Flagstaff

A1 Mountain Project (near Baderville just northwest of Flagstaff)

Fire managers are planning several prescribed burn projects this week across Coconino National Forest that will produce visible smoke around Flagstaff and Stoneman Lake beginning as early as tomorrow.

The Kendrick Fire was a human-caused grass wildfire reported at approximately 2:30 p.m. March 17 northwest of the San Francisco Peaks. Personnel from Coconino National Forest and Summit Fire Department responded and worked to protect specific structures that were threatened for a time, which are listed below. Forest Service Law Enforcement was also assisted by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.

The Kendrick Fire, a human-caused wildfire reported at approximately 2:30 p.m. today is estimated to be 75-100 acres in size and multiple resources are on scene.

The fire is located 15 miles north of Flagstaff, just east of Kendrick Park and south of Saddle Mountain. Resources on scene from the Forest Service and Summit Fire Department include four engines, one water tender and approximately 20 firefighters. No structures are threatened at this time.

 With recent snowfall transforming much of Arizona’s high country into a winter wonderland, snow-play sites should become busy destinations this weekend. That means travelers can expect heavy traffic and delays around some popular areas.

Those heading to snow-play sites along US 180 should be prepared to spend extended time in winter conditions and be ready for traffic backups returning to Flagstaff that build as the afternoon goes on.

Planning a trip to play in the snow Sunday? Leave prepared for heavy traffic around popular snow-play sites and the potential for more winter weather to arrive as early as Sunday afternoon.

Highway conditions can deteriorate quickly during severe weather as snow accumulates and drivers struggle, and closures can happen suddenly and be prolonged.

The Flagstaff Ranger Station, Mountainaire project and the Mormon Lake work center have produced piles of debris from the thinning of trees, which will be burned today and Friday near Flagstaff and will produce smoke visible to surrounding visitors and residents.

When the snow flies in Northern Arizona, people from all over the state come and play in the Flagstaff area.

Three-day weekends, such as the one upcoming, are weekends when masses of people converge upon northern Arizona and Coconino National Forest to play in the snow. Drivers, visitors and residents will need to have extra patience and be courteous to each other.

Recent snows have brought many visitors to snow play areas along state Route 180, north of Flagstaff, which has caused dangerous conditions as people are parking illegally on the side of SR 180.

With light snow in the forecast heading into a long weekend, winter recreation areas along US 180 near Flagstaff are likely to attract heavy traffic that leads to delays.

Those planning to visit snow-play areas along US 180 over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend should leave prepared to spend extended time in winter weather – and to face traffic backlogs getting back to Flagstaff that increase as the day goes on.