Tag Archives: Flagstaff

Man Arrested for Starting Wildland Fire in Blue Ridge Area

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BLUE RIDGE – On April 9, 2021 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to Highway 87 near the Hwy 260 junction for a report of a wildland fire.

Upon arrival, the deputy interviewed a witness that said they were driving along the highway and saw a fire in the forested area. Upon seeing the fire, the witness stopped and attempted extinguish the fire.

During this process, the witness noticed a suspicious person, later identified as Adam Gilliam, a 29-year-old man from Oregon, near the fire.

Shortly after, an Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper arrived and detained the suspicious person.
During the deputy’s interview with Gilliam, he admitted to starting the fire with a lighter he had in his possession. Fire resources were able to successfully extinguish the fire, which was described as approximately 30 feet in diameter.

Gilliam was arrested and booked into the Coconino County Jail for Illegal Burning of Wildland and Refusing to Provide a Truthful name.

Summer construction season kicks off in northern Arizona

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PHOENIX – With warmer weather coming to Arizona’s high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is ramping up construction projects to improve safety and extend the life of the infrastructure.

In the Flagstaff area, ADOT has already started projects to replace the Interstate 40 bridges over Business 40 which connects to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff. The project, which is approximately 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, will replace the east- and westbound bridges on I-40 in their entirety. The project is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Also ongoing in the Flagstaff area is the project to replace the Rio de Flag bridge near Flagstaff City Hall. The work, which involves the use of precast bridge components to significantly reduce the amount of traffic restrictions during the project, will be completed later this summer.

Starting in April, ADOT will begin a project to pave I-40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in east Flagstaff. Work will include repaving both east- and westbound I-40, including the ramps at four interchanges. Crews will also make repairs to bridge decks within the project area and replace guardrail as needed. This project will last two seasons and is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Along SR 89 in Chino Valley, ADOT will install a new traffic signal and traffic detection sensors at the intersection with Road 1 North. ADOT will also install a right-turn lane on northbound SR 89 to east Road 1 North, and construct left-turn lanes and widen SR 89 at Road 1 North. The project is set to start later this spring.

In May, a pavement replacement project in the Show Low area will see 6 miles of US 60 and 5 miles of SR 260 repaved with new pavement. The work will take place overnights during the week. Other work includes installing new guardrail, curb and gutter and sidewalks.

This summer, a minor modernization project for the intersection of SR 89A and SR 179 in Sedona will see the replacement of pavement as well as striping and signage to the roundabout. Traffic will continue to have access during construction and work will be completed by the fall.

In the northwest corner of the state, ADOT is currently working on replacing Bridge No. 1 along I-15. Work includes replacing the abutment foundations, piers and the bridge deck of Bridge No. 1. New pavement, pavement markings, guardrail and signage are also included in the project. Work is anticipated to be completed by spring of 2024.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects.

Coconino NF firewood permits go on sale April 12

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FLAGSTAFF— The Coconino National Forest will begin selling firewood permits for the 2021 season starting April 12, and cutting season will begin April 17.
Purchases can be made by credit card over the phone, or by check through the mail. Purchasers using a credit card should call any of the ranger stations or the Forest Supervisor’s office during the hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
  • Forest Supervisor’s Office, 928-527-3600
1824 S. Thompson Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
  • Flagstaff Ranger Station, 928-526-0866
5057 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
  • Mogollon Rim Ranger Station, 928-477-2255
8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
  • Red Rock Ranger Station, 928-203-2900
P.O. Box 20429, Sedona, AZ 86341
Whether purchasing by credit card or check, purchasers should be prepared to provide their name, address, phone number, type of identification and identification number, the names of any additional cutters, vehicle information, credit card information, the type of wood and number of cords desired.
The minimum cost for a permit is $20, with a maximum purchase of 12 cords per household. Permits allow for the cutting of down and dead wood, or standing wood that meets certain criteria in specified areas. The cost for oak, aspen, juniper and maple will be $5 per cord, and the cost for pine and mixed conifer will be $2.50 per cord.
Permits and associated load tags will be mailed to purchasers, along with a receipt and a firewood guide that includes cutting instructions and a map. Purchasers are required to sign and date the permit in the permittee line as soon as it is received.
Purchasing by mailed check
If purchasing by check, send a written request by mail to any of the offices previously mentioned, to the attention of “Timber Permits.” The written request should include your name, address, phone number, type of identification and identification number, the names of any additional cutters, the type of wood and number of cords desired. Your written request must be signed and dated, as well as include your check payment for the exact amount of cords being purchased — as long as the minimum of $20 is met.
Firewood permits allow for the following:
  1. Any dead wood lying on the ground can be removed.
  2. Dead standing pine or fir can be cut if less than 12 inches in diameter or less than 15 feet tall.
  3. Dead standing pinyon and juniper can be cut regardless of its size unless there is obvious wildlife use.
  4. Standing dead aspen less than 12 inches in diameter or less than 15 feet tall may be cut only from June 1 to Sept. 30.
Four load tags will be provided for each cord of wood issued on the permit. Load tags must be physically attached to each quarter of cord or less of firewood, punched or marked correctly, and visible from the rear of the vehicle.
Forest roads and other precautions
Most of the forest roads across the national forest are currently closed but should be opening up within the next two weeks. Motorists should keep from causing damage and ruts to roads that are soft and muddy. The status of main forest roads across the forest can be found on our Road Status page online.
Unless specified elsewhere in the permit or on its accompanying map, or identified as prohibited, motorized off-road travel is authorized to access and load firewood. The permit does not authorize motorized cross-country travel to scout for firewood, but it does authorize off-road vehicle use by the most direct route in and out of the area to accomplish firewood retrieval. Please exercise caution when driving off-road and avoid resource damage.
The Coconino National Forest now has GPS-enabled firewood maps for smartphones, tablets and Garmin GPS devices, which may be used as a supplement to the firewood guide issued with each permit.
Firewood cutters should be aware chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush, so please take care when cutting firewood. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start. Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless steel spark arrestor screen. As the season continues, cutters need to ensure they are aware of any fire restrictions by checking local Forest Service information.
Free use firewood areas
There are currently no free-use firewood areas designated for the 2021 season, but areas may be designated at a later point. Please check with your local Forest Service office periodically for any updates.
Other permit info
Additional forest and district permit programs such as Wildings, Post, Poles or House logs and Post and Stays will also be open for sale.

Roadway restrictions at Interstate 40 and Meteor Crater Road start April 1

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for daytime restrictions starting Thursday, April 1, at Interstate 40 and Meteor Crater Road, about 30 miles east of Flagstaff, as work continues on the Meteor Crater Bridge rehabilitation project.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel while the following restrictions are in place:

  • Meteor Crater Road will be closed between the I-40 on- and off-ramps from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1, and Monday, April 5. Drivers should use the following detour routes while the restrictions are in place:
    • Detour from westbound I-40 to southbound Meteor Crater Road: Exit at Two Guns Road and then re-enter the highway traveling eastbound and exit at Meteor Crater Road.
    • Detour from northbound Meteor Crater Road to westbound I-40: Drive eastbound on I-40 and exit at Meteor City Road. Re-enter the highway and proceed westbound on I-40.
  • I-40 will be narrowed to one lane of traffic in both directions from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1, and Friday, April 2.
    • The work-zone restrictions will be from milepost 232 to 233.
    • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph.

Traffic shifts on Historic Route 66 in Flagstaff to begin April 12 through May 14

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists who use Historic Route 66 (B40) in Flagstaff to expect traffic shifts as crews construct drilling shafts for the Rio De Flag Bridge Replacement project. The work, which is currently underway, is scheduled through Friday, May 14.

Friday, April 2 through Monday, April 12

  • Historic Route 66/ State Route 40B will be opened to normal traffic operation with the exception of intermittent westbound right-lane closures.

The following traffic shift will occur from Monday, April 12, until Friday, April 30:

  • The east- and westbound travel lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction and shifted to the south side of the roadway.
  • The left-turn lane to northbound US 180 and Sitgreaves Street/Santa Fe Avenue will be closed.

The following traffic shift will occur from Friday, April 30, until Friday, May 14:

  • The east- and westbound travel lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction and shifted to the north side of the roadway.
  • The left-turn lane to northbound US 180 and Sitgreaves Street/Santa Fe Avenue will be closed.

In addition, the following restrictions will be in place through May 14:

  • The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph between Butler Avenue and Beaver Street.
  • A 12-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place.

During the traffic shift, eastbound Historic Route 66 to northbound US 180 (Humphreys Street) traffic will be detoured to east Butler Avenue to north San Francisco Street to west Columbus Avenue to access north US 180 (Humphreys Street).

Drivers should avoid the area and use alternate routes if possible. If drivers find it necessary to travel through the work zone, proceed with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Peaks Crag climbing site partially closed to protect peregrine falcons

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest officials will implement restrictions on climbing and other activities on a portion of the cliff face of an area known as the Peaks Crag beginning March 15 till Aug. 15 in order to protect nesting peregrine falcons.

Similar restrictions have been in effect over the last several years allowing the nesting peregrine falcon pair to successfully fledge 1-3 young each season, while still affording recreational climbing opportunities in the vicinity.

Officials have made slight modifications from the previous years’ Forest Order to provide access from Forest Road 522 (Freidlein Prairie Road) to the climbing area north of the peregrines’ nest site.

The Forest Service, with the help of volunteers, will monitor the effectiveness of the closure and peregrine nesting success to guide future management of the area. The closure could remain in effect until Aug. 15 but based on previous year’s monitoring results may be lifted mid-July once the young have successfully fledged.

It is prohibited to be within the southern portion of the Peaks Crag cliff face for rock climbing or any other activity. The Forest Order and map of the closed area will be posted at the Kachina Trailhead kiosk, the kiosk on Forest Road 522 and Coconino National Forest’s public website under the Forest Orders link.

Peregrine falcons were once listed under the Endangered Species Act. They continue to be managed as Forest Service Sensitive Species and State Species of Concern. This closure affords land managers the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of a partial closure and better determine the appropriate environment needed for peregrines to successfully nest and raise their young.

Large prescribed burn planned near Apache Maid Mt next week

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest firefighters are planning to take advantage of favorable weather conditions next week and have tentatively planned a large fire treatment on the Red Rock Ranger District, as well as pile burns on the Flagstaff Ranger District.

Prescribed burns are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-dependent ecosystems. These fire treatments mimic natural fires by reducing hazardous fuels accumulations, recycling nutrients, and increasing habitat diversity. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives, which includes proactively protecting communities from the threat of extreme wildfires by reducing forest fuels.

Apache Maid Burn (Unit 2)

  • When: Planned for Tuesday-Thursday (March 16-18).
  • Where: Red Rock Ranger District. Approximately 11 miles southeast of Sedona, near Apache Maid Mountain on the east side of Interstate 17. GPS: 34.759884, -111.618201
  • Size: 1,909 acres total (Approx. 1,000 acres per day).
  • Duration: This treatment will be divided into two separate areas over two days, though weather and wind conditions may push the timeframe back further in the week and may extend the duration to several days and possibly to March 21.
    Method/Type of burn: This is a broadcast maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: Smoke will be noticeable to motorists along I-17 near Stoneman Lake exit and should move toward the northeast during the day, impacting Stoneman Lake Road and the small community of Stoneman Lake. During evening hours, smoke could lightly impact the Rim Rock and Camp Verde communities overnight as it drains down canyons.
  • Closures/Restrictions: No roads or trails will be closed or restricted due to this burn.

Hart Prairie Piles (Unit 16)

  • When: Monday-Tuesday (March 15-16)
  • Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Approximately 10 miles north, northwest of Flagstaff, near Hart Prairie just off Forest Road 151. GPS: 35.341, -111.738
  • Size: 13 acres
  • Duration: 1-2 days operation.
  • Method/Type of burn: This is a hand ignition maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: With southwest winds predicted, smoke is predicted to move northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and may be visible to those in the Flagstaff area, I-17, I-40, and U.S. highways 180 and 89.
  • Closures/Restrictions: No roads or trails will be closed or restricted due to this burn.

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions, as well as approval from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed burns on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest burns begin with the designator “COF.”

Upcoming closure of eastbound ramps on Interstate 40 at West Flagstaff Bridge beginning March 15

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to plan for closures of the eastbound on- and off-ramps at the West Flagstaff Bridge (Exit 191) beginning Monday, March 15. The closures will be in place through October. ADOT reminds drivers to slow down and observe posted speed limits and other construction signs while the following closures are in place:

Eastbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at the West Flagstaff Bridge (Exit 191) and the crossroad under the bridge will be closed.
DETOUR: Eastbound I-40 drivers accessing I-40 Business Loop/West Route 66 will be detoured to Flagstaff Ranch Road (Exit 192). I-40 Business Loop/West Route 66 drivers accessing eastbound I-40 will be detoured east to A-1 Mountain Road (Exit 190) to turn around and re-enter eastbound I-40.

The closures are needed so crews can begin work to replace the West Flagstaff Bridge over Business 40, which connects the interstate to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff. The work consists of removing and replacing the existing east- and westbound bridges’ substructure and superstructure.

The project, which is about 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, is anticipated to be completed by fall 2022.

Pile burns planned this week

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CLINTS WELL — Coconino National Forest firefighters are planning to take advantage of favorable weather conditions this week for prescribed pile burn operations, beginning as early as tomorrow on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.
Windmill Piles
  • When: Wednesday- Friday (2/10-12/21)
  • Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. 3 miles north of Clints Well east of Lake Mary Road. GPS: 34.592, -111.311
  • Size: 200 acres (machine piles).
  • Duration: 2-3 days operation, targeting 50 acres per day.
  • Method/Type of burn: Hand ignitions of machine piles.
  • Smoke Impacts: With southwest winds predicted, smoke is predicted to move northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and will be visible from Lake Mary Road.
  • Closures/Restrictions: None.
Blue Ridge Piles
  • When: Thursday (2/11/21)
  • Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. 1 mile east of Blue Ridge Ranger Station on Forest Road 95. GPS: 34.609, -111.170
  • Size: 5 acres (hand piles).
  • Duration: 1 day operation.
  • Method/Type of burn: Hand ignitions of piles.
  • Smoke Impacts: With southwest winds predicted, smoke is predicted to move northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and may be visible from State Highway 87.
  • Closures/Restrictions: None.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions, as well as approval from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed burns on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest burns begin with the designator “COF.”
Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly by news releases throughout the season and also by the following online resources:

ADOT testing smart work zone along I-40 to make work zones safer for everyone

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PHOENIX – In order to increase safety and mobility in highway work zones, the Arizona Department of Transportation is studying a “smart work zone” at an existing I-40 bridge project located between Flagstaff and Winslow.

A smart work zone is a traffic management system that can be controlled remotely through computer networks, portable message boards and sensor technology to provide motorists with real-time traffic information as they approach construction work zones. This project utilizes a dynamic merge system, which is a specific type of smart work zone.

The dynamic merge system is designed to mitigate the potential hazards of lane closures by altering the time to merge based on the current level of traffic. When traffic is light, electronic signs placed well ahead of the work zone encourage drivers to merge into the open lane prior to the lane closure. When traffic is heavy, the system will encourage drivers to remain in the closed lane for as long as possible in what is known as a zipper merge.

ADOT has been utilizing the zipper merge on various projects since 2016. The zipper merge works by having drivers remain in their lanes and merge just before the lane closure begins. It’s a more efficient way of moving heavy traffic through a work zone where a lane is closed.

In order to study the potential impact a dynamic merge system can have on safety and mobility in a highway construction work zone, ADOT picked an existing bridge deck rehabilitation project on I-40 at the Two Guns and Meteor Crater bridges as a test site.

ADOT set up a dynamic merge smart work zone in the westbound direction and a traditional work zone in the eastbound direction in order to compare the effectiveness of a dynamic merge system.

Drivers passing through the work zone toward Flagstaff from Winslow should follow instructions on when to merge through electronic message signs.

Crash data and speed data will be gathered from the smart work zone and traditional work zone and used to evaluate the impact and inform decisions on future highway projects.

ADOT used something similar during a recent project to rehabilitate three I-15 bridges in the Virgin River Gorge. The queue warning system, as it was called, included portable message boards informing drivers of stop-and-go traffic ahead. That system, like this one on I-40, used equipment that detected traffic in real-time in an effort to help reduce collisions and improve safety and mobility.