Category Archives: National Government

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.

Steep Slope Treatments on Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project Begin

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WILLIAMS — A collaborative partnership between The National Forest Foundation, Coconino County, and the Kaibab National Forest has produced successful results in the strategic planning and securing of necessary assets to begin the first stages of steep slope restoration treatments on Bill Williams Mountain on the Kaibab National Forest.

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) promotes and raises funds for the restoration and enjoyment of National Forests.

For the Bill Williams Restoration Project, the NFF has worked to bring together funds from multiple contributors that include $1,800,000 from the Kaibab National Forest, $800,000 from Coconino County, private funds from the Sperling Foundation, and a state grant from the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

“The implementation of this important project would not be possible without partners coming to the table to support the work because we all recognize the multiple benefits of preventing catastrophic fire and flooding.” Mary Mitsos, National Forest Foundation President.

NFF has awarded the contract for the first 300 acres that are scheduled for treatment to Markit! Forestry Management of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Restoration efforts will include using helicopter logging methods on the steepest slopes of the north face on Bill Williams Mountain. Operations are expected to begin by the end of this month.

The purpose of this work is to protect critical watershed drainages that deliver vital water supply to the City of Williams. Removing heavy loads of woody material from inaccessible areas will ultimately reduce the risk of a potentially destructive wildfire that could have devastating effects not only to Williams, but long lasting impacts to other communities to the south that are also dependent on flows from this mountain.

“The passion and dedication of our employees and partners in finding innovative ways to treat Bill Williams Mountain have really been unparalleled,” said Debra Mollet, district ranger for the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts of the Kaibab National Forest. “Despite tremendous challenges, their focus hasn’t wavered. This steep-slope contract is evidence of the hard work and commitment of so many people to the long-term health and sustainability of the mountain itself and the Williams community.”

Coconino County has identified that fire, and post-wildfire flooding is the number one health and safety threat to the citizens of the County. The County Flood Control District is proud to be invested in this project to help ensure a properly maintained forest for the safety of its citizens and visitors and for the economic prosperity of the area.

“We’re extremely excited that a contractor is in place to start the much-needed restoration work on the steep slopes of Bill Williams Mountain,” said Coconino County District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan. “We know, through studies, that a wildfire on the mountain, and the subsequent post-wildfire flooding, would be economically crippling to the city of Williams, the watershed and the entire region. I want to thank the many agency partners including the U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation for the hard work that went in to securing this first stage of the forest restoration process.”

A Forest Area Closure Order will be forthcoming in the areas around the mountain where steep slope treatments will be occurring. Helicopters accompanied by noise will be noticeable from the City of Williams and surrounding residential communities adjacent to this operation as work begins. There will also be an obvious increase in traffic within city limits as material removed from the slopes will be hauled out by trucks and chip vans.

More detailed information will be made available in the near future as this project moves forward.

Additional Information can be found at the Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project web site.

Moisture moving in may bring flash floods

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WILLIAMS — A moist airmass over Arizona with the potential of heavy rain producing thunderstorm complexes caused the National Weather service to issue a flash flood watch in portions of east central and west central Arizona. The areas affected are northern Gila County, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, Yavapai County Mountains, and Yavapai County Valleys and Basins. Rainfall rates can result in strong, rapidly rising water in area washes, which may create hazardous conditions at low water crossings. . Localized rainfall amounts could exceed 1 inch in less than an hour, with storm total rainfall possibly above 3 inches. The Flash Flood Watch runs from September 23 at 3:19AM MST until September 24 at 5:00AM MST.

NOAA warns against crossing flooded roads and low-laying areas. No matter how powerful your vehicle, it does not take much water flow to carry it downstream.

In Williams there is an 40% chance of thunderstorms raising to 80% tonight. Thunderstorms are likely through Sunday.

Hikers, Runners and Riders Attempt to Complete Entire Arizona Trail in One Day

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Imagine hiking, biking or riding 800 miles in a single day. Sound impossible? It’s not – if you volunteer to cover one of nearly 100 separate sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT), along with others who each choose to travel different sections of the route, which extends from the Mexico border to the Utah border.

Section 67, Snow Bowl Rd to FR 418 – Photo Arizona Trail Association


A Record Setting Endeavor

On Saturday, October 12, more than a thousand hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians from around the world will be staged along the course to participate in AZT in a Day in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Arizona Trail Association.

“We want to get people out to experience the entire length of the trail and set the record for participation in a single day to celebrate our first 25 years of existence,” said Matthew Nelson, executive director of the Arizona Trail Association. “This will be the first time a National Scenic Trail will be completed in this way,” he added.

Choosing Your Section

The 800-mile trail has been divided into sections ranging in length from 2.1 to 15.6 miles. Participants will have 24 hours to complete their portion of the trail. Registration is free and is open to anyone.

Participants can choose between desert, mountain, canyon, forest or urban segments of the path. The AZT passes through eight wilderness areas, four National Forests, two National Parks, one National Memorial, 1 State Park and passes near 33 gateway communities.

“We’re advising that all participants be well-prepared. Several access points require 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicles,” said Karrie Kressler, Community Program Coordinator.

A few sections of the trail are remote and require extra planning. For these sections, participants familiar with back packing will be required to camp in particular areas at least a day before the actual event to be ready to complete their portion on October 12, according to Kressler.

“So far, we have hikers, bikers and equestrians booked for more than half of the sections, but there are still many sections that need to be covered,” Nelson said.

Fundraising Opportunities

Participants who want to help raise money to support the Arizona Trail Association can appeal to family, friends and others to pledge dollars to support their commitment on October 12. Information about fundraising can be found in the registration information online.

Another fundraising opportunity to support the Arizona Trail Association is provided by Phoenix-area children’s book author Rodo Sofranac. Proceeds from the sales of the award winning author’s most recent book, The Red Tail Tale on the Arizona Trail, will go to support the organization.

The colorful, illustrated book is the story of Rowen, a young red-headed explorer, and Rojo, a clever red-tailed hawk, who meet, bond and experience a wonderful adventure on the fascinating Arizona National Scenic Trail. A list of 22 retail outlets where the book can be purchased throughout Arizona can be found on the author’s website: rodowrites.com.

How to Get Involved

To sign up, get a trail map or for more information about AZT in a Day, visit aztrail.org/events/aztinaday-2019/, email karrie@aztrail.org or call (520) 261-8460.

Officials to Lift Castle Fire Closure on the North Kaibab Ranger District

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Kaibab Forest Photo

FREDONIA — Effective today, the Kaibab National Forest will lift the area closure around the Castle Fire that has been in place since the lightning caused wildfire started in mid-July.

Members of the public can now access the area, which had been closed due to public safety during ongoing fire operations, including areas of active fire, and the presence of firefighting equipment and personnel. The public Is advised to have heightened awareness about potential safety hazards and exercise increased vigilance regarding personal safety.“The district was very successful at restoring fire into a fire dependent ecosystem, which will greatly reduce the risk of future catastrophic wildfire and improve overall forest health,” said North Kaibab District Ranger Randall Walker. “We now believe it is appropriate to lift the closure and allow the public to resume activities in the area such as hunting and fuelwood gathering, but that doesn’t mean hazards don’t exist. We urge the public to understand the potential hazards and to prepare accordingly. We want them to be able to use their public lands but we want them to do it safely, recognizing that any area recently impacted by wildfire will likely have some greater risk than other areas.”

Potential risks in any area recently burned by wildfire include the following:

  • Burned out stump holes that could cause injury if stepped in;
  • Unstable terrain with potential for rolling debris (boulders, logs, rocks, etc.);
  • Unsound burned trees (snags) that could fall or drop large limbs;
  • Storms resulting in flash flooding that could wash out roads, initiate debris flows, and entrap people at flooded stream courses;
  • Eroded and very rough roads that could result in unsafe driving conditions
  • Blowing dust and ash on roads and hillsides.

Visitors to the Castle Fire area are advised to follow these outdoor safety best practices:

  1. Know the weather forecast and check it frequently as conditions can change in a very short timeframe.
  2. Let someone outside the area know exactly where you are and where you will be going daily.
  3. Do not park vehicles or camp in areas with burned snags or where potential flood waters would prevent escape. Know where you are in relation to drainages.
    During windy conditions remain in open areas that are free of trees (both live and burned) as much as possible.
  4. If an area seems unsafe for any reason, leave.
  5. Have good maps and know where you are at all times.
  6. Keep a well charged cell phone with you and check it frequently so you know when you are in an area where there is no coverage.
  7. Understand that there are many areas on public lands that are remote. It can take a very long time before responders can arrive if a rescue is required. The Castle Fire area is very remote.

Visitors can check with the North Kaibab Ranger District office to get the latest Information regarding current conditions:

North Kaibab Ranger District: 928-643-7395, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Jacob Lake Visitor Center: 928-643-7298

For additional information please visit:

Castle Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Flickr: http://bit.ly/CastleFire2019

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.

Crews Busy with Two New Fire Starts on the North Kaibab Ranger District

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FREDONIA — Two new wildfires started yesterday on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Multiple interagency resources, including aircraft, responded to the incidents and took immediate suppression actions to stop the fires’ spread.

The Le Fevre Fire, located approximately 15 miles southeast of Fredonia off Highway 89A near the Le Fevre Overlook, was caused by a motor vehicle accident. Due to hot, dry and windy conditions the fire grew to approximately 20 acres in the pinyon, juniper and brush. Although the fire’s spread has been stopped, fire managers only list the containment at 80 percent due to the potential for spot fires with another day of gusty southwest winds predicted. Today, crews will continue to hold, secure and mop up the fire.

Highway 89A remains open to motorists but may be restricted to one lane to allow fire crews to utilize equipment and personnel to secure the fire. Visitors traveling in the area should use caution and be aware that fire crews and equipment may be working near the road.

The Cougar Fire was also discovered yesterday near Cougar Lake just south of the recent Castle Fire area approximately 6 miles northwest of Demotte Campground. The fire was contained at approximately one acre and was caused by lightning from a recent thunderstorm. Today fire personnel will continue to hold, secure and mop up the fire.

In addition to the two new fires, fire personnel are still closely monitoring the progress of the Ikes wildfire. This fire has been managed jointly between the Kaibab National Forest and the National Park Service since its discovery on July 25 near Swamp Point on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It is currently 7,630 acres within its 7,785 acre planning area and is being utilized in order to fulfill its natural role of reducing dense forest fuels and improving overall ecosystem health. For more information regarding the Ikes Fire please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/

Lightning Caused Wildfire on Sitgreaves Mountain Being Monitored

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WILLIAMS – A recent lightning strike on the upper third of the northeast slope of Sitgreaves Mountain is showing a plume of smoke and is visible from the communities of Spring Valley, Bellemont, and Parks. The “Rock Fire” is just over half an acre in size and is burning within the Eagle Rock Fire burn scar of 2010. The fire is located in steep terrain and has been receiving intermittent moisture since it was discovered on Sunday September 1.

Due to its location, Kaibab National Forest Managers have decided to avoid exposing firefighters to the difficult topography and high volume of snags in the area. This incident will be monitored from road systems around the base of the mountain and periodically by aircraft. There is no danger or threat to private property or residences. Firefighters will be on scene daily to observe behavior and plan for future actions as the fire moves naturally on the terrain.

Weather forecasts are predicting more isolated thunderstorms over the area for the week ahead which may influence fire behavior and visibility.

Additional information about the Rock fire will become available as the situation develops.

Information about other fires and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

· InciWeb https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
· Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF