Prescribed burns planned for May 11, May 12
The Coconino National Forest plans to continue prescribed burns on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District and Flagstaff Ranger District today and tomorrow as conditions meet the criteria outlined in burn plans.
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 NF burns begin with the designator “COF.”
Mogollon Rim Ranger District
Sawmill Project:
Burn date: May 11. This burn began on Tuesday (May 9) and will continue today as well as on select days through the following week when weather conditions are appropriate.
Location: 27 miles southeast of Flagstaff. East of Hutch Mountain and Lake Mary Road (34°52'40.5"N 111°21'17.9"W). Project maps can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Fire (Spring 2023) Inciweb page online.
Size: 300 acres today. In total, the project is about 5,000 acres.
Predicted smoke impact: Winds are forecasted to remain westerly throughout the duration of the burn, which will reduce potential impacts to the WAPA power lines as well as Lake Mary Road. Overall, the smoke is expected to drift to the east/northeast, potentially settling around Kinnikinick Lake or further towards Long Lake. Smoke will likely be visible from Lake Mary Road, and during ignitions it will potentially also be visible from both Highway 87 as well as I-40.
Notes: There are no anticipated road or trail closures.
Flagstaff Ranger District
Wild Bill Burn project:
Burn date: Friday, May 12.
Location: 10 miles northeast of Flagstaff (35°19'18.4"N 111°46'36.6"W). Project maps can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Fire (Spring 2023) Inciweb page online.
Size: 437 acres tomorrow.
Predicted smoke impact: With a northeast wind predicted, smoke should travel to the southwest. Minimal impacts will be possible along I-40 west of Flagstaff.
Notes: This is an initial entry broadcast burn which will reintroduce fire into this fire-depended ecosystem to help aid in the protection of the 180 corridor and San Francisco Peaks. There are no anticipated road or trail closures.
