FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – A prescribed burn will be conducted by the Flagstaff Fire Department on Observatory Mesa on Wednesday, Nov. 15. The burn will target approximately 168 acres. Resources on scene will include two type 6 engines, one type 3 engine, two utility task vehicles with water pumps, the Bear Jaw Wildland Crew and the Flagstaff Fire Department Wildland Crew.
Residents and visitors can expect smoke to be visible in the area. Smoke is expected to drift in a north/ northeast direction during the day over the Coconino Estates neighborhood and the area north of the hospital. At night, smoke is expected to settle in and around Thorpe Park. The Observatory Mesa FUTS trail will be closed between Road 515 and Road 515A. Recreators should avoid the area.
Prescribed burns help to restore forests to healthier conditions and improve the safety of the communities around them. Frequent, low-intensity fire removes accumulated smaller fuels and recycles nutrients in the soils to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat.
For more information on the benefits of prescribed burns, please visit Flagstaff.az.gov/4893/Prescribed-Fire.