Wildfires

The 4th of July holiday weekend keeps Arizona firefighters extremely busy. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management reports, between Thursday, July 4th and Sunday, July 7th, firefighters responded to 46 wildfires across Arizona, on all land jurisdictions. Those 46 fires burned a combined total of nearly 4,000 acres.

Most of the fires over the holiday weekend were human caused, including vehicles parked in tall grass, debris burns, and welding.

Motorists play important roles in preventing roadside fires. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation encourages motorists to plan ahead for travel during the Independence Day holiday, and also reminds the public of the roles motorists play in preventing brush fires and wildfires near roadways.

Multiple times last month, brush fires ignited by vehicles or motorists forced highway closures in Arizona. Travelers can minimize the risk of starting fires along Arizona roads by:

·         Making sure chains are secured and not dragging, emitting sparks.

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.

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.

Since snow is expected within the next 48 hours, Coconino National Forest fire managers will be assisting Coconino County with a green waste burn at the Willard Springs transfer station tomorrow morning immediately west of Interstate 17 at the Willard Springs exit.

Fire managers will also be burning slash piles over the next several days at different locations throughout the Flagstaff Ranger District, which include:

The fall season brings many recreationist, hunters, and fall-color enthusiasts to our national forests. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests reminds visitors to always be careful with fire, especially since we have experienced an unusually dry and warm fall. This week alone there have been numerous abandoned campfires and some have spread to become multiple-acre wildfires.

Firefighters from Coconino National Forest and Summit Fire Department are responding to two human-caused wildfires east of Winona currently.