Firefighters complete majority of ignitions on Basin Fire north of Flagstaff

Firefighters have completed the majority of ignitions today reaching 42% containment on the 9,145-acre Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff.

Fire crews spent Tuesday completing firing operations around the perimeter of the Basin Fire. Crews plan to spend Wednesday conducting smaller firing operations on the interior of the fire to clean up pockets of unburned fuel. Firefighters will continue patrolling and securing the fire’s perimeter.

The effects of today’s firing operations on the landscape align with current incident objectives, which promote a healthy, resilient ecosystem. Land treatments — such as low-intensity, intentional fire — help reduce community risk to future catastrophic wildfire by reducing fuels such as excess pine needles and fallen logs.

The Basin Fire started June 5. A closure order for the area surrounding the Basin Fire remains in effect for public and firefighter safety.

Smoke may remain visible from Flagstaff and the surrounding areas throughout the coming days, and lingering smoke may still be present on Fort Valley Road (U.S. Route 180). Motorists are asked to slow down and remain cognizant of firefighters working in the area, and to abide by all posted signage.

Updates regarding the Basin Fire will be shared on InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov/azcof-basin-fire.