FLAGSTAFF, Arizona — Firefighters from the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest responded to a one-acre wildfire about 26 miles west of Flagstaff and south of Garland Prairie.

The Volunteer Fire, a reported lightning-triggered wildfire on May 23, is burning near Volunteer Canyon in the aftermath of the 2021 Rafael Fire. Firefighters are assessing whether it is ideal to contain the fire and manage it so that it can do its job and consume the debris across the forest floor in a safe manner.

No buildings are at risk of fire and light to moderate smoke will be visible in the Sycamore Canyon and Garland Prairie areas. By allowing fires to travel across terrain and consume forest fuel, we can restore forests to a healthier state and minimize the risk of severe wildfires in the area.

Although this type of fire does not have a planned end date, firefighters can provide information to help guide and document wildfire decision-making, as well as to help decision-makers develop effective strategies and tactics. We follow a specific process called the Field Fire Decision Support System that will provide you with the information you need. Working with wildfires.

There are currently no road or trail closures, but visitors are asked to avoid the fire area.

Updates on all notable fire activity and smoke effects will be provided through social media sites, including Coconino National Forest’s Twitter and Facebook sites.