Large prescribed burn planned near Apache Maid Mt next week

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest firefighters are planning to take advantage of favorable weather conditions next week and have tentatively planned a large fire treatment on the Red Rock Ranger District, as well as pile burns on the Flagstaff Ranger District.

Prescribed burns are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-dependent ecosystems. These fire treatments mimic natural fires by reducing hazardous fuels accumulations, recycling nutrients, and increasing habitat diversity. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives, which includes proactively protecting communities from the threat of extreme wildfires by reducing forest fuels.

Apache Maid Burn (Unit 2)

  • When: Planned for Tuesday-Thursday (March 16-18).
  • Where: Red Rock Ranger District. Approximately 11 miles southeast of Sedona, near Apache Maid Mountain on the east side of Interstate 17. GPS: 34.759884, -111.618201
  • Size: 1,909 acres total (Approx. 1,000 acres per day).
  • Duration: This treatment will be divided into two separate areas over two days, though weather and wind conditions may push the timeframe back further in the week and may extend the duration to several days and possibly to March 21.
    Method/Type of burn: This is a broadcast maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: Smoke will be noticeable to motorists along I-17 near Stoneman Lake exit and should move toward the northeast during the day, impacting Stoneman Lake Road and the small community of Stoneman Lake. During evening hours, smoke could lightly impact the Rim Rock and Camp Verde communities overnight as it drains down canyons.
  • Closures/Restrictions: No roads or trails will be closed or restricted due to this burn.

Hart Prairie Piles (Unit 16)

  • When: Monday-Tuesday (March 15-16)
  • Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Approximately 10 miles north, northwest of Flagstaff, near Hart Prairie just off Forest Road 151. GPS: 35.341, -111.738
  • Size: 13 acres
  • Duration: 1-2 days operation.
  • Method/Type of burn: This is a hand ignition maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: With southwest winds predicted, smoke is predicted to move northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and may be visible to those in the Flagstaff area, I-17, I-40, and U.S. highways 180 and 89.
  • Closures/Restrictions: No roads or trails will be closed or restricted due to this burn.

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 National Forest burns begin with the designator “COF.”

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