Category Archives: National Government

Two New Fire Starts on the Williams Ranger District

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WILLIAMS – This morning, crews are responding to two new fire starts on the Williams Ranger District.

A lightning storm passing through the area last night started a new fire on the northeast side of Bill Williams Mountain’s steep slope area. It was reported at approximately 5:45 a.m. this morning. The Bill fire is currently at 3/10th of an acre. Smoke is visible from town. Crews hiked up from the ski area early this morning and responded with a full suppression strategy. Six firefighters built line around the fire and are now mopping up.

Additionally, a new start was reported last night on the southwest side of Sitgreaves Mountain, above 8000 feet elevation. Two engines are responding this morning to assess this fire and are implementing a full suppression strategy.

Lower Sycamore Creek, Parsons Trail to close Saturday due to flash flooding risk

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SEDONA – A portion of the Coconino National Forest surrounding Sycamore Creek will temporarily close at 6 a.m. Saturday due to an increased risk of flash flooding.

The closure area includes Parsons Trailhead, Parsons Trail north (including Parson’s Spring), and the confluence of Sycamore Creek and the Verde River.

The purpose of the temporary area closure is to protect the public from increased risk of flash flood events during the monsoon season due to the post-fire debris that has accumulated in Sycamore Creek due to the Rafael Fire.

The Rafael Fire burned through the Sycamore Creek drainage in June 2021, leaving large amounts of debris within lower Sycamore Creek. Monsoonal rains occurring locally or within the border watershed may cause flash flooding due to steep canyons located around the creek. Due to the span of the creek’s watershed, storms that can create flash floods in the Sycamore Creek area can occur miles away and may not be easily visible.

The Coconino NF will coordinate with the National Weather Service in determining when to lift this temporary closure. The closure will remain in place until monsoonal precipitation decreases enough that the area can be safely reopened.

The Coconino NF will continue monitoring the status of debris in the closure area and will determine when and whether to close the area again due to risk of flash flooding.

Areas of Coconino and Kaibab national forests to close this weekend

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino and Kaibab national forests will temporarily close certain areas to public access beginning Friday and Saturday due to fire danger and for public safety, while all other parts of the national forests outside of the closure areas remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions.

On the Kaibab National Forest, the area of Bill Williams Mountain will be closed beginning Friday, June 17 at 8 a.m. Specifically, public access will be prohibited on all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the closure area, generally located between County Road (CR) 73, Old Route 66 in the City of Williams, Forest Road (FR) 122, FR 108, and I-40. This includes Benham Trail, Bixler Saddle Trail, Bill Williams Mountain Trail, Bill Williams Connector Trail, Buckskinner Trail, City of Williams Link Trail, Devil Dog Loop Trail, and Clover Spring Loop Trail. Forest Road 122 will also be closed. FR 108 will remain drivable; however, motorists cannot park off the road.

On the Coconino National Forest, the areas of Pumphouse Wash/Kelly Canyon and Fisher Point/Walnut Canyon will be closed beginning Saturday, June 18 at 8 a.m. This includes Pumphouse Wash Dispersed Camping Area, Forest Road (FR) 237 and other roads within the Pumphouse Wash closure area. In the Fisher Point/Walnut Canyon closure area, all forest roads and recreation sites within the area will be closed. This includes Fisher Point, Marshal Lake, portions of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, Canyon Vista Campground, Sandys Canyon Trail No. 137, and more.

These area closures are in addition to the already-implemented emergency closure of most of the Coconino National Forest north of Interstate 40. For the official Closure Order and a map of this area, please see the official Closure Order.

With regards to both national forests, those with private inholdings will be allowed to access their property via a Forest Service Road but are prohibited from entering the surrounding National Forest lands. Exemptions will be issued for critical activities such as road work and surveys that are vital to continuing restoration operations, time-sensitive utilities and communications site work, and emergency response.

Forest managers consider several factors before implementing restrictions or closures, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts to businesses and communities. All northern Arizona national forests coordinate fire restrictions and forest closures with federal, state, tribal and local partners.

Closures are generally the last resort for land managers, who take many other steps to reduce the potential for human-caused fires and often consider closing only the most critical areas before a full forest closure. As such, additional area closures or even full forest closures could be forthcoming if conditions warrant.

Closures and restrictions will be in effect until hot, dry conditions are no longer forecast to continue and the forests receives enough widespread precipitation to lower fire danger.

For details and maps of these specific closure areas and their boundaries, visit the following pages online:

Forest Service personnel will make every effort to notify anyone in these areas to vacate before the closure is implemented.

Violating closures and fire restrictions carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months in prison, or both.

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.

Officials Responding to New Haywire Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – The Pipeline Fire, located 6 miles north of Flagstaff, was reported June 12, 2022, at 10:15 a.m. by a fire lookout and is currently 4,500 acres and active on all sides.

Another fire has been reported, known as the Haywire Fire, northeast of the Pipeline Fire. The fire has burned 1,600 acres and was first reported at 5:30 a.m. this morning. Coconino National Forest is responding to this fire separately from the Pipeline Fire at this time. The
Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) will eventually manage both fires.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has issued GO evacuation orders for the Crater Estates Area. GO means evacuate immediately.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has also issued GO evacuation orders related to the Pipeline Fire for areas of Schultz Pass Road and Arizona Snowbowl and Timberline South of Brandis. GO means evacuate immediately. Areas currently on SET status include Doney Park and Mount Elden Lookout Road/Mount Elden Estates. SET means danger is in the area; make preparations to evacuate immediately.

All residents are asked to be in READY status and should monitor the situation and be
ready to prepare for evacuation.

To follow the current evacuation status for the Pipeline Fire and Haywire Fire, please visit http://ow.ly/2Nll50JvzE5

Shelter Information:

• A Red Cross Shelter is open for residents evacuated due to the Pipeline Fire at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, 86004.
• A shelter for household animals is available at Coconino Humane Association: 3501 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. Please check in with staff upon arrival.
• A Livestock shelter is located at Fort Tuthill County Stables. Those seeking assistance are asked to leave animals in their vehicle or trailer and to check in with staff to complete the animal intake process. Directions to Fort Tuthill County Park are available at: https://www.google.com/maps?q=35.1490865,- 111.6879575&hl=en-US&gl=us&entry=gps&shorturl=1. The livestock stables are self-service. Animal owners are responsible for all services related to their livestock, including feeding and watering, and should bring cages for smaller livestock staying at Fort Tuthill.

US 89 is closed north of Flagstaff due to the Pipeline Fire. The southbound side is closed at milepost 430; the northbound side is closed at milepost 427. There is no estimated time to reopen the road. Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.com.

Information about the status and activity of the Haywire Fire and suppression efforts can be found on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8155/ .

For more information visit www.Coconino.az.gov/PipelineFire or call the Pipeline and Haywire Fire Call Center at 928-679-8525.

Strong winds push Pipeline Fire more than 15 miles

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FLAGSTAFF – The Pipeline Fire which began 6 miles north of Flagstaff around 10 a.m. is currently estimated at 4,000-5,000 acres and was pushed more than 15 miles by strong winds throughout the day.

A 57-year-old male was arrested by Forest Service law enforcement officers earlier today in connection with the wildfire and charged with natural resource violations. The subject was booked into the Coconino County Sheriff’s Detention Facility.

“The investigation into the cause of the Pipeline Fire is ongoing and, in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, we cannot discuss any details of the investigation,” said Law Enforcement Patrol Captain Andy Pederson.

At this time, no structures or homes have been destroyed.

Jimmy Harris’ California Team 15, a Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT), arrives tomorrow to assume management of the wildfire.

Resources battling the fire today from the air included up to eight air tankers and five helicopters. Currently, 13 engines, nine crews, six prevention patrol units, three dozers, and one water tender are assigned, which comprises approximately 270 personnel.

More air tankers and helicopters are on order for tomorrow’s suppression efforts, and more firefighting resources and personnel will be added to the fight with the arrival of a Type 2 IMT.

Information regarding evacuations and resources for evacuees can be found on the Coconino County Emergency Management website at https://www.coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management.

A map showing the current evacuation area can be found on the Coconino County Emergency Management ArcGIS site at https://coconinocounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=745e7806b0444387bf32792b9c25e169.

Information about the status and activity of the Pipeline Fire and suppression efforts can be found on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8152/.

Wildfire start 6 miles north of Flagstaff just west of Schultz Pass

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FLAGSTAFF – Firefighting resources are responding to a wildfire located 6 miles north of Flagstaff and producing a noticeable plume of smoke.

The Pipeline Fire was reported at 10:15 a.m. by a fire lookout and is currently several acres, but active on all sides and growing. Resources on scene in one Hotshot crew, with another enroute, one dozer, one water tender, three patrol units, and six engines. Four air tankers and one Type 3 helicopter has been ordered.

Smoke will be visible from Flagstaff, and the wind is sweeping the smoke through Schultz Pass toward Doney Park.

Recreationists in the area should leave immediately, especially those in the area of Schultz Pass down to Ft. Valley Trailhead. More information will be provided as it is received.

Railroad Fire reported half mile south of Lowell Observatory

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FLAGSTAFF – Multiple resources from the Forest Service and City of Flagstaff are responding to a 1-acre fire on city land, called the Railroad Fire, located about half a mile south of Lowell Observatory.

Reported at approximately 2:08 p.m. today by Elden Lookout, the fire is producing smoke that will be visible to those in the Flagstaff area.

The cause is under investigation, and more information will be provided as it is received.

V-Bar-V Heritage Site reopens following construction

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FLAGSTAFF – The V-Bar-V Heritage Site, located on the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District, has re-opened following several months of construction work and site improvements.

The heritage site now includes an American Disabilities Act-accessible viewing platform, a new security fence and a seating area.

“We are excited to improve the accessibility and security of the petroglyph panel in a way that honors this sacred place and is respectful of the American Indian Tribes who still use and protect these areas today,” said District Ranger Amy Tinderholt. “We hope that the public will visit the site to learn about past and current traditional cultural practices.”

The petroglyph panel at V-Bar-V is considered the largest and best-preserved in the Verde Valley and features more than 1,000 individually pecked and incised images.

The Beaver Creek-style petroglyphs at the site are known to represent the Southern Sinagua Culture from between 1150 and 1400.

Regular hours for V-Bar-V are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Monday. Pets are not allowed.

The V-Bar-V Heritage Site is located 2.8 miles east of the junction of Interstate 17 and State Route 179 on Forest Road 618. Watch for the entrance on your right less than one-half mile past the Beaver Creek

Reservations are not required, but V-Bar-V is a fee site, so a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is required for admission.

Kaibab NF to begin Stage 2 Fire Restrictions May 26

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WILLIAMS – Due to increased fire danger and for public safety, the Kaibab National Forest will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions forest wide beginning 8 a.m. Thursday, May 26.

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:

  • Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, and briquettes, even in developed recreation sites. This includes smudge pots, pellet grills, and wood stoves. The only exception is using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
  • Smoking (except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material).
  • Blasting, welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
  • During the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. An exception is allowed for operating generators with an approved spark arrestor in an area barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.

Explosives and fireworks are NEVER allowed.

Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines, and/or jail time.

The Kaibab National Forest’s Stage 2 fire restrictions do not prohibit target shooting. However, all existing regulations pertaining to discharging a firearm still apply.

Stage 3 restrictions/closures may be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Forest managers consider several factors before implementing fire restrictions or forest closures, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts on businesses and communities. The Kaibab National Forest continues to coordinate with federal, state, tribal and local partners.

Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area receives significant, widespread precipitation.

Other national forests and neighboring agencies are also elevating fire restrictions this week. For restriction information on state and federally managed lands in Az visit wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Find restriction information for Coconino County at coconino.az.gov/2595/Fire-Restriction-Information. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, forest orders, and general forest conditions can be found at fs.usda.gov/kaibab.

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.