Daily Archives: August 4, 2020

Coconino NF seeks public comments on extension of SF Peaks mineral withdrawal

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest has filed an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to extend a San Francisco Peaks mineral withdraw for an additional 20 years and is seeking public comments regarding the extension.
Public Land Order 7467 withdrew 74,689 acres in the SF Peaks/Mt Elden recreation area in 2000 from settlement, sale, location, or entry under the general land and mining laws, but not from leasing under the mineral leasing laws. The order expires Oct. 15, 2020, but an extension would continue the withdrawal to protect the cultural significance, capital investments and dispersed recreation values in the defined recreation area.
BLM provided notice of application in the Federal Register on June 16, which provides the public the opportunity to comment on the withdrawal extension application.
Coconino NF will be hosting a virtual public meeting August 17 at 5 p.m., and the public can attend this online meeting by sending an email to
comments-southwestern-coconino-flagstaff@usda.gov with “Withdrawal” in the subject line to receive a meeting invite with an online link.
The public can also provide comments to the BLM by mail, fax, or email. All comments should be sent to the BLM Arizona State Office, One North Central, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004; faxed to 602-417-9452; or sent by email to BLM_AZ_Withdrawal_Comments@blm.gov. The BLM will not consider comments received via telephone calls.

Pig Fire south of Sedona approximately 20% contained

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SEDONA — Coconino National Forest firefighters continue to suppress the Pig Fire approximately 5 miles south/southeast of Village of Oak Creek off the east side of northbound Interstate 17.

The fire does not pose any risk to structures, homes or communities. Burnout operations yesterday and into the night helped secure the I-17 corridor and other lines around the upper section of Forest Road 689, bringing the fire to 480 acres as of this morning.

Fire investigators determined the cause of the wildfire to be a piece of catalytic converter discharged from a vehicle traveling along the interstate. Faulty catalytic converters can break apart and move through the exhaust system, eventually discharging from the muffler. These tiny pieces of “honeycomb” are extremely hot, and if they land on flammable material—such as dry brush and grass—often start a wildfire.

Fire crews will continue to hold and improve the lines established throughout the day and monitor the south side of the fire where there was little activity yesterday.

Current resources on scene include a Hotshot crew, six engines, a fuels crew, one water tender, one dozer, and partner agency personnel from Arizona Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. In total, approximately 95 firefighters and personnel are assigned to the fire.

Lane restrictions and closures may exist on the northbound side of I-17 near the Sedona exit, so motorists should plan for additional time when traveling north.

Crews Respond to 50 Acre Wildfire 3 Miles Southeast of Tusayan

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TUSAYAN — Fire crews from the Kaibab National Forest, Tusayan Fire Department, and Grand Canyon National Park responded to a wildfire Monday morning about 3 miles southeast of the town of Tusayan. The 50 acre lightning caused Halfway Fire was discovered by local aircraft and most likely started the day before from a passing thunderstorm.

Multiple resources have been working on the fire Monday including a helicopter, a dozer, 3 engines and miscellaneous overhead. Additional resources have been ordered to assist from neighboring forests and are expected to arrive later today.

The fire is moving in an easterly direction and is not posing a threat to any developed areas or Infrastructure at this time.

Smoke may be visible at times from the town of Tusayan, Grand Canyon Airport, highway 64, and from the east rim drive in Grand Canyon National Park. Motorists are asked to be aware of fire personnel and vehicles and use caution if driving near the vicinity of the fire.