Three lightning-struck wildfires continue to burn in the Coconino National Forest on Monday.
The Miller Fire, which originated in the Secret Mountain Wilderness near Sedona, remains stable over an area of about 35 acres. It moves slowly southwest through shrubs, woods, and rocks to the south side of Secret Canyon and Maroon Mountain. The rugged, rocky terrain and sheer cliff faces pose challenges to firefighting on the ground.
The Volunteer Fire is burning about 26 miles west of Flagstaff in the wake of the 2021 Rafael Fire. Firefighters have locked it in and are deciding whether to burn it to consume forest debris. No structures are threatened and light to moderate smoke may be visible from the Sycamore Canyon and Garland Prairie areas. Visitors should avoid the area.
The Willow Fire destroyed about two acres near Clint Wells on the west side of Route 87. Fire managers said it provided an opportunity to burn the woody debris of the forest, and they plan to move the fires across the terrain to help restore the forest and mitigate wildfires. No structures are in danger and smoke may be visible in the area.
