Coconino National Forest

While the Coconino National Forest received some rain over the weekend, visitors are reminded fire danger levels continue to be elevated and Stage II fire restrictions, as well as the six area closures to protect watersheds and other values at risk, will remain in place until significant and widespread precipitation is received. 

Coconino National Forest emphasizes that northern Arizona is still at the height of its fire season and there is a potential for large, severe wildfires. The forest needs the public’s continued support in preventing unwanted, human-caused wildfires.

The Tank Fire is being held at 176 acres and has 75 percent containment in an area about 1-2 miles northeast of the junction of Lake Mary Road and state Route 87 on the Mogollon Rim.

Firefighting operations yesterday reinforced fire lines and suppressed several hot spots. The Coconino National Forest’s Type III Incident Management Team assigned to the fire will turn it over to the Mogollon Rim Ranger District as a Type IV incident today.

Firefighters have stopped forward progress on the Tank Fire at approximately 170 acres in an area about 1-2 miles northeast of the junction of Lake Mary Road and state Route 87 on the Mogollon Rim.

Firefighters responded to five additional wildfires in the area ignited by thunderstorms moving across the Mogollon Rim yesterday afternoon. The Tank Fire was the only fire in the area to show rapid growth. The other fires, ranging in size from a burning tree to 20 acres, are all contained this morning.

The Tank Fire has grown to about 100 acres in an area about 1-2 miles northeast of the junction of Lake Mary Road and state Route 87 on the Mogollon Rim.

Firefighters have responded to a number of reports of wildfires  from a band of thunderstorms moving across the Mogollon Rim. The Tank Fire is the only fire in the area to show rapid growth. The other fires, ranging in size from a burning tree to 20 acres, have firefighters on scene to ensure suppression.

Coconino National Forest was a busy place over Memorial Day weekend, with visitors filling developed campsites early and dealing with areas closed due to very high fire danger.

Extra Forest Service patrols were dispatched over the holiday weekend to greet visitors, remind campers of the restrictions, and help inform people about the areas still open for dispersed camping.

After many years of public input, as well as collaboration with partner agencies and surrounding communities, the Coconino National Forest released its revised Forest Plan that will provide management guidance for its nearly two million acres for the next 10 to 15 years.

Coconino National Forest will temporarily close six large areas to public access beginning tomorrow (May 23) at 8 a.m. due to fire danger and for public safety. All areas of the national forest outside of the closures remain in 

Coconino National Forest will temporarily close six large areas to public access beginning Wednesday (May 23) at 8 a.m. due to fire danger and for public safety.

Forward progression of the Facility Fire, located approximately 3 miles west/northwest of Flagstaff, has been stopped at 6 acres and continues to be suppressed.

The wildfire is human-caused and under investigation. Elden Tower lookout reported seeing smoke at approximately 1:30 p.m. today just west of Flagstaff and resources responded immediately.

Coconino National Forest is currently under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which prohibits the following:

Clearing skies during the day will bring more smoke, with southwest winds blowing it northeast towards Winslow and the Hopi reservation. Smoke impacts in the Blue Ridge communities, Winslow, and the Hopi Reservation will be moderate during the day. Air quality will worsen at night for the Blue Ridge communities. The weather pattern should stay the same for the next few days. Visit the InciWeb link below for more air and smoke information.