FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Sept. 30, 2023 – The Coconino National Forest plans to continue work on two prescribed burn projects this week that will help restore healthier conditions to the forest and fire-dependent ecosystems.
Prescribed burns will be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind or humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plans.
Mint West project:
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 2.
- Where: Located on the Flagstaff Ranger District 10 miles east of Munds Park, just southwest of Mormon Lake. A project map is available online.
- Why: This prescribed burn will reintroduce fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem and reduce hazardous forest fuels such as downed trees and decaying plant matter in the Mormon Lake area. The reduction of those hazardous fuels will protect values at risk in the area, such as the Mormon Lake community, campgrounds and other private inholdings.
- Size: 3,982 acres
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast initial entry and maintenance burn. 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. 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 five days.
- Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to impact Lake Mary Road and the Mormon Lake area. Smoke will be highly visible from Flagstaff.
Closures/Restrictions: No formal closure orders will be issued, but Arizona Trail hikers will be asked to follow a re-route to avoid hazardous areas.
Blue Ridge Urban Interface project:
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 1
- Where: Located on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District, roughly 9 miles northeast of Clints Well. A project map is available online.
- Why: This prescribed burn will reduce fuel loading around the communities of Blue Ridge, thus lessening the risk of catastrophic unplanned wildfire during times of critical fire weather. This project also reintroduces fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem.
- Size: 7,000 acres
- Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn.
- Duration: This project is anticipated to last three weeks, with ignitions occurring sporadically during the project timeline.
- Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to travel to the north and northeast and will be highly noticeable from nearby communities such as Pine, Strawberry and Happy Jack. Smoke may likely travel to Highway 87 and impact Winslow, Holbrook and Interstate 40.
Closures/Restrictions: No formal closure orders will be issued, but Arizona Trail hikers will be asked to follow a re-route to avoid hazardous areas.
Prescribed burn information can always be accessed in several ways:
- Via InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov. All projects will be detailed on the “Coconino National Forest 2024 Fall Prescribed Burn Season – AZCOF” page.
- On 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 burns are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions, as well as approval from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed burns on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino NF burns begin with the designator “COF.”
During prescribed burns, smoke will be visible from several areas across the forest. Please refrain from contacting dispatch or 911 to report prescribed burn smoke so lines can remain open for emergencies.
The Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy aims to increase prescribed burning and other treatments across the landscape to improve forest resiliency for generations to come. With that work comes more smoke which can have an impact on both the public and our responders.
We recognize that smoke impacts can affect residents and visitors in addition to our fire personnel. We will continue to coordinate closely with partners and communities to keep people informed about projects and potential smoke. Affected communities can learn more at airnow.gov.
Prior to conducting prescribed burns, the Coconino NF follows steps outlined in the agency-wide National Prescribed Fire Review. These steps include items such as validating and updating prescribed burn plans with the most recent science and modeling, incorporating new drought monitoring data, ensuring the patrol plan and long-term patrol strategy is documented and communicating with and involving landowners, cooperators, elected officials and partners as we implement prescribed fires.
Prescribed burns are an important part of maintaining forest health. For more information on why prescribed burns are conducted and how they benefit the landscape and help protect communities, please visit our Prescribed Fire and Forest Health webpage.
