process included an extensive, multi-year review of the changes brought about by environmental, land use, and other forces. It used the best available science, including state-of-the-art aerial mapping, flood risk modeling techniques, and a comprehensive pre-release technical review.
Coconino County presented a virtual open house (a recording is available at www.coconino.az.gov/3143/Munds-Park-Flood-Risk-Open-Houses) on September 13, 2023 to allow the public to review and discuss the preliminary flood maps. The County hosted an in-person flood risk open house on September 18, 2023.
The updated FIRMs are still preliminary and have not been officially adopted and are not yet effective. This 90-day public appeal period allows property owners to formally submit appeals - which require analysis or scientific evidence showing the information on the preliminary map is scientifically or technically incorrect - and comments. More details about the appeals process can be found at www.coconino.az.gov/3147/If-You-Disagree-with-the-Preliminary-Flo. Once all appeals and comments are received and addressed, the county expects maps will become effective by early 2025. The new flood insurance and building requirements will take effect at that time.
More information about the mapping project is available at the website: www.coconino.az.gov/3141/Munds-Park. Individuals with general questions about the local map update efforts can also call the Flood Control District at (928) 679-8881 during business hours or email [email protected]. For information about flood insurance, contact your local insurance agent or visit www.FloodSmart.gov.
Piles from West Escudilla Restoration Project slated for Prescribed Burns on the Alpine Ranger District
Fire managers on the Alpine Ranger District are planning prescribed fire pile burns in four locations within the West Escudilla Restoration Project
where timber thinning was conducted. Burning these piles will treat cumulative fuel loading and reduce potential threats from wildfires. Project burn dates, weather and site conditions permitting, areplanned for January 23 through February 2, 2024. The total project areas comprise 1,214 acres.
- The Highway 180 Miscellaneous Piles 10-acre project is located 4 miles east of Alpine and includes piles on the north side of Highway 180 in the right-of-way between Forest Road (FR) 571 and the Arizona-New Mexico State line.
- The Pace Creek Piles 78-acre project is located 5 miles east of Alpine, south of Highway 180, east of County Road 2310, west of the Arizona-New Mexico State line, and north of FR 8153A.
- The ELC Piles 1,077-acre project is located 6 miles northeast of Alpine, east of FR 275, south of FR 577, west of the Arizona-New Mexico State line, and north of FR 8181B.
- The Loco Knoll Piles 49-acre project is located 11 miles north of Alpine and 14 miles southeast of Springerville. Slash piles are east of FR 275, along FR 8889D, north of FR 851, and west of the Arizona-New Mexico State line.
Smoke from these prescribed fire pile burns will be visible and may impact Highway 180/191 and the communities of Alpine and Nutrioso. Drivers are cautioned that visibility may be reduced, especially in the overnight hours when smoke settles near the ground.
Landscape treatments on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests align with the Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape and other treatments to improve forest health.
Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
A map of the Alpine District prescribed burns January 19 2024.jpg
Tonto fire officials plan hazardous fuels reduction project to improve watersheds in Christopher, Tonto and Cherry Creeks
A Tonto National Forest project will use machinery to “chew” or “grind” woody vegetation on 5,351 acres across two of the Tonto’s ranger districts beginning Jan. 17.
Entitled the Payson/Pleasant Valley Maintenance Mastication project, the contracted work will take place over the next year near the towns of Mesa Del Caballo, Kohl’s Ranch, Christopher Creek, and Young in central Arizona.
The project will reduce shrub and small juniper regrowth in previously treated areas, improving watersheds in Christopher, Tonto and Cherry Creeks, with the goal of lowering the risk of large-scale wildland fires. Additionally, burned watersheds are prone to increased flooding and erosion, which can negatively affect water-supply reservoirs, water quality, and drinking-water treatment processes.
Mastication is a fuel reduction treatment method used in forestry management to lower the risk of wildfires by reducing fuel loadings, returning the forest to natural conditions, and improving overall forest health. Masticating fuels, or mulching the forest, involves the reduction of vegetation into small chunks and is one of the many ways overstocked forest stands are thinned.
A masticator is similar to a woodchipper, it is mounted on an excavator type tractor, which moves through the forest to grind or chip trees and brush, leaving the chips behind. The benefits of this treatment include opening the canopy and forest floor which provides the remaining trees access to more nutrients, sunlight and water. Mastication can assist in removing some trees in the early stages, to allow the remaining trees to grow faster, larger and healthier.
The mastication project is linked to the Four Forest Restoration Initiative. Commonly referred to as 4FRI, this landscape-level effort is restoring the structure, pattern, composition, and health of fire-adapted ponderosa pine ecosystems across 2.4 million acres in northern Arizona. The project uses a full suite of restoration approaches that are carried out by Forest Service personnel, partners, volunteers, and contractors. Additionally, the Forest Service consults with 17 Native American Tribes, as well as 10 Navajo Nation chapters on 4FRI.
Fuels reduction projects are part of the USDA Forest Service’s overarching wildfire crisis strategy to reduce wildfire risk to people, communities, and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient fire-adapted forests. For more information about the Forest Service’s 10-year strategy to address the wildfire crisis, visit the Confronting the Wildfire Crisis web page.
For additional information about the above projects, contact the Payson Ranger Station located at 1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, Arizona. Or phone the station at (928) 474-7900 Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) @TontoForest.
A photo of the Payson mastication project January 15 2024.jpg A photo of the Pleasant Valley mastication project January 15 2024.jpgBlack Mesa Ranger District resumes pile burning
Recent winter weather has provided ideal conditions for fire managers to implement prescribed fire operations on the RCRX and Black Mesa administrative site slash piles. Piles are composed of timber slash created from thinning projects and are treated to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations. Burning is scheduled to begin on January 16, 2024 and continue until completed or when weather conditions no longer allow.
The RCRX project area is 292 acres and is located between Forest Road (FR) 51 and FR 144 which ties into the forest boundary and Pinecrest Lake/Bison Ranch in Overgaard. The objective is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and return the landscape to a more fire-resistant condition, aligning with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Fire managers will only burn when weather conditions allow for minimal fire creep, thereby protecting the values at risk in the area. Smoke will be visible in the communities of Heber-Overgaard and Highway 260. Drivers are urged to proceed with caution as visibility may be impacted during implementation of this project.
The Black Mesa administrative site project area is 30 acres and is located near the Black Mesa Ranger District office alongside FR 50 next to the Tall Timbers Park in Overgaard. Smoke is expected to impact the communities of Heber-Overgaard and may reduce visibility along Highway 260. Drivers should take extra precautions when traveling near the project area.
Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
A photo of the Black Mesa pile burn January 12 2024.jpgLakeside Ranger District plans pile burning
Fire managers on the Lakeside Ranger District plan to implement prescribed fire operations on the Brown Creek, Cabin, Ortega Draw, and Zrama slash piles. Piles are composed of timber slash created from thinning projects or wildfire suppression activities and are treated to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations. Prescribed fire operations are contingent on multiple factors, including favorable weather conditions, air quality, and resource availability. Pile burning is slated to commence on Jan. 9, 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of January. The total project area is 168 acres.
- The Brown Creek project area is 8 miles southwest of Vernon, AZ. The project boundary is County Road 3144, Forest Road (FR) 45e, and FR 45L1.
- The Cabin project area is 2 miles northeast of Lakeside, AZ. The project boundary is the Osprey Connector Trail, FR 9712C, and FR 45.
- The Ortega Draw project area is 2 miles south of Vernon, AZ. The project boundary is FR 44, FR 45E1, and County Road 3144.
- The Zrama project area is 8 miles southwest of Vernon, AZ. The project boundary is County Road 3144, FR 283, and FR 267A1.
The objective for these prescribed fires is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires, aligning with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
Smoke may be visible from Highway 60, Highway 77, and Highway 260. Smoke should rise and disperse quickly with forecasted winds, and significant smoke should only last a couple of hours during initial ignition and then dissipate quickly with very little smoke in the evenings. Travelers are advised to use extra caution when driving in these areas during project implementation.
Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
A photo of the Cabin prescribed burn January 8 2024.jpgA photo of the BrownCreek prescribed burn January 8 2024.jpg
A photo of the Ortega prescribed burn January 8 2024.jpg
A photo of the Zrama prescribed burn January 8 2024.jpg
Pile burns planned around Coconino NF this week as winter weather continues
Fire managers on the Coconino National Forest plan to take advantage of winter weather conditions by conducting pile burns on both the Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) and Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD) this week.
The FRD has multiple pile burn projects planned between Monday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 12.
The district will burn piles located northwest of Flagstaff along Snowbowl Road (37 acres) and at Hotshot Ranch (5 acres), northeast of Flagstaff at Mount Elden (70 acres) and Elden Springs (80 acres); east of Flagstaff at the Flagstaff Ranger Station; and south of Flagstaff at Mormon Lake Work Center (19 acres) and Dairy Springs (37 acres).
Smoke impacts are expected to remain light throughout the course of the project work, though minor impact may be felt to surrounding communities and roadways.
The MRRD will conduct two pile burns this week, including the Natural Tanks piles (30 acres) located 4 miles northeast of Clints Well and the Baker Butte piles (500 acres) located 8 miles southwest of Clints Well.
Smoke will be visible from state Route 87, but impact is expected to be light and short in duration with minimal community impact.
There are no anticipated road or trail closures due to any of the pile burn projects. Please refrain from calling dispatch lines if you see smoke from these pile burns so lines can remain open for any emergencies.
Burn plans may change at any time due to wind and weather conditions and forecasts.
Pile burns are an important part of forest restoration projects planned in accordance with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
Pile burns work alongside both prescribed fire and mechanical thinning to remove fuels such as woody debris and logging scraps from the forest floor during times of opportune weather.
Fire managers make every effort to effectively plan and execute burn plans at times when weather allows for smoke impacts to be minimized and transport up and over communities.
For more information about prescribed burns and why wildfire is a necessary part of this ecosystem, please visit our Prescribed Fires and Smoke web page and view the video Misconceptions and Benefits of Fire.
A photo of the Natural Tanks pile burns January 8 2024.jpg A photo of the Baker Butte pile burn January 8 2024.jpgBlack Mesa Ranger District to resume pile burning
Fire managers plan to take advantage of recent snowfall to implement prescribed fire operations on the Rancho Allegre and Hidden slash piles. Piles are composed of timber slash created from thinning projects and are treated to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations. Prescribed fire operations are contingent on favorable weather conditions with burning slated to commence on Jan. 8, 2024. Fire managers expect to complete these projects by the end of January.
The Rancho Allegre project area is 211 acres and is located north of Forest Road 300, between Forest Road 34 and Forest Road 84 in Willow Creek. The objective is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations around private inholdings and return the landscape to a more fire-resistant condition, aligning with the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Fire managers will only burn when weather conditions allow for minimal fire creep, thereby protecting the values at risk in the area. Smoke may be visible in nearby campgrounds and along Forest Road 34.
The Hidden project area is 62 acres and is located approximately 3 miles west of Forest Lakes on the north side of Highway 260. The piles are the result of the Hidden timber stand improvement/fuels reduction treatment in the area. The goal is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and minimize the risk of high-severity wildfires. Weather conditions, such as snowfall, will determine the timing of ignitions. Smoke and fire will be visible from Highway 260, and fire managers will monitor air quality conditions in and near the community of Forest Lakes. Smoke may reduce visibility and drivers should take extra precautions.
Air quality information is available at https://www.airnow.gov/. Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
A photo of the Rancho Allegre pile burn January 5 2024.jpgSpringerville Ranger District plans ignitions at Greer green waste burn pit
Fire managers on the Springerville Ranger District plan to begin ignitions at the one-acre green waste burn pit in Greer on Jan. 9, 2024. This project will clean up and eliminate slash that has accumulated over the summer and fall.
Recent precipitation, cooler temperatures, and relative humidity recoveries are in alignment to produce low intensity fire behavior, minimizing the threat to values at risk such as the town of Greer and adjacent recreation areas.
Once ignitions have been completed, firefighters will patrol the project area until there is no smoke showing and no threat of escape.
Smoke may be visible and could impact the communities of Greer, Springerville-Eagar, and Highways 260 and 373. Smoke impacts to roadways may reduce visibility, and drivers are cautioned to remain aware of the potential for slower traffic in the vicinity. Information on air quality is available at https://www.airnow.gov/.
Visit the A-S National Forests website and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
A photo of the Greer Pit prescribed pile burn January 5 2024.jpg