Category Archives: National Government

Flat Fire caused by individual burning grass trimmings

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — The Flat Fire located north of the San Francisco Peaks and 4.5 miles west of U.S. Highway 89 (GPS: 35°28’04.0″N 111°39’16.3″W), began Monday, July 10, was caused from an individual burning grass trimmings.

The fire is currently estimated to be 32% contained at 156 acres and started from a private citizen burning grass trimmings in a burn pit that got out of control due to wind conditions and spread quickly.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office arrested an individual and charged him with reckless burning and violation of the county fire ban. Stage 1 fire restrictions are still in effect.

Current resources assigned to the fire include one Hotshot crew, one hand crew, one engine, one dozer, and one water tender.

The fire is experiencing minimal behavior through grass and pinyon-juniper.

Crews spent the week constructing containment lines on the east and west flanks of the fire and securing those lines and monitoring fire behavior.

Fire restrictions to begin Thursday, June 29 in northern Arizona

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect Thursday, June 29 at 8 a.m. across the entirety of the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.

The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County plan on implementing fire restrictions this week as well.

Under Forest Service Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.

Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

Recreational shooting on the Coconino NF and Kaibab NF is allowed as long as it follows the target shooting regulations.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources.

Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area receives significant, widespread precipitation.

Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines, or jail time.

The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions. Even when forest-wide restrictions aren’t in place, there are places on the Coconino National Forest that have fire restrictions year-round, such as the Flagstaff area, Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon and West Sedona areas, as well as Pumphouse Wash.

Kaibab NF makes progress on wildfires managed for forest health

Posted on by

WILLIAMS – Kaibab National Forest has been taking advantage of unseasonably cool and wet conditions to manage lightning-caused fires to remove hazardous fuels, promote healthy vegetation and improve forest health. These environmental conditions persisted beyond the typical spring prescribed fire season.

The Kaibab National Forest is a fire-adapted ecosystem, with native species, such as the Ponderosa pine, dependent upon frequent, lower-intensity fire to thrive. The thick bark of Ponderosa pines protects trees from all but the most intense fires, and fire on the forest floor provides a nutrient-rich seedbed for the next generation of vegetation to succeed. Fire also plays a crucial role in breaking down forest floor debris, such as fallen leaves, needles, branches, and trees, a process which normally occurs rapidly in more moisture-laden environments but can take decades in the arid Southwest. By using both prescribed fires and naturally occurring fires when conditions safely allow at regular intervals, future fires on the Kaibab will be less intense and produce less smoke, benefiting the ecosystem and those around it.

Weather will continue to play a vital role in managing these fires, with tactical firing operations planned only when conditions exist to safely do so. Over the past several days, despite the higher winds and lower humidity, all three fires have remained within their respected designated areas. This is due to the strategic decisions fire managers have made over the past couple weeks using the terrain, previously treated adjacent landscapes, weather forecasts, and tactical firing operations to ensure the fires continues to burn at the more natural intensity and rate of spread. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning for Monday and a Fire Weather Watch on Tuesday due to strong winds and low relative humidity. Crews will monitor and patrol the fire perimeters watching for spot fires.

The Hull Fire, located near Lower Hull Tank along the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park boundary just northeast of the Grand View Lookout and east of Grandview Point, is 1,491 acres spreading at a low-to-moderate pace in ponderosa pine forest within the planning area. All tactical firing operations are complete. This fire is being co-managed with Grand Canyon National Park. Twenty-five personnel are currently assigned to this fire.

The Ridge Fire, located approximately 7 miles southeast of Tusayan along forest road 302 near Skinner Tank, is 2,300 acres slowly moving south/southwest in ponderosa pine forest south/southwest of Skinner Ridge. Tactical firing operations have been occurring along the eastern edge of the planning area, building a buffer of pre-burned ground ahead of the fire and directing the fire slowly to the south/southwest. Seventy-seven personnel are assigned to this fire.

The Three Lakes Fire is approximately 481 acres and growing at a low-to-moderate rate of spread through the mixed ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen forest and grassy meadows. Green grasses have held fire activity to a slow spread, consuming pine needle duff and dead-and-down woody debris and stumps on the forest floor. Crews were able to use tactical firing operations to strengthen approximately 2 miles of the planned area perimeter yesterday. Pilot cars may be used along State Route 67 should smoke impacts warrant for safety. Seventy-seven personnel are assigned to this fire.

Managing naturally caused wildfires across the landscape is a very effective tool in restoring the forest to a healthier condition, and these efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape as well as other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.

Additional information can be found on the on InciWeb, Kaibab NF website, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the Fire Information Hotline at 928-635-8311 or local ranger stations.

Wilbur Fire remains at 10,279 acres

Posted on by

CLINTS WELL — The Coconino National Forest resumed command of the lightning-caused 10,279-acre Wilbur Fire Thursday morning, June 22, which originated 8.5 miles west of Clints Well on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

The Wilbur Fire is being managed with multiple strategies to meet objectives including the release of nutrients back into the soil and the reduction of hazardous fuel accumulations.

Objectives also include protecting critical infrastructure, watersheds, wildlife habitat and culturally sensitive areas from future catastrophic wildfires. Managing low-intensity wildfires such as this reduces the threat of catastrophic fire by reducing the accumulation of dead wood, pinecones, and pine needles, that would otherwise contribute to hotter and bigger fire behavior. This is part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy recently announced by the Chief of the Forest Service.

All strategic firing operations have been successfully completed, and firefighters are utilizing previously improved holding features and roads to confine the wildfire to a predetermined area. Crews continue to patrol and monitor fire activity and work toward full containment, with current containment at 78 percent.

Suppression repair projects are underway, including mending fences and removing snags (dead standing trees) from high-use dispersed recreation areas and along roads. Smoke is visible at times as interior pockets of unburned forest fuels consume.

Night operations conclude Sunday night and early Monday morning with firefighters and the Arizona Department of Transportation remaining to monitor the fire perimeter and smoke conditions along highways and provide for public safety.

The Coconino National Forest has issued an area closure to protect public health and ensure firefighter safety. The full closure order and map are available online.

In the interest of public and firefighter safety, drivers are asked to travel with caution as fire crews will be entering and exiting roadways during operations.

As temperatures cool overnight smoke may linger in drainages and valleys until daytime winds surface.

Regular fire updates can be found on the Wilbur Fire Inciweb page until it is fully contained.

Fire weather watch issued for Tuesday

Posted on by

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR NORTHERN ARIZONA
Fire Weather Watch issued June 25 at 1:12PM MST until June 27 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Fire Weather Watch due to strong winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* AFFECTED AREA…Locations near Alpine, Camp Verde, Chino Valley, Congress, Cottonwood, Paulden, Payson, Strawberry, Pinetop-Lakeside, Prescott, Sedona, Seligman, Show Low and Whiteriver. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Coconino National Forest, Kaibab National Forest, Prescott National Forest and Tonto National Forest.

* WINDS…Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 7 percent.

* IMPACTS…The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Click HERE to sign up for Coconino County Emergency Notifications and alerts.

Happy Flag Day and Honor America Days

Posted on by

NATIONAL — While listening to President Donald J. Trump speak on June 6, 2023 at North Carolina, he mentioned a few interesting things. One thing he said he would hold a year long celebration to honor America. I’m not sure, but I think I recall that he said he would start in on July 4th. I guess that is as good a day as any. Though I still cringe when people say “July 4th” instead of the appropriate “Independence Day,” July 4th was not the true Independence Day. It was the date the proclamation was issued for a vote that was taken on July 2nd. Thus, July 2nd was the date that Independence was actually declared.
36 United States Code §110 designates June 14th as Flag Day. The law “requests” that the President issue a proclamation calling on “…United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings…” The President is also supposed to urge “…the people of the United States to observe Flag Day as the anniversary of the adoption on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.” That is the flag that has thirteen red and white stripes with stars on a blue background. That is the ONLY flag that is supposed to be displayed and honored. Whether it be the current flag with fifty stars or thirteen, it should not matter. The so-called Betsy Ross flag was, of course, the original honoring the thirteen colonies.

Most people do not know, however, that there is an actual “Pride” month celebration during this period. 36 USC §112 designates the 21-day from Flag Day to Independence day as “…a period to honor America.” 36 USC §112 (b) is a declaration in which “…Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way.” It is not “appropriate” to loot and burn. That is not appropriate at anytime no matter what the current “administration” says. Likewise, drag queen hour and grooming of children.

What we suggest is that you take the time to review history. One thing you can do is watch the mini-series John Adams. The Patriot is another good selection (not the 1928 version). There are others; pick your favorite. You might be able to find these movies on line for free or they might be available through one of your streaming subscriptions, such as Prime or Sling.

How about doing a little study? Check out The Federalist Papers. These are the arguments by John Jay, James Madison and the first corrupt official in our government, Alexander Hamilton. Hilldale college has a free course on the Federalist Papers. I strongly recommend No. 29

You might find some interesting things on the Archive.org web site. It is packed with Public Domain videos, audio books, old magazines. Even donated video and audio from around the country; e.g. “home movies.” You might want to listen to this selection.

We hope that what ever you do to celebrate will bring you to the conclusion that you should never show your total ignorance by wishing some one a “Happy Fourth of July.” You should reply to that greeting with “Happy Independence Day” without slapping them in the face though you are very tempted to do. There is a reason that the current government wants you to celebrate the date on the calendar rather than what it represents. Be a rebel. Go ahead and say Happy Independence day.

The flag of my Country.

Afternoon thunderstorms bring light precipitation over Wilbur Fire

Posted on by

CLINTS WELL – Afternoon thunderstorms moved over the Wilbur Fire yesterday during ignitions, where outflow winds drifted smoke down West Clear Creek into the Verde Valley and along portions of state Route 260.

Although light precipitation was received crews were able to continue with tactical firing operations throughout the operational shift enhancing holding features along the fire perimeter. Naturally-caused wildfires like the Wilbur Fire provide fire managers with great opportunities to treat the area removing accumulations of hazardous fuels. Reducing hazardous fuels will help reduce the threat of high-severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property, and communities for future generations.

Yesterday firefighters continued with tactical firing operations progressing south along constructed holding features, Forest Road 142B and tying into FR 142, keeping the fire out of West Clear Creek. Operations will be similar to previous shifts where fire resources plan to patrol, monitor, and secure any areas of concern from previous days ignitions, continue with line prep and improve roadways with the use of heavy equipment throughout the planned fire area.

Temperatures are forecasted to be 79-82 degrees. Winds are expected to be from the south at 10-15 mph allowing for excellent ventilation where smoke can disperse out of the surrounding area. Enough moisture will remain over the fire site for a slight chance of afternoon and evening showers though Tuesday. Winds will generally be light at night with southerly breezes during the day.

The Wilbur Fire is burning in an area with an extensive road system that firefighters are using for travel and as control features. For public and firefighter safety, forest visitors should travel with caution as fire crews will be on roadways during operations.

Impacts from smoke can be expected to be light through the weekend and visible from multiple locations including the Verde Valley and along Lake Mary Road and state Routes 260 and 87. Smoke may linger in drainages and valleys overnight as nighttime temperatures cool and will do so until daytime winds surface.

Contact information and daily updates regarding the Wilbur Fire will continue to be posted on Inciweb.

Prescribed fire continuing on Kendrick and Blue Stem Rx projects this week on Kaibab National Forest

Posted on by

Backing Fire on Moritz Ridge / Kendrick Prescribed Fire Project – Kaibab National Forest photo

WILLIAMS — Moist weather in northern Arizona continues to endure providing excellent opportunities to keep moving forward with prescribed burns well into the early months of this year. Approximately 16000 acres have been broadcast burned thus far on the Kaibab National Forest, and crews will remain proactive as long as conditions allow.

Treatments may continue on the currently active Kendrick prescribed fire project in the week ahead as well as the next unit on the Blue Stem Rx project located 18 miles southeast of Tusayan.
Fire Managers recognize that as summer rapidly approaches, these windows of opportunity will eventually close as temperatures rise and fuels dry out. Ignitions only occur when environmental conditions at each location align with the parameters outlined in each project specific burn plan.

Area residents and visitors may see and hear a helicopter in the vicinity, as aerial ignitions will occur on portions of these burns. Citizens are strongly urged to refrain from using any type of aerial-drone systems near any active project area that could potentially interfere with aircraft operations.

Crews successfully completed burning 1509 acres on the Three Sisters Rx project on Wednesday last week and forest officials would like to thank the entire community of Williams for their support while this critical piece of ground was treated.

All prescribed fires are subject to approval by an agency administrator, and by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
The Kaibab National Forest remains committed to providing the public with ongoing updates with as much advance notice as possible. Sign up to receive Kaibab NF news releases in your email.

Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires help reduce hazardous fuels that have accumulated due to drought, climate change, insects and disease, and decades of fire suppression. Fire also recycles nutrients back to the soil, promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers, and other plants, and improves habitat for threatened and endangered species. These efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to increase prescribed fire and other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.
Additional information can be found on the Kaibab NF website, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the Fire Information Hotline at 928-635-8311.

Lightning-caused Sedona-area Miller Fire at 35 acres

Posted on by

SEDONA — The Miller Fire, located in the Secret Mountain Wilderness of the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District (GPS coordinates: 34°57’21.2″N 111°50’05.6″W), is now at roughly 35 acres.

A closure order has been issued for the area surrounding the fire, including Secret Mountain Loop Trails.

The Miller Fire is moving at a low rate of spread through brush, timber and rocky terrain southwest toward the south side of Secret Canyon and Maroon Mountain.

Current resources include one Hotshot crew, one hand crew, two engines, three helicopters and air attack.

Resources successfully established a control line on the eastern side of the fire in Secret Canyon Tuesday and spent Wednesday holding those lines while working to keep the fire south of Secret Canyon Creek.

Crews plan to continue working to directly suppress the fire at all accessible points and will evaluate inaccessible portions of the fire in order to respond when and if firefighting efforts can safely be carried out.

Rough and rocky terrain and steep cliff faces create challenges for on-the-ground fire suppression efforts. Predicted Friday wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour may impede aerial operations.

The fire was first reported on May 20, but due to weather conditions, aerial resources were not able to confirm the fire until Monday, May 22.

There are no structures threatened by the fire.

Smoke impacts may be felt to the north and northeast of the fire. Light smoke is expected to settle into the Sedona area overnight.

Fossil Creek Road closure extended until late June

Posted on by

SEDONA — The closure of Fossil Creek Road, also known as Forest Road (FR) 708, has been extended until June 26 to complete roadwork necessary for safe public access.

Fossil Creek Road has been closed since late February for a resurfacing project.

FR 708 will reopen 8 a.m. June 26, at which point, access to Fossil Creek (permitted), FR 502 and the Childs Dispersed Camping Area will be allowed.

Permits are required to visit Fossil Creek. Permits for June 26-30 and July will be available on recreation.gov beginning June 1.

Following July, the standard process for reserving Fossil Creek permits will resume.

While construction on FR 708 has improved road conditions, motorists should still exercise caution. Watch for oncoming traffic and maintain safe speeds, especially around curves and areas with steep drop-offs.

Coconino National Forest motorists are reminded to always check the status of roads online at coconinonationalforest.us prior to any excursion. Roads may close at any time due to weather, hazards or other unforeseen events.