Forest prescribed burn method
Sedona AZ (July 21, 2014) – With similar weather conditions in the forecast, Coconino National Forest fire managers expect the Willard, Bar M, Pothole and General fires to grow significantly again today. Though the acreages are increasing, fire severity remains constant, continuing to provide positive results and fulfill fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem.
Crews are actively managing each fire using specific tactics to ensure flames progress across the landscape in a beneficial manner, and within pre-determined boundaries. In particular, crews are conducting burnout operations to reinforce perimeters, limit severity, and limit rate of spread as fire moves toward areas with denser fuels and steeper terrain.
Smoke will be noticeable – especially overnight in Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, and Camp Verde. Though the cool night air reduces fire behavior resulting in less smoke production overnight, the cool air also pushes smoke into low-laying areas across the landscape. As the mornings begin to warm, smoke will lift and disperses upwards. Smoke impacts to the community are a key factor in how crews manage fire. Working closely with the Department of Environmental Quality, municipal fire departments, and neighboring forests to monitor smoke impacts continues to be a top priority.
Willard Fire
Size: 1800 acres; Fire managers anticipate the fire growing an additional 800 acres by the end of the today, July 21, 2014.
Location: South of Flagstaff between I-17 and Oak Creek Canyon, near the Willard Springs Interchange.
Behavior: Fire activity will mostly take place along the western edge of the planning area today, closest to Oak Creek Canyon. Because of this, heavy smoke is expected to be especially noticeable in the canyon and Sedona – especially overnight. Fire managers expect today to be the last day of significant growth and burnout operations, so smoke should begin to decrease after tonight.
The immediate fire area is closed for public safety, but no other road or trail closures are in place at this time. Visitors in the area should be cautious of fire crews and equipment.
Bar M Fire
Size: 170 acres
Behavior: Creeping, smoldering. Minimal growth.
Location: 5 miles southwest of Mormon Lake near Forest Roads 240 and 91.
Smoke is noticeable from Lake Mary Road, and Mormon Lake Village.
The immediate fire area is closed for public safety, but no other road or trail closures are in place at this time. Visitors in the area should be cautious of fire crews and equipment.
Pothole Fire
Size: 1,000 acres
Location: 22 miles north of Payson
Behavior: 1-2 foot flames moving across the forest floor. Some individual torching, which is natural and expected. Fire managers are conducting burnout operations to reinforce perimeters.
Smoke was very noticeable in the Camp Verde area last night and early this morning. Expect similar activity overnight and in the early mornings over the next several days.
The immediate fire area and Forest Road 142F are closed for public safety.
General Fire
Size: 650
Location: 15 miles northeast of Payson, off Forest Roads 300 and 95, south of FR 719.
Behavior: 1-2 foot flame lengths
Smoke: Subdivisions in the Blue Ridge community should anticipate an increase in smoke; it is expected to settle in the area overnight.
The immediate fire area is closed for public safety. The Fred Haught Trail and a portion of the Arizona Trail are temporarily rerouted.
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We’re getting smoke in Cornville AZ
Fortunately the smoke from this morning is gone love the clear blue skies
Thanks. I left a comment earlier and glad to see this story about why the smoke’s in the village. Appreciate your being on top of things.
I smelled smoke when I got this morning, but skies seem clear.
HEADS UP
Crews on the Willard Fire worked overnight to finish major burnout operations and solidify perimeters. The fire will no longer grow in size and will smoke begin diminishing. The public should expect to see some moderate behavior as the fire runs its natural course within the interior.
“Instead of prolonging the number of days the Willard Fire produced heavy smoke, we worked through the night to burn a large area around the perimeter and stop the fire’s forward progress,” says Incident Commander Rigo Flores. Completing this effort in a few days will ultimately minimize the overall amount of time smoke impacts the community. “Last night’s smoke was the heaviest. It moved into Sedona as well as the Camp Verde area, but we can expect it to greatly decrease over the next few days.”
Beginning today, fire managers anticipate activity increasing on the Bar M fire southwest of Mormon Lake and plan to begin larger-scale burnout operations throughout the burn area to help maintain fire behavior and solidify perimeters. Smoke will increase in the vicinity. Most will disperse to the east and northeast with some settling around Mormon Lake Village overnight.
Fire managers on the Mogollon Ranger District plan to complete ignition operations on the General and Pothole Fires by mid-week, which should also result in decreased smoke by the weekend.
Weather Alert) Flash Flood Warning for Yavapai from 5:03 PM Tue until 7:00 PM Tue (USMST)