Category Archives: Flagstaff

Museum Fire closure area to be reduced today

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is reducing the size of the area closure for the Museum Fire on today to allow for increased access and recreation on parts of Mt. Elden.

The Burned Area Emergency Response team has completed treatments to the land, including mulching with a helicopter in effort to stabilize the watershed and encourage recovery. Now that this important work is complete, the public will be allowed in additional areas of the burned area.

Although additional areas are open, the public is urged to use caution, as hazards still exist such as ash pits, rolling rocks, weakened trees, falling trees and possible floodwaters.

Some areas will remain closed that pose a continued and increased risk to visitors. These areas will be re-evaluated after the winter season to see what risks can be mitigated before opening to the public.

Portions of Forest Road 789 and FR 6353 marking the restricted-area boundary are OPEN to non-motorized use only. Elden Lookout Road (FR 557) is closed to all traffic where it intersects with the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Please see the official closure order and map for details.

The following trails will be OPEN:

  • Arizona National Scenic Trail (ANST)
  • Heart Trail
  • Little Bear Trail
  • Little Gnarly
  • Lower Oldham Trail from Buffalo Park to the ANST junction
  • Rocky Ridge Trail from ANST to Schultz Creek Trail
  • Schultz Loop Trail
  • Sunset Trail from the intersection of Schultz Tank to Little Bear Trail

The following trails will remain CLOSED:

  • Brookbank Trail (entire trail)
  • Lower Oldham, from ANST to Brookbank Trail
  • Rocky Ridge Trail, from ANST to Brookbank Trail
  • Sunset Trail, from Little Bear Trail to Elden Lookout Trail
  • Upper Oldham Trail (entire trail)

For more information about the Mt. Elden area, please call the Flagstaff Ranger District at 928-526-0866.

Prescribed burns planned this week

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino National Forest firefighters have planned and prepared to conduct several prescribed burns at locations across the Flagstaff Ranger District and Mogollon Rim Ranger District starting tomorrow, with some operations possibly being conducted simultaneously through early next week.

As always, each prescribed fire operation will be conducted when it has the most favorable conditions and are within its specific prescription. As such, these burns might not occur on the days listed below. Firing ignitions begin at approximately 9 a.m. each morning.

MOGOLLON RIM RANGER DISTRICT

1. Cragin Watershed Protection Project

  • When: Wednesday through Friday (Oct. 2 to 4).
  • Where: Approximately 4 miles south of the Mogollon Rim Ranger Station. GPS: 34.565258°, -111.169051°.
  • Size: 2,176 acres.
  • Duration: Several-day operation using helicopter-assisted aerial ignition.
  • Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast impacting state Route 87 and the Blue Ridge Communities possibly into the weekend. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn. This prescribed burn will be visible to motorists on SR87 and Lake Mary Road. Motorists who see smoke along on the roadway should slow down and be cautious.
  • Closures/Restrictions: Forest Road 95 will be closed between the junction of FR 751B south to the FR 139 junction for public safety.

FLAGSTAFF RANGER DISTRICT

1. Experimental Forest

  • When: Oct. 8 (Tuesday).
  • Where: Six miles northwest of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.272710°, -111.691766°
  • Size: 707 acres.
  • Duration: This is a one-day operation.
  • Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast and may impact U.S. Highway 89 north of Flagstaff. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas of Flagstaff and Fort Valley.
  • Closures/Restrictions: None expected.

2. Kachina

  • When: Oct. 9 & 10 (Wednesday and Thursday).
  • Where: Nine miles south of Flagstaff. GPS: 35.072046°, -111.711435°
  • Size: 844 acres.
  • Duration: Two-day operation.
  • Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn, such as Kelly Canyon or possibly Oak Creek Canyon.
  • Closures/Restrictions: None expected.

These burns are part of a strategy to allow fire across the landscape in order 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. A healthier forest is a safer forest for firefighters and residents when wildfires inevitably occur.

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 Burn Number designation “COF.”

For more information about prescribed burns and the benefits of these fires across the landscape, please visit our Prescribed Burns and Smoke webpage. As well, if you are interested in how prescribed burns are planned and implemented, please see the document “Planning for and Implementing Prescribed Fire in Fire-Dependent Forests,” by Ecological Restoration Institute.

Northern Arizona drivers should plan for extended closure of Transwestern Road at Bellemont (Exit 185)

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BELLEMONT — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers on Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff to plan for an eight-day FULL closure of Transwestern Road at Bellemont (Exit 185) beginning Friday, October 4, at 6 p.m., while crews work on replacing the bridges.

During this closure, both directions of I-40 will be re-routed onto the ramps alongside I-40 through the construction zone during the following times:

  • From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., beginning late Friday, October 4, through the morning of Monday, October 7
  • From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., beginning late Monday, October 7, through the morning of Thursday, October 10

DETOUR: Bellemont traffic accessing I-40 ramps across the Transwestern Road closure will be detoured to the next exit to re-enter the interstate.

Motorists should follow signed detour routes and plan for travel delays.

Learn more on the project webpage.

Flu Shots available at County Health and Human Services

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FLAGSTAFF – The seasonal influenza vaccine is available at the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic in Flagstaff.

Flu shots are available beginning Monday, Sept. 23 at the CCHHS Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff. Appointments are available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted as availability permits. Call the CCHHS Clinic at 928-679-7222 to make an appointment.

The cost for a flu vaccination at the CCHHS Clinic is $30. High-dose flu vaccinations are $50. As a courtesy, the CCHHS will bill people’s insurance company, but those seeking a flu shot should check with their insurance provider to determine whether they are covered and are also asked to bring their insurance card. No one will be denied services due to an inability to pay.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first step in protecting against flu viruses. It is strongly recommended that everyone 6-months old and over get a flu shot each year.

Every year a new vaccine is manufactured to combat circulating influenza viruses during each flu season. While it is too early to determine the effectiveness of this season’s vaccine, immunization reduces the chance of influenza-related complications, such as hospitalization, chronic disease and/or death. The immune system will be better prepared to combat the flu the earlier people get their shot.

The following groups of people are encouraged to get a flu vaccination because they are at high – risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications, including:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
  • Children with special healthcare needs
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu.
  • Health care workers
  • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
  • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. In the most severe cases, flu can lead to death.

Inmate dies while incarcerated in the Coconino County Detention Facility

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FLAGSTAFF – On Sunday, September 15, 2019 at approximately 7:16 am, Coconino County Medical Staff were conducting a medical assessment on 63-year old Floyd Jackson when Mr. Jackson became unresponsive in his cell. Detention Medical Staff and Officers began lifesaving measures, including CPR, until paramedics arrived on scene and took over lifesaving efforts. Mr. Jackson was pronounced deceased at approximately 7:46 am.

The cause of death is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and pending autopsy and review by the Coconino County Medical Examiner. Mr. Jackson was transported from the Maricopa County Jail to the Coconino County Detention Facility on September 12, 2019 and was housed in a cell by himself. Mr. Jackson was in-custody on a $200 bond for an outstanding Failure to Comply Warrant for Driving on a Suspended License out of the Flagstaff Justice Court.

Mr. Jackson’s next of kin has been notified. Further information will be made available as the investigation allows.

Forest Service announces cause of Museum Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – The Forest Service is announcing the preliminary results of the investigation regarding the cause of the Museum Fire, a wildfire which began July 21 and burned 1,961 acres on the Coconino National Forest above Flagstaff.

Fire investigators have determined that the human-caused wildfire originated in a steep slope environment associated with critical restoration work and was likely caused by an excavator striking a rock during operations. The resulting spark created a heat source that hibernated until warm, dry, and windy conditions arrived that caused the heat source to grow into a small fire and was subsequently spread by the wind. Rock strikes are possible during operations in steep slope thinning restoration projects such as the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project.

At this time, the investigation has shown that the cause of the fire was not related to negligence and that all proper inspections of equipment were conducted. The investigation also determined that the last piece of equipment was used 14 hours prior to the first report of fire, and the operator had completed a one-hour fire watch before leaving the area.

“It’s unfortunate that the Museum Fire started as the result of ongoing restoration work designed to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire and improve forest health and resiliency—especially in the Flagstaff area where citizens joined together to invest resources to help fund the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West. “Fortunately, some of the restoration work that had been completed previously in and around the wildfire area actually helped stop the fire from becoming larger and more destructive.”

Post-fire analysis show that 50 percent of the wildfire burned at low severity, 38 percent burned at moderate severity, and 12 percent of the area burned at high severity. During the past several years, city and Coconino National Forest personnel have worked diligently to implement planned Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project actions and have made substantial progress.

“While the cause of the fire is unfortunate, it does not take away from the significant mitigating impact the treatment work had on the fire and subsequently the forest and our watershed,” said Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans. “The restoration work initiated by the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project, in partnership with the Forest Service, is incredibly valuable and we remain committed to continuing this work and further protecting our watershed.”

Deep layers of forest fuels and roots can hold heat for long periods of time, burning and smoldering underground for days, weeks, or months without any sign of a fire. They can surface at a later time when temperatures become warmer and the weather becomes windier, causing a wildfire. As with all investigations, the Forest Service will continue to investigate and provide updates if new information is uncovered.

Whiskey Fire to produce large amounts of smoke

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FLAGSTAFF – Beginning Wednesday, firefighters plan to conduct burnout operations on the fire management boundary of the Whiskey Fire along Forest Road 231 to protect areas and ensure the active wildfire stays in its containment area.

The fire is burning approximately 8 miles west of Turkey Butte Lookout within the footprint of the 2014 Slide Fire in approximately 140 acres.

Fire activity and smoke impacts will increase in the immediate area through Thursday, in downwind communities and in the Flagstaff area as dozens of firefighters burn fuel on the management boundary reinforcing the wildfire containment.

Forest Road 231 will be closed at the intersection of FR 536 (near Phone Booth Tank) all the way south to the intersection of FR 231A. The closure is expected to begin Wednesday (September 11) and last two to three days in efforts to provide firefighter and public safety. However, the closure could last longer if necessary to safely continue vital operations. Persons planning to travel in this area should expect delays and use the alternate routes identified at closure points.

Fire personnel are planning to cease or reduce burnout operations over the weekend to reduce smoke impacts to the area. However, no perfect weather condition exist to remove smoke impacts entirely from a fire.

This lightning-started fire is being used to slowly consume forest debris, turning the forest floor fuels into nutrients and reduces the risk of a more severe high-intensity wildfire in the future. The Ponderosa pine forest thrives on low- to moderate-severity fire.

Smoke may affect areas including Flagstaff, Munds Park, Mountainaire, Kachina, Forest Highlands, Doney Park, Mormon Lake Village, Highway 89A Corridor, Sedona, Village of Oak Creek and portions of Interstate 40.

For more information, including smoke forecasts for the Whiskey Fire, updates concerning closures and notable fire activity please visit the Whiskey Fire InciWeb site https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6580/ Quick updates will also be provided on the Coconino National Forest’s Twitter and Facebook sites, and the Forest’s website at www.coconinonationalforest.us

Whiskey Fire to produce smoke southwest of Flagstaff this week

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FLAGSTAFF – Wildland firefighters are managing the Whiskey Fire, a lightning-started fire reported on September 2, burning on approximately 105 acres in Ponderosa pine about 15 miles southwest of Flagstaff within the footprint of the 2014 Slide Fire.

Coconino National Forest Map

Fire managers are strategic when making decisions about how to manage a wildfire for restoration purposes.

When a wildfire begins in the forest, fire managers assess how best to use the fire as nature intended and whether or not to suppress it immediately. In the case of the Whiskey Fire, managers are using it as nature intended and allowing it to burn dense forest fuels across the landscape to help mitigate the possibility of severe wildfires in the future.

Fire managers will continue to assess the fire to determine the best course of action. Today’s operations will be similar to the last few days, where fire personnel continue to reinforce containment lines and monitor the fire for a change in fire behavior. Recent rains continue to aid fire personnel by creating excellent conditions for allowing the fire to burn slowly, consuming the forest debris at low intensities.

As temperatures drop in the evening, smoke impacts are possible to the communities of the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, and surrounding areas. Smoke may also settle along the state Route 89A corridor. The greatest impacts will be during the early morning hours from midnight to 3 a.m. and should improve by mid-morning.

Forest users are advised to use caution when entering the proposed fire area. Firefighting vehicles and firefighters are present on roadways and smoke may reduce visibility. Parts of Forest Road 231 may be closed periodically to allow for firefighting equipment and operations. Please reduce speed and remain alert.

The Whiskey Fire will be active for weeks to come. Due to safety concerns for the public and firefighters, campers should not set up long-term campsites near the fire area.

Public Notice of First Responder Exercise at Cromer School

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FLAGSTAFF – On Friday September 6th, 2019 the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a Critical Incident Response Drill at Cromer School in the Doney Park area. The drill will occur between 5 pm – 9 pm and will involve personnel from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Flagstaff Fire Department, Guardian Medical Transport, Flagstaff School District, National Park Service “Walnut Canyon “ and Summit Fire District.

We want residents to be aware that this training will result in increased police and fire activity in the area. The training will be a reality-based exercise to provide first responders an opportunity to practice integrated response to critical incidents.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Cromer School for providing the venue for this training.

Precautions recommended to prevent rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has received several reports of potential and confirmed human and domestic animal exposures to rabid wildlife.

A recent confirmed exposure occurred near Jacob Lake southeast of Fredonia, Arizona. An individual and a dog encountered a bat that subsequently tested positive for rabies. The individual is receiving rabies prophylaxis treatment and the vaccinated dog has been placed in a 10-day at-home quarantine for observation.

A potential rabies exposure occurred in a Flagstaff neighborhood where two dogs interacted with a dead skunk found in the dogs’ pen. As a result, the skunk is being tested for rabies to confirm if the dogs were exposed to the rabies virus. Test results are pending.

An additional potential exposure involved a Flagstaff resident and two cats that were exposed to a bat suspected to have rabies. Test results in this case are also pending.

CCHHS is reminding individuals to use caution to protect against rabies exposure when hiking, camping or in situation where wildlife may be present. Health officials recommend the following precautions to protect against rabies:

  • Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
  • Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
  • Always keep pets away from wild animals.
  • Never pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
  • Report any wild animals exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by or when there is direct contact with a wild animal.
  • Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian if their pet is bitten by wildlife.

Rabies is a virus spread by the bite of an infected animal or direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal (such as via a scratch or tear in the skin). In Arizona, bats, skunks, and foxes are the main animal sources of rabies. Rabies causes severe damage to the central nervous system and usually leads to death once symptoms appear. However, effects of the virus are preventable if proper medical treatment is obtained within the proper timeframe.

Human exposures to rabid animals are usually rare, but domestic animals, such as cats and dogs often come into contact with wild animals and are at an increased risk. Routine rabies vaccination will help protect your pet against rabies.

Interactions with a bat or a bat found in a home should be reported to the Coconino County Health and Human Services Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756. Unusual wildlife sightings or behavior should also be reported. To report an emergency involving wildlife, call 911.

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.