FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 25, 2024 — The Coconino National Forest will begin conducting prescribed fire on two of its three districts next week should wind and weather conditions allow.
Fire managers plan to begin a variety of projects across both the Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD) starting the week of April 29.
“We’re looking forward to another great season of using prescribed fire to restore our local landscape and safeguard our communities,” said Coconino National Forest Fire Staff Officer Jason Clawson. “The work we’re doing now helps prevent the risk of catastrophic and unexpected wildfire during our hottest, driest and windiest months.”
FRD plans include work on ongoing projects such as Horseshoe (Slate and Peaks units), 3Echo (3E), Wild Bill and Mint. The MRRD will also be continuing work on projects such as Upper Beaver Creek (UBC), Sawmill, Clints and Blue Ridge Urban Interface (BRUI).
Project areas can be viewed in the attached map.
These upcoming prescribed fires support the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI). This landscape-level effort is restoring the structure, pattern, composition and health of fire-adapted ponderosa pine ecosystems in northern Arizona. The project uses a full suite of restoration approaches that are carried out by Forest Service personnel, partners, volunteers and contractors.
Prescribed fire works alongside other land treatments, such as mechanical thinning, to reduce fuel loading on forested lands and restore it to a healthier, more resilient state.
4FRI is part of the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
Prescribed fire information can always be accessed in several ways:
- Via InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov. InciWeb will update several times a week on both the Flagstaff Ranger District and Mogollon Rim Ranger District pages with planned prescribed fire projects and any ensuing changes.
- On X (Twitter) at @CoconinoNF
- On Facebook – search “U.S. Forest Service – Coconino National Forest”
- Via news releases. Subscribe to Coconino National Forest news releases by visiting coconinonationalforest.us, and then clicking the “Get News Via Email” link under the “Stay Connected” header
Prescribed fire plans are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions and may change at any time.
During prescribed fire, smoke will be visible from several areas across the forest. Please refrain from contacting dispatch or 911 to report prescribed fires so lines can remain open for emergencies.
Prescribed fires are also subject to approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed fire projects on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest fire projects begin with the designator “COF.”
Fire managers take air quality concerns seriously and are trained to minimize smoke impacts to the greatest extent possible. The Coconino National Forest will continue to coordinate closely with partners to keep communities informed about projects and potential smoke. More information is available at airnow.gov.
Prescribed fire is an important part of maintaining forest health. For more information on why prescribed fires are conducted and how they benefit the landscape and help protect communities, please visit our Prescribed Fire and Forest Health webpage.