FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., May 13, 2024 — Coconino National Forest fire managers will resume plans for the Horseshoe Wild Bill and Maxwell Springs prescribed burn projects through this week in an effort to help protect communities from catastrophic wildfires and improve the health of the forest.
The Horseshoe Wild Bill project will begin today through Tuesday and is located 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff. Smoke impacts may occur along U.S. Highway 180 around the Kendrick Park area as smoke is predicted to move toward the east.
The Horseshoe Maxwell Springs project is planned for May 14 through May 16 and is located about 2.5 miles north of Bellemont. Smoke impacts may occur in the Kendrick Park, Fort Valley and Hart Prairie area, depending on wind direction.
Plans for prescribed burns often change quickly since they are dependent upon weather conditions and wind predictions. Details and updates about all prescribed burns can be found at inciweb.wildfire.gov. Planned prescribed burn projects will always be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind and humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plan.
More information about the relationship between prescribed fire, weather and why prescribed burns are conducted at certain times of the year is available on Coconino National Forest’s prescribed burns & smoke web page.
Horseshoe – Wild Bill project (project map)
– Tentative dates: Monday May 13 through Tuesday, May 14.
– Location: 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff: 4.5 miles north of Bellemont.
– Size: 3,960 acres total (broken up into different amounts each day).
– Type of burn: Broadcast, initial entry. 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.
– Smoke impacts: Possible smoke impacts will be felt along Highway 180 and in and around Kendrick Park during the daytime. Possible smoke impacts may be felt in the Bellemont area and along Interstate 40 overnight.
– Why: This prescribed fire will reduce fuel loading in the project area. Additionally, it will provide protection to the Upper Rio de Flag watershed, which will reduce the ensuing risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent flood damage to the City of Flagstaff.
– Notes: There are no closures anticipated.
Horseshoe – Maxwell Springs project (project map)
– Tentative dates: May 14 through May 16 (3 days)
– Location: 11 miles northwest of Flagstaff: 2.5 miles north of Bellemont.
– Size: 581 acres
– Type of burn: Broadcast, initial entry. 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.
– Smoke impacts: Possible smoke impacts will be felt along Highway 180 and in and around Kendrick Park and Fort Valley area during the daytime. Possible smoke impacts may be felt in the Bellemont area and along Interstate 40 overnight.
– Why: This prescribed fire will reduce fuel loading in the project area. Additionally, it will provide protection to the Upper Rio de Flag watershed, which will reduce the ensuing risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent flood damage to the City of Flagstaff.
– Notes: There are no closures anticipated.