FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Jan. 31, 2024 — 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.