As efforts to manage forest health intensify, northern Arizona has become a focal point for prescribed burns, with operations launching in several areas. Residents in affected regions, including Flagstaff, are noticing the impact as smoke becomes more prevalent in the atmosphere.
In a significant move, Coconino National Forest teams initiated controlled burns in two zones near Flagstaff. The first is situated five miles to the north at Chimney Springs, and the second lies seven miles northeast near Highway 89. These operations are anticipated to continue until Thursday.
Simultaneously, Kaibab National Forest personnel embarked on an extensive 6,600-acre burn around Kendrick Mountain, which is located 15 miles north of Parks and five miles southwest of Highway 180.
Officials have advised motorists to remain vigilant for signage alerting them to the presence of these burns.
In addition to the burns, state forestry officials have commenced several thinning initiatives, including a project targeting junipers over 645 acres of state trust land near Snowflake. This action aims to mitigate wildfire risks.
Prescott National Forest’s fire management teams are also poised to begin prescribed burns, possibly initiating on Wednesday or Thursday, subject to weather conditions.
The Blue Hills Prescribed Burn, which is positioned south of the Old Black Canyon highway and Stone Ridge communities and east of the Lynx Lake Recreation Area, is set to last for one to two days.
Residents and visitors are cautioned to steer clear of the Blue Hills area, along with the Green Gulch, Charcoal Gulch, Nemo Springs, and Red Mountain trails.
Areas such as Prescott Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, Mayer, Highway 69, and Highway 169 may experience smoke from these operations.
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