FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Dec. 13, 2024 — The Coconino National Forest plans to begin work on a highly visible prescribed burn project north of Flagstaff this week.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available
Horseshoe (Kendrick Project Area)
- Dates: 17-18
- Location: Flagstaff Ranger District. Located northwest of Flagstaff, roughly 13 miles north of Bellemont.
- Size: 715 acres
- Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn. Broadcast burning means firefighters will spread the fire across the landscape using drip torches, effectively ‘broadcasting’ the fire with low intensity across the landscape. Maintenance burns usually mean wildfire has recently been through the area, which tends to mean less smoke since forest fuels will not be as thick or built up over time.
- Smoke Impacts:Smoke will be highly noticeable from Flagstaff. Smoke impacts to U.S. Route 180 are expected during ignitions and overnight. Electronic signs will be placed on either side of the predicted smoke impact areas to alert motorists. Smoke is expected to rise and travel to the northeast during ignitions, and then to travel southwest overnight. Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight.
- Why:This prescribed burn will reduce hazardous fuels in the area. By reducing hazardous fuels, such as pine litter and dried needlecast, during times of cooler weather and lower winds, fire managers can create a buffer zone to help safeguard nearby communities and infrastructure from the risk of catastrophic wildfire during peak wildfire season.
- Notes:No formal closure orders will be issued, but members of the public are asked to avoid the fire area.
SMOKE IMPACTS
Fire managers take air quality concerns seriously and seek to minimize smoke impacts to the greatest extent possible. Despite the benefits of prescribed burns, we are aware that members of the community can be sensitive to the smoke produced. We coordinate closely with partners to keep communities informed about projects and potential smoke, as well as try to mitigate impacts to communities as much as possible. One tool to use to track air quality and smoke impacts is fire.airnow.gov.
A new Smoke Complaint Hotline has been established for the public at 928-226-4608 for the public to leave their name and number if they would like to speak to fire leadership regarding smoke impacts and prescribed burn concerns.
