The Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest plans to conduct a 1,332-acre prescribed burn this week northwest of Flagstaff as part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which seeks to restore healthier forest conditions fire-dependent ecosystems. The Horseshoe-Wild Bill project is located 11 miles northwest of Flagstaff along the west side of U.S. Highway 180. This prescribed burn is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday but may be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind, or humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plan. Horseshoe-Wild Bill project: When: Wednesday through Thursday (June 14-15). Where: Located on the Flagstaff Ranger District 11 miles northwest of Flagstaff, (35°19’08.4″N 111°46’40.8″W). See the FRD Wild Bill project map. Why: As part of confronting the wildfire crisis, this burn will reintroduce fire into a fire-dependent ecosystem to help maintain forest fuels and help reduce the risk of severe wildfires in the area. Size: 1,332 acres. Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast initial entry burn. 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. Duration: This burn is planned for two days. Smoke Impacts: Winds from the southwest should disperse smoke to the northeast, north of the San Francisco Peaks during the day, and smoke may impact areas along the highway. Firefighters will be coordinating with the Arizona Department of Transportation on timing to implement traffic control as they burn. Nighttime smoke may drain southwest to Bellemont and may impact Interstate 40. Closures/Restrictions: There are no anticipated road or trail closures.
