Tag Archives: Boundary FIre

Officials lift closure of Kendrick Mountain area on Kaibab and Coconino National Forests

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WILLIAMS – Effective at 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests—in coordination with the Arizona Game and Fish Department—lifted the area closure on and around Kendrick Mountain that has been in place since the Boundary Fire in June. The public can now access the area, which had been closed due to unstable conditions caused by heavy monsoonal rains, but are advised to have heightened awareness about potential safety hazards and exercise increased vigilance regarding personal safety.

“Public safety was the driving factor in keeping the area closed for as long as we did,” said Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio. “It was important that we allow the landscape to stabilize during the immediate post-fire period and especially at the height of our monsoon season. We now believe it is appropriate to lift the closure, but that doesn’t mean that no hazards exist. It is important for people to always be aware of their surroundings when recreating in the forest, but it is especially important in areas recently impacted by wildfire.”

Potential risks in any area recently burned by wildfire include the following:

  • storms resulting in flash flooding that could wash out roads, initiate debris flows, and entrap people at flooded stream courses;
  • unsound burned trees (snags) that could fall or shed large limbs;
  • eroded and very rough roads resulting in dangerous driving conditions;
  • unstable terrain with potential for rolling debris (logs, rocks, boulders, etc.);
  • burned out stump holes that could cause injury if stepped in;
    and, blowing dust on roads and hillsides.


Visitors to the Kendrick Mountain area are advised to follow these outdoor safety best practices:

  1. Know the weather forecast and check it frequently as conditions can change in a very short timeframe.
  2. Let someone outside of the area know exactly where you are and where you will be going daily.
  3. Do not park vehicles or camp in areas with burned snags or where potential flood waters would prevent escape. Know where you are in relation to drainages.
  4. During windy conditions, remain in open areas that are free of trees (both live and burned) as much as possible.
  5. If an area seems unsafe for any reason, leave.
  6. Have good maps and know where you are at all times.
  7. Keep a well-charged cell phone with you and check it frequently so you know when you’re in an area where there is no coverage.
  8. Understand that there are many areas on public lands that are remote. It can take a very long time before responders can arrive if a rescue is required. The Kendrick Mountain area is very remote.

Visitors to the Kendrick Mountain area should also be aware that Forest Road 149 on the Kaibab National Forest side and which leads to the Pumpkin Trailhead is undergoing maintenance work for at least the next week. Barricades are installed at the entry to the road, so Pumpkin Trail users will have to park along Forest Road 171 and then walk to the trailhead, which will add about a mile to overall hiking distance. No driving or parking along Forest Road 149 will be allowed until the road maintenance work has been completed and the barricades removed.

The Kaibab and Coconino National Forests have been coordinating closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department on the lifting of the Kendrick Mountain area closure due to several big game hunts opening in northern Arizona. The mountain is part of Game Management Unit 7W, and there are many hunters planning trips to the area in the coming weeks.

“We urge hunters to understand the potential hazards and to prepare accordingly,” said Colby Walton, wildlife manager with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “We know people wait a long time for their hunts. We want them to get to have the experience, but we also want them to do it safely, recognizing that any area recently impacted by wildfire will likely have some greater risk than other areas.”

Kendrick Mountain area to remain closed temporarily for public safety

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WILLIAMS – Unstable conditions caused by heavy rains following the Boundary Fire, which was active through much of June, have necessitated continuing the closure of the burned area on and around Kendrick Mountain on both the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests in order to ensure public safety.

Due to approaching opening dates for several big game hunts in northern Arizona, officials with the U.S. Forest Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department are working jointly to alert the public and hunters of the Boundary Fire Closure that remains in effect in a portion of Game Management Unit 7W.

Weakened timber, debris flows and flooding can be a common occurrence in steep terrain after a wildfire event. Above normal monsoonal precipitation has been occurring on the mountain, which could lead to sudden hazards and potential risks to public safety. Roads, hiking trails and sensitive drainages may experience higher than usual volumes of sediment delivery and runoff, potentially making the environment unpredictable and unsafe.

Actions are underway by Forest Service officials to assess and mitigate safety concerns that are identified during this immediate post-fire period. However, it is anticipated that the closure will remain in effect through the monsoons, as the active weather pattern and heavy rains that have been occurring provide the opportunity to surface potential public health and safety hazards.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience this temporary closure of Kendrick Mountain may cause, however limiting exposure at this time is necessary to ensure public safety,” said Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio. “It is our intention to reopen the area as soon as possible. However, we also need to allow time for moisture to dissipate and the environment to begin its natural stabilization. It is our responsibility and obligation to consider life, health and safety first and foremost in these kinds of circumstances, and we appreciate the public’s cooperation and support.”

Hunters and other forest visitors are reminded to always check local conditions when planning a trip into the backcountry or wilderness. Weather can change rapidly and, in the process, dynamically alter ground surfaces in all types of terrain with very little warning.

Visitors can check with any of the following agency offices to get the latest information regarding the closure and current conditions.

Kaibab National Forest Supervisor’s Office: 928-635-8200, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office: 928-527-3600, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino
Arizona Game and Fish Department: 928-774-5045, www.azgfd.com/hunting/units/flagstaff/7/
View the current Boundary Fire Closure order (PDF) and map (PDF).

Boundary Fire Suppression Repair Needs Assessed

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WILLIAMS – On Wednesday crews worked to secure control lines and patrol for hotspots along the perimeter. An assessment of suppression repair needs has begun. Suppression repair will include the construction of water bars to divert the flow of water away from fire lines during rainstorms, the felling of hazard trees, the repair of roads and trails where they were used as part of the control line and the repair of fences where they were cut to allow access to crews and equipment during suppression operations.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect today due to low humidity, high temperatures and strong winds. Due to the increased fire danger, the Coconino National Forest will move into Stage II fire restrictions at 8 am today.

The winds are expected to pick up today moving smoke around the north side of the San Francisco Peaks where it will then travel east. Smoke is expected to be most noticeable to the south of Grey Mountain and north of Timberline/Doney Park.

Wind shift may relieve Flagstaff of smoke from Boundary Fire

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WILLIAMS – Overnight light north winds pushed smoke into some communities around Flagstaff with most of the smoke dispersing before dawn. As Sunday progresses, northeast winds are expected to push smoke toward Williams and Bellemont. Individuals sensitive to smoke may want to stay indoors to avoid smoke impacts.

Firefighter, public safety, and ecosystem health remain the top priorities for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area. Smoke continues to affect Highway 180, especially at night, and may impact I-40 and SR 64 tonight. Travelers are urged to use caution when traveling in and around the fire area.

Aerial ignitions will continue today and into the week on Kendrick Mountain. Ground crews continue to conduct hand ignitions near and around private property. Ignitions will be applied slowly to prevent high intensity fire and to minimize smoke effects to communities and highways.

Kaibab National Forest (map) and Coconino National Forest have instituted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as of June 15, 2017, at 8:00am MST.

The following trails in the closure area are closed: Pumpkin Trail, Kendrick Mountain Trail, Bull Basin Trail, Slate Mountain Trail, Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail, and the 4th Connector Trail. While the Red Mountain Trail is open, it can only be accessed from the valley end of the Highway 180.

Boundary Fire continues to burn fuels

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WILLIAMS – Warmer and dryer weather conditions are expected over the weekend which could slow progress on the Boundary Fire, as fire crews work slowly and methodically to back the fire down the mountain. This will allow for better control reducing the chances of the fire front pushing uphill and creating intense heat which would adversely affect the tree canopy. It is important that fire crews continue with ignitions during dry weather as it allows for consumption of the decadent fuels on the ground, decreasing the heavy accumulation of fuels on the mountain. The window of opportunity to be able to reduce fuel loads in this area is limited to the time between when the fuels dry out from winter snow melt and the Monsoon rains. Therefore, timing is everything.

Every year Kendrick Mountain sees multiple fire starts. By allowing this fire to reduce the hazardous fuels that exist there currently, we are setting ourselves, our neighbors and our communities up for less risk from those starts in the future.

Today, aerial ignitions continued adjacent to the historic cabin and Kendrick Lookout Tower. Helicopters were onsite assisting with water drops in the area. Ground crews began preforming hand ignitions near and around private property.

Expect increased smoke production over the next few days and poor air movement. Smoke may affect local communities including Greater Doney Park, Timberline, City of Flagstaff, Baderville, Fort Valley, and Bellmont. Firefighter, public safety, and ecosystem health remain the top priorities for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area.

Closure Order Number 04-17-14-F (PDF)) includes all or parts of Forest Roads 9005, 9023C, 91, 736, 144, 171, 193, and ending at US Highway 180 remains in effect. This closure includes all roads and trails within the perimeter of the closure area. US Highway 180 will also remain closed until further notice. For more information regarding highway closures please visit azdot.gov or visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov.

For more information on the Boundary Fire, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5209/. Quick updates will also be provided via Twitter at @KaibabNF and @CoconinoNF. Please follow us if you would like to be updated as information is received.

Increased Smoke Production Expected While Crews Make Progress on the Boundary Fire

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WILLIAMS – Yesterday, aerial ignitions in conjunction with helicopters dropping water to moderate fire intensity of the 6278-acre Kendrick fire around the historic cabin and Kendrick lookout tower. Hand ignitions are planned around private property in the coming days once fire has reached a predetermined location in efforts to protect property and values at risk.

Fire will continue to work its way through timber stands consuming dead and down fuels along the forest floor minimizing impacts to tree canopies. Increased smoke production may occur over the next few days and poor ventilation predicted in the forecast may result in lingering smoke around the communities of Flagstaff, Kendrick Park, Whitehorse Hills, Timberline, Bellemont, Baderville, Cameron, and Tuba City. Firefighter and public safety and ecosystem health remain the top priority for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area.

An amateur radio operator reported that at the Flagstaff meeting last night, the Forest Service officials said they will investigate the possibility of smaller burns to reduce smoke.

The Kaibab Forest officials would like to remind people NOT to fly drones in the area of fires. Pilots only know if there is a drone in the area if they spot it. If they don’t, an impact can damage a helicopter. If the pilot spots a drone, the only thing they can do is land and wait. Please use drones responsibly.

Aerial Ignition Operations Begin on Kendrick Mountain

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WILLIAMS — Helicopter aerial ignition operations continue today near the Kendrick Mountain peak. The operations, in which incendiary devices are dropped from a helicopter to reduce dead and down fuels, began near the peak on Tuesday. The plan is to continue to use aerial ignition to bring fire slowly down the mountain. The tactics benefit the ecological conditions in the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness while minimizing impacts.

A community meeting in east Flagstaff (see above) on Thursday will provide information on the Boundary Fire and on potential impacts from smoke that may affect the eastern side of Flagstaff over the next several days. Health and emergency management personnel will also be on hand. Representatives of the Coconino and Kaibab national forests will discuss fire restrictions that take effect Thursday.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, at the Summit Fire District, 6050 E. Firehouse Lane, Flagstaff.

For more information, details, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5209/. Quick updates are available via Twitter at @KaibabNF and @CoconinoNF. Follow us if you would like to be updated as information is received.