Tag Archives: Coconino National Forest

Lava River Cave closed Friday, Saturday

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FLAGSTAFF – Flagstaff Ranger District is closing the Lava River Cave Friday and Saturday September 6 and 7 to use several pieces of heavy equipment at the location as it continues an improvement construction project approximately 15 miles northwest of Flagstaff.

The entrance to Lava River Cave. The short, steep descent into the cave is rocky. A short distance past the entrance the cave is completely dark. Lava River Cave, 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona, is a mile-long lava tube cave was formed roughly 700,000 years ago by molten rock that erupted from a volcanic vent in nearby Hart Prairie. The top, sides and bottom of the flow cooled and solidified first, after which the insides of the lava river continued to flow emptying out the present cave. – Photo by Brady Smith, August 19, 2015. Credit: U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest.

The improvement work is part of a larger effort to provide better visitor services to meet the demand at this popular destination. The project includes parking improvements, vault toilet installation, new trail access and installation of new informational kiosks. Other site closures may be necessary in the future to facilitate the work, but the cave will open Sunday, September 8.

For questions on this project, please call Patrick McGervey at (928) 527-3234.

New ranger selected for Red Rock Ranger District

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Amy Tinderholt – Coconino National Forest Photo

SEDONA — The Coconino National Forest Supervisor has selected a new ranger for the Red Rock Ranger District after Nicole Branton moved earlier this month to serve as the deputy forest supervisor on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington.

Amy Tinderholt was selected as the permanent ranger for the district and comes from Deschutes National Forest in Bend, Oregon, where she left her position as the deputy district ranger of the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District.

“We’re very excited to welcome Amy to northern Arizona,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West. “She will be a tremendous asset to the Red Rock Ranger District and brings with her a wealth of experience, positive outlook, and a fresh perspective of the issues in such a busy district.”

Tinderholt is a graduate from the University of Arizona and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Management. She is a seasoned leader, specializing in recreation endeavors and partnerships, and experienced in firefighting.

“I am excited about returning to the southwest and hiking in our beautiful landscapes,” said Tinderholt. “The Red Rock Ranger District is an exciting place to be, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as its ranger.”

The District is comprised of approximately 487,000 acres and encompasses the Sedona area and its colorful collection of buttes, pinnacles, mesas and canyons surrounding the red rock vistas. Over the years, the district has served as the setting of many western novels, movies, paintings, photographs and other works of art.

Museum Fire shows smoke, poses no threat

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Coconino National Forest photo

FLAGSTAFF – The current hot and dry weather that Northern Arizona is experiencing, coupled with the below average monsoonal moisture, is causing some areas of the Museum Fire to show increased fire activity and smoke.

The 1,961-acre fire remains at 100 percent containment and the fire activity is deep within the fire area and poses no threat to containment lines. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and is currently in patrol status with one engine and miscellaneous overhead assigned. The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team continues implementation of the the recommendations to stabilize conditions in the fire area.

The mosaic burn pattern the Museum Fire exhibited across the landscape has left areas that did not burn at all. These aforementioned areas may begin to burn over the next few weeks or months. These interior islands pose no threat to the containment lines and may vary in size from a few square feet to an acre or two in size. Most of the time these areas burn with very low intensity but this can vary based on fuel loading, topography, and climatic conditions.

These areas are being monitored closely, but are not being suppressed due to their inaccessibility and the hazards associated with working for extended periods of time in remote post burn areas. These hazards include significant numbers of burned out trees, burning stump holes that may extend far beyond what is evident above ground, steep inaccessible terrain and rolling material.

The Museum Fire will continue to be monitored closely by firefighters to ensure that it remains safely within the containment lines.

Visitors to the Coconino National Forest are encouraged to know before you go by visiting Inciweb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6450/0/93533 to view a map of the Museum Fire Public Safety Closure area.

Saber Fire is growing slowly, cleaning the landscape

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FLAGSTAFF August 14, 2019 – The Saber Fire produced minimal smoke Tuesday as it grew to 75 acres while it continued to move slowly across the landscape within the 2009 Taylor Fire burn scar.

Coconino National Forest Photo

Fire managers are pleased with the observed fire effects. The Saber Fire is consuming and eliminating hazardous dead and down forest fuels left behind from the Taylor Fire. Hazardous fuels include snags, fallen trees and thick brush. Reduction of these excess fuels will reduce to the likelihood of severe wildfires moving through the area in the future.

Today, crews will remove fuels around the Turkey Butte lookout and along the Arizona Public Service (APS) high voltage electrical powerlines in preparation for anticipated firing operations later this week. Removing fuels allows firefighters to safely conduct low intensity ignition operations to eliminate sources of fuel around these values at risk, ahead of the fire, in order to secure and protect infrastructure and powerlines.

Firefighters will continue to scout and prepare contingency lines around the planned fire perimeter to ensure the fire remains within the predetermined planning area.

Fire managers do not anticipate a significant increase in smoke impacts over the next few days. Smoke will lift during the day and may be visible from Sedona, Verde Valley, Oak Creek Canyon, state Route 89A, Interstate 40, Interstate 17 and Flagstaff. Smoke may settle overnight into drainages and canyons flowing into communities at lower elevations below the Mogollon Rim.

The public should avoid the immediate fire area near Turkey Butte and drive with caution in the forest as smoke may impact visibility where wildland firefighters are working.

Information on the Saber fire can be found at InciWeb.

Deadline approaches to submit proposals for Coconino RAC grants

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FLAGSTAFF — Grant applications are now being accepted by the Coconino Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) for projects that qualify for funding under the authority of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Self-Determination Act.

The primary location for projects must be on federal lands within Coconino County, which includes the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, and small sections of the Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. However, projects can also be on non-federal lands within Coconino County where it is clearly demonstrated that the project benefits resources on the national forests.

The Act authorizes grants to federal agencies, state and local governments, private and non-profit entities, and tribal governments for projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure such as roads, trails, recreation facilities or projects that improve forest health and restore and improve land health and water quality.

Some examples of eligible projects include:

  • Road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration,
  • Soil productivity improvement,
  • Improvements to forest ecosystem health, including forest thinning,
  • Watershed and stream restoration and maintenance,
  • Restoration, maintenance, and improvement of wildlife habitat,
  • Control of noxious weeds,
  • Re-establishment of native species.

Each project proposal will be evaluated on its cost-effectiveness, to what extent partners are involved, how the project improves the quality of human life including any employment opportunities, and how the project will improve watersheds and forest ecosystem health in general. The total amount to be dispersed by the committee includes approximately $475,000. The Act requires at least half of these funds to be “spent on projects which include sale of forest products and meet land management objectives.”

The Act allows funds to be used for the costs of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis, or for on-the-ground project implementation. All project proposals for on-the-ground project work need to be NEPA sufficient at the time of the proposal.

Proposals are submitted online at www.tinyurl.com/RACproposal, and the proponent must choose “Coconino” for the Name of Resource Advisory Committee block to submit their project to the Coconino RAC. Unfortunately, the online submission form does not have any option to save and return at a later time to submit the application.

Therefore, it is recommended that proponents complete their proposal application in a word-processing program beforehand, so they can save and edit before copying and pasting into the actual online application for submission. Once proponents click “Submit Project” at the bottom of the project submission page, no edits will be allowed afterwards.

Deadline for submission of project proposals is Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 at 4 p.m. Proposals submitted after the stated deadline will not be accepted.

The public and proponents are welcome to attend the RAC meeting where proponents may get a chance to make a short presentation and answer questions about their proposal before the RAC determines which proposals should receive funding.

More information about the Secure Rural Schools Act Reauthorization can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/pts/, and general information about RACs can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/main/pts/specialprojects/racs.

For questions regarding the Coconino RAC, please contact the RAC Coordinator, Brady Smith, at 928-527-3490 or by email at brady.smith@usda.gov.

Risk of post-fire flooding as Museum Fire nears full containment

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FLAGSTAFF – Containment of the 1,961-acre Museum Fire increased to 91 percent yesterday, with high humidity decreasing fire behavior within the perimeter. The cause is still under investigation.

Resources assigned to the fire include: 4 hotshot crews; 1 Type 2 hand crew; 2 helicopters; 5 engines; and, 1 dozer.

Yesterday, firefighters completed chipping operations along Forest Road 789 as a part of suppression repair efforts. Chipping operations will continue today near Shultz Tank. Crews are working with heavy equipment to stabilize roads in the fire area and will continue to patrol and hold the containment line, cooling hot spots as necessary.

The potential for strong thunderstorms exists through Friday. Understand that all drainages within and downstream of the burned area can produce flash flooding. Flash floods can occur even though it is not raining where you are – it may be raining hard further upstream.

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is evaluating watershed conditions to determine the level of potential risks on National Forest System lands to human life, safety, property, critical natural and cultural resources, and determine appropriate and effective emergency stabilization measures to reduce unacceptable risks from potential flooding and debris flow. A BAER team conducts field surveys and uses science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area. BAER assessment teams are staffed by specially trained professionals who can prescribe emergency response actions that can be implemented quickly and effectively.

Today, the BAER Team will complete their risk assessment for BAER critical values. This risk assessment will be used to develop treatment recommendations for land managers.

Prior to visiting the Coconino National Forest, be sure to view the map of the Museum Fire Public Safety closure area. Detailed information and a map are available on Inciweb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6450/0/93533.

The Museum Fire Information phone line remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM at 928-288-2484. Information is also available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/museumfireinfo and Twitter @MuseumFireInfo.

Type 1 Team to transfer command of Museum fire to Coconino National Forest

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FLAGSTAFF – The Museum fire containment is going so well that the Type I management team plans to transfer command back to Coconino National Forest tomorrow by 6 p.m. Containment of the fire, that remains at 1961-acres, is at 82%.

The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2, led by Incident Commander Rich Nieto, plans to transfer command of the Museum Fire back to the Coconino National Forest tomorrow, July 30, 2019, at 6 PM. A local Type 3 organization led by Incident Commander Preston Mercer will continue to fight the fire.

Personnel from the Type 3 organization are on-site shadowing the Type 1 team, and together are producing a plan for a smooth transition. Fire activity has been minimal with no perimeter growth the past two days. Firefighters will continue to closely monitor the fire on the ground and will utilize aerial resources as needed.

Firefighters on the ground worked in conjunction with helicopters to cool hotspots on the north and east flanks today. Heavy fuels will continue to burn and smolder within areas the fire perimeter until significant rains set in.

A robust initial attack crew is staying vigilant as monsoon weather is anticipated to bring thunderstorms to the area tonight and tomorrow, and stand ready to suppress any new starts.

The Coconino National Forest has released a new Forest Order reducing the Museum Fire Public Safety closure area. Detailed information and a map are available on Inciweb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6450/0/93533.

Firefighters continue to increase containment of Museum Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – Firefighters made great progress yesterday, increasing containment line on the Museum Fire to 35%. Crews have been able to work closer to the fire’s edge, going direct in some areas, where safe to do so. The new containment came mostly south of Shultz Tank and north of Dry Lake Hills on the north edge of the fire and northeast of Elden Mountain on the east side of the fire in the scar from the Radio Fire.

Initial attack crews assigned to the fire responded to two new starts as well as helped fill sandbags for Coconino EOC yesterday, as concerns over potential flooding remain. The new fires were suppressed quickly and do not currently pose any threats.

Today, firefighters will continue to work to increase containment, going direct where possible, monitoring hot spots along the perimeter and responding to any new fires reported in the area. Crews also are working on suppression repair along Schultz Pass Road.

A drying trend will continue through Monday which could result in an increase in fire behavior. Fire perimeter growth is not anticipated but there still are areas of concern with rugged terrain making access to some portions of the fire difficult.

The Coconino National Forest Closure Order remains in effect. For your safety and of firefighters, the public is not allowed in the fire area. Please visit the fire’s Inciweb page for a map of open trails and recreation areas.

Museum fire update

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NOTE: THIS IS AN OLD ARTICLE THAT COULD NOT BE POSTED BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM IN THE WEB SITE. WE ARE WORKING ON IT.


FLAGSTAFF – According to the evening update of last night, pre-evacuation orders are still in effect for Mt. Elden Lookout Estates, north and west of Hwy 89 and Silver Saddle, Hutcheson Acres, McCann Estates all of Timberline communities including, Black Bill Park, Wupatki Trails and Pine Mountain Estates. All areas, including the upper eastside neighborhoods of Flagstaff, including Cedar Hills, Shadow Mountain, Christmas Tree, Skyline, Swiss Manor and Upper Greenlaw should be in the “Ready” stage or “prepare now.”

The American Red Cross has set-up a shelter at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave in Flagstaff.The fire, fueled by Ponderosa pines and mixed conifer, grew to about 1000 acres last night. It is reported the winds carrying embers have caused more fires to start up. The complexity of this fire has caused the forest service to call in the Southwest Area Incident Management Team #2 (IMT), led by Incident Commander Rich Nieto—a Type 1 Incident Management Team—that should take over management of the fire at approximately 6 p.m.

According to the latest press release by Coconino Forest service:

Wildland firefighters are using every available aerial platform in the southwest region on a wildfire in the Dry Lake Hills area north of Flagstaff today.

The Museum Fire, currently about 1,000 acres, was very active overnight. Crews were not able to conduct burnout operations due to the activity and the fire spotting ahead of itself, but took indirect suppression tactics where they could.

The fire was flanked with retardant and water from more than a dozen aircraft Sunday in an effort to keep it in the Schultz Pass area and limit its spread north and south. Spotting was noted toward the east, and hand crews are working to create a fire line to work on containment that ties in with aerial suppression.

Fire managers will be using direct and indirect tactics to suppress the fire today. A heavy air component is expected as the objectives are to keep the fire east and south of Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road), west of U.S. Highway 89, and north of the Pipeline Road and those communities.

Heavy smoke will be visible from Flagstaff and other local communities. The public should use extreme caution when driving on U.S. Highways 180 and 89 north of Flagstaff and stay out of the fire area.

The Emergency Operation Center in Flagstaff remains open and a call center has been set up at 928-213-2990 for questions. They ask that you use this number for questions about evacuations and shelter related items only. They do not field information about power and phone outages and missing persons. If you are concerned about the safety of someone, contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414 or Coconino County Sheriff at 928-774-4523. For power outages you can check the APS web site.

EOC Activated for Museum Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – The Flagstaff Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has bee activated in support of the 200-acre Museum Fire in the Dry Hills area northwest o Mount Elden. Over 180 firefighters and over a dozen aircraft are fighting the fire. The cause of the fire, that started at 5+ acres, is still under investigation.

Currently there are evacuation orders for Forest Road 420 to Highway 89 and Shultz Pass Road south of the private lands. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff located at 3950 E Butler Avenue.