Category Archives: Flagstaff

ATV Fatality Near Forest Lakes

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FOREST LAKES – On May 8, 2022, at about 1:00 PM the Coconino County Sheriff’s  Office received a report of a missing 8-year-old child from a campsite near Bear Canyon Lake. Due to the remote location, Sheriff’s Deputies, DPS Troopers, and Forest Service personnel responded to the call. While responding, a second report was made that the juvenile had been located and had been involved in an accident.

The subsequent investigation revealed the Mesa area family had been camping near Bear Canyon Lake when the child went missing. The child had reportedly taken the family’s ATV. The family immediately reported the incident to the camp host and began looking for the missing child. A short time later family members located the ATV and the child down a steep embankment. The child was not breathing and was transported by private vehicle to a location where they met with medical personnel. The child was pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation is ongoing by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. No further information is available at this time. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Forest Service for their assistance.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to wear recommended safety equipment and follow all applicable state and federal laws regarding the safe use of ATVs while recreating. Please visit the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office website for more information.

Plan for lane restrictions on SR 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff May 10-12

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan for daytime lane restrictions on State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff starting Tuesday, May 10, as crews perform guardrail repairs north of Grasshopper Point.

The following restrictions are in place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, through Thursday, May 12:

  • SR 89A will be restricted to one lane only with alternating north- and southbound travel at various locations between mileposts 376 and 384.
    Flaggers will assist drivers through the work zone.
  • A 14-foot vehicle width limit will be in place.
  • Drivers should be prepared to stop, proceed with caution and watch for maintenance personnel and equipment.

As a reminder, portions of SR 89A in Oak Creek Canyon are currently reduced to one lane only with alternating north- and southbound travel between Pumphouse Wash Bridge and Oak Creek Vista (roughly between mileposts 387 and 390) as part of the SR 89A Oak Creek Canyon Improvements project that is underway.

Armed robberies in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – On 05/07/22 at approximately 9:30 PM, an unknown suspect entered the Family Dollar at 3494 E Route 66 and displayed a handgun to the clerks and demanded money.  The suspect then left the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.  A video canvass was completed, and the pictured vehicle was observed leaving the parking lot of the shopping complex around the time of the robbery.

On 05/09/22 at approximately 05:45 AM, an unknown suspect entered the Circle K store at 2718 N Steve’s Blvd and again displayed a handgun to the clerks and demanded money.  The suspect left on foot Northbound on Steve’s Blvd into the lower Greenlaw neighborhood of Flagstaff after the incident.  The suspect appears to be wearing identical clothing from the incident at Family Dollar from 05/07/22.

The suspect appears to be wearing a dark colored Carhartt brand jacket, and has a beanie, face mask, black pants and black shoes.  The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.

If you have information about these crimes, please contact Detective Gilbert at 928-679-4120 or jdgilbert@flagstaffaz.gov. You can also submit your tip anonymously at Coconino County Silent Witness at 928-774-6111. Remember, we need your information not your name.

Elden Lookout Road, Rocky Ridge Trail closed for construction projects

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FLAGSTAFF — Approximately 5 miles of Mt Elden Road will be closed today till July 1 for construction associated with reducing sediment flooding from the Museum Fire and in order to keep the public safe during heavy construction activities.

This temporary closure prohibits motorized vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists from using the Elden Lookout Road (Forest Road 557) and Trail #153 (Rocky Ridge Trail) in the closed portions identified in the order and map.

Those exempt from this temporary closure include participants with the Cocodona 250 Race, which was coordinated and planned well before this closure order was developed. Safety personnel will be placed along Elden Lookout Road to help keep participants safe during the time they use the road.

Coconino National Forest and the county have contracted an alluvial fan restoration project along three tributaries that are affected by the Museum Fire. Tiffany Construction and Natural Channel Design will be performing earth moving activities with heavy machinery to increase resiliency of the tributaries.

The earth movement is a safety concern for public and will require a short-term restriction while construction activities, such as building weirs, drop structures, and elevating the road, are completed. The goal is to restore portions of the watershed for revegetation and reduce sediment transportation downstream into the City of Flagstaff.

Burned Area Emergency Response team completes Soil Burn Severity map for Tunnel Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – On May 3, Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists, led by Brandon Waterman, completed their field data evaluation to produce the Soil Burn Severity (SBS) map for the approximately 19,075-acre Tunnel Fire.

The map and the data delineate unburned, low, moderate and high SBS categories. The BAER team assessing the Tunnel Fire determined that approximately 4,774 acres (24%) of the fire is unburned, approximately 12,285 acres (67%) have low SBS, approximately 1,421 acres (8%) sustained a moderate SBS and only approximately 11 acres (<1%) were identified as having high soil burn severity.The SBS map product is an estimate of fire effects to soils, not fire effects to vegetation. SBS characterizes fire effects to the soil surface and below ground. Fire effects to vegetation would include an estimate of vegetation mortality which does not always correlate with degree of soil burn severity.

Moderate and high soil burn severity can alter or damage physical, chemical, and biological soil properties resulting in increased runoff, erosion, and negative effects to soil productivity. These soil properties include but are not limited to hydrophobicity (water repellency), soil organic matter content, soil pore space, soil cover (effective litter), and soil structure (including grade (degree of aggregation) and type (physical form).

Changes to these soil properties determine the degree of soil burn severity. Water repellency often occurs naturally in soils and it changes as a function of fire. It is frequently discussed as a post-fire effect. Fire can increase the strength and thickness—or depth—of water repellent layers in soil, considerably affecting post-fire water runoff and possibly extending time for recovery of the burned area.

The Tunnel BAER assessment team used remote sensing imagery with field-validated soils data to produce the final SBS map. The BAER team will use the SBS map as an analysis tool to estimate post-fire erosion with subsequent sediment delivery, stream flows and debris flow probabilities. The map is also being shared with cooperating agencies.

The Tunnel Fire soil burn severity map can be downloaded at the “Tunnel Fire BAER” InciWeb site (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8088/) as a JPEG or PDF version under the “Maps” tab.

As a reminder, The Coconino National Forest has instituted a Forest Closure Order for the area affected by the Tunnel Fire.

Coconino NF responding to 2-acre fire 8 miles north of Sunset Crater

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FLAGSTAFF – On May 2, Coconino National Forest resources are responding to the two-acre Antelope Fire, located eight miles north of Sunset Crater near Highway 89 (GPS coordinates 35°28’54.0″N 111°33’21.0″W).

The wind-driven fire was spreading at a moderate rate through grass-type fuels.

Resources at the scene included one Type 2 hand crew, four engines, one dozer, one water tender and miscellaneous overhead. An air attack resource had been ordered.

The fire was reported at 1:09 p.m. and its cause is under investigation.

No structures were threatened and smoke impact may have been noticed along Highway 89 and in the Doney Park area.

The fire was quickly contained and does not appear on the Incident Web Site.

Forest Service goes into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions May 5

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Beginning Thursday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m., Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the Williams and Tusayan Districts (aka “South Zone”) of the Kaibab National Forest and the entirety of the Coconino National Forest.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources.

Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area receives significant, widespread precipitation. Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines, or jail time. The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions.

For information on all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, visit wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, Forest Orders, and general forest conditions can be found at fs.usda.gov/kaibab and fs.usda.gov/coconino.

Coconino National Forest offices open and begin firewood permit sales May 2

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino National Forest will open its headquarters building and ranger stations to the public on Monday (May 2), which is the same day it will also begin selling firewood permits for the 2022 season.
Purchases can be made over the phone or in-person using check or credit card at the Forest Supervisor’s Office and Flagstaff Ranger Station between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Red Rock Ranger Station on weekdays (except Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m.)
  • Forest Supervisor’s Office, 928-527-3600, 1824 S. Thompson St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
  • Flagstaff Ranger Station, 928-526-0866, 5075 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
  • Red Rock Ranger Station, 928-203-2900, 8375 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86351
The Mogollon Rim Ranger Station is currently not able to process permit sales at this time.
In addition to a method of payment, purchasers should be prepared to provide their name, address, phone number, type of identification and identification number, the names of any additional cutters, credit card information, the type of wood and number of cords desired.
The minimum cost for a permit is $20, with a maximum purchase of 12 cords per household. Permits allow for the cutting of down and dead wood or standing wood that meets certain criteria in specified areas. The cost for oak, aspen, juniper and maple will be $5 per cord, and the cost for pine and mixed conifer will be $2.50 per cord.
There will be many visitors and phone calls during the first couple of weeks, so please be patient and realize there is limited staffing fielding a large volume of requests. In-person purchases will be given priority over phone calls, but we will do everything we can to accommodate both as much as possible.
For those ordering over the phone, permits and associated load tags will be mailed to purchasers, along with a receipt and a firewood guide that includes cutting instructions and a map. Purchasers are required to sign and date the permit in the permittee line as soon as it is received.
Purchasing by mailed check:
If purchasing by check, send a written request by mail to any of the offices previously mentioned, to the attention of “Timber Permits.” The written request should include your name, address, phone number, type of identification and identification number, the names of any additional cutters, the type of wood and number of cords desired. Your written request must be signed and dated, as well as include your check payment for the exact amount of cords being purchased — as long as the minimum of $20 is met.
Forest roads and other precautions
Unless specified elsewhere in the permit or on its accompanying map, or identified as prohibited, motorized off-road travel is authorized to access and load firewood. The permit does not authorize motorized cross-country travel to scout for firewood, but it does authorize off-road vehicle use by the most direct route in and out of the area to accomplish firewood retrieval. Please exercise caution when driving off-road and avoid resource damage.
The Coconino National Forest now has GPS-enabled firewood maps for smartphones, tablets and Garmin GPS devices, which may be used as a supplement to the firewood guide issued with each permit.
Firewood cutters should be aware chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush, so please take care when cutting firewood. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start. Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless-steel spark arrestor screen. As the season continues, cutters need to ensure they are aware of any fire restrictions by checking local Forest Service information.
Free use firewood areas
There are currently no free-use firewood areas designated for the 2022 season, but areas may be designated at a later point. Please check with your local Forest Service office periodically for any updates.
Other permit info
Additional forest and district permit programs such as Wildings, Post, Poles or House logs and Post and Stays will also be open for sale.

Plan for 40-day closure of A-1 Mountain Road Bridge over Interstate 40 in Flagstaff scheduled for May 2 – June 10

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for an extended closure of the A-1 Mountain Road Bridge over Interstate 40 (exit 190) from midnight Monday, May 2, to 11 p.m. Friday, June 10, as work continues on the bridge replacement project.

  • DETOUR TO A-1 MOUNTAIN ROAD: Drivers traveling eastbound on I-40 traffic will take Exit 191 to turn around and travel westbound on I-40 to access A-1 Mountain Road.
  • DETOUR TO EASTBOUND I-40: Drivers on A-1 Mountain Road will first travel west on I-40 and exit Hughes Avenue (Exit 185- Bellemont) to turn around and proceed eastbound on I-40.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

For more information, visit https://azdot.gov/i40-A1-Mountain

Neighborhoods Along Hwy 89 “GO” Order Downgraded to “SET”

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that we are lifting the “GO” evacuation order as of 9:00 AM Sunday morning April 24th, 2022, for the residents living in the neighborhoods along Highway 89. The Tunnel Fire Incident Management Team has determined that the status and condition of the fire at this time is no longer an imminent threat to the neighborhoods along Highway 89 and has recommended allowing residents back into their homes.

Residents returning to these neighborhoods will return to a “SET” status. The Incident Management Team and the Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that the conditions and status of the fire could change at any time resulting the return of a “GO” evacuation status. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will communicate any change in status as soon as possible. This includes the neighborhoods of Timberline, Fernwood, Wupatki Trails, Girls Ranch Road, and Lenox Park. It is important to note that the Coconino National Forest in that area, including the Cinder Lakes OHV Area, will remain closed, due to a temporary closure order from the US Forest Service. The
downgrade from “GO” to “SET” is mainly applicable for the private properties that lie within these areas.

The Sheriff’s Office will begin the re-entry of these residents at 9:00 AM Sunday, April 24, 2022. Evacuated residents are instructed to report in person to the north parking lot of the Silver Saddle Trading Post, located at 9001 N US Highway 89 in Flagstaff, AZ. Residents will be required to show identification or other documents verifying their address before they are allowed entry. Residents are required to check in at this location prior to accessing the neighborhood. Once the check-in process has been completed, residents will be able to access their properties.

Those who do not check in at the re-entry point, you will be turned around at the roadblock at Campbell and Hwy 89 and instructed to return to the Silver Saddle re-ntry point. No one else is allowed to return to the evacuated area but residents during this time, to ensure enough time is allowed to evaluate their properties. Prior to opening Hwy 89 to passing motorists and removing all individual roadway checkpoints, it is vital all residents check in.

The Hwy will remain closed Until 1:00 pm. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will continue to patrol the area heavily and enforce closures. All members of the public are reminded to be cautious of the increase in traffic in firefighting apparatus and closure of the
forest along Hwy 89 in and around the fire area.

As residents return, you should be aware of some expected by-products of wildfire, such as smoldering stumps and sinkholes are normal. Should you observe hazardous tree or structure issues, we ask you to contact the appropriate agency on their non–emergency numbers to address these problems. If you observe any emergency issues such as spot fires or immediate threats to yourself or the community,contact 911.

For information related to re-entry, please visit www.coconino.az.gov/Re-Entry-Information

Those impacted by the Tunnel Fire can receive in-person and online support and services through the Coconino County Assistance Center. In-person services are offered at The Guidance Center from 9am – 7pm daily at 2695 E Industrial Dr., Flagstaff/or access via 2187 N Vickey St., Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (look for the sandwich board signs). Online services can be found at coconino.az.gov/help. Please call the Tunnel Fire Call Center with questions at (928) 679-8525 from 7 am to 7 pm. Find ongoing updates related to the Tunnel Fire at coconino.az.gov/TunnelFire

We thank you for your patience during this difficult time.