Coconino National Forest is managing two lightning-triggered wildfires, both of which are causing smoke problems in Sedona and Verde Valley. None of the buildings are fire hazards.

Scott Fire

Located approximately 15.66 miles north-northeast of the Sedona city line, the Scott Fire is burning 1.2 miles due east of the Route 89A switchback between Routes 17 and 89A (GPS: 35°01′ 29.4″N 111°43’04.3) ‘W). The fire was first reported at 5:00 pm on Monday, July 31. Scott Fire’s fire personnel included a Hotshot crew, a paramedic and an engine. The fire currently spans 80 acres in Ponde, about eight kilometers south of Kachina village between Interstate 17 and U.S. Route 89A. Burning rosa pine, gumbel oak and pinyon juniper.

The Northern Arizona Type 3 team took over command of the fire at 6:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, while the north half of the fire is being prepared along the road with the construction of handlines and bulldozer lines and fuel reductions. A public safety closure order was issued following Saturday’s fire. The weather is expected to be hot, dry and windy over the weekend. Humidity will gradually return from next week.

• Planned Actions: Continue construction and preparation lines for potential cremation operations and cremation operations at the northern end of the fire along the containment line.
• Anticipated Incident Activity: Continue line construction and line preparation for potential fire operations in the northeast corner of the fire.

Luke Fire

Luke Fire covers 8.5 acres and is located east of Interstate 17 toward Stoneman Lake (GPS: 34°47’42.8″N, 111°33’55.9″W). First reported at 4:00 pm on Monday, July 31, there is minimal fire development. The resources assigned to Luke Fire include three engines and other overhead vehicles.

Coconino National Forest manages Luke Fire.

Grapevine and racetrack fires

Prescott National Forest took command of the 10,49-acre Grapevine fire Friday, Aug. 4 at 7:00 a.m. Central West Zone Type 3 Incident, which has been in command of resources dispatched from across the state for 13 years. Taken over from the management team. I spent several days coordinating with Yavapai County, local government, and various other agencies, including volunteers. CWZT3 achieved the objectives outlined in his PNF of providing safety to firefighters and the general public while containing the Grapevine fire.

The fire was extinguished by 51%. The fire was minimal and there was little combustible fuel in the fire area. Recent precipitation has increased the moisture content of the live fuel, but the expected hot and dry weather is expected to steadily reduce the moisture content of the dead fuel. Minimal fire behavior is expected. PNF will continue to protect property and conduct assessments to repair signs, fences, roads, and areas damaged by firefighting.

The 405-acre racetrack fire that began on July 23 was completely extinguished on Sunday, July 30. There is no fear of the fire spreading or expanding, but there is no fear of the fire spreading. Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor containment lines from the ground and air. Light smoke can be seen from time to time as the orphaned internal fuel continues to burn and smolders.

USFS Statement on Wildfires

Wildfires are a natural part of the Coconino NF ecosystem, and if diligently and properly managed according to the necessary planning processes, they can improve the landscape in several ways over the long term.

Low-intensity fires release nutrients into the soil and reduce the accumulation of dangerous fuels such as dry pine needles and fallen leaves on the forest floor.

Managing spontaneous wildfires also protects critical infrastructure, watersheds, wildlife habitats, and culturally sensitive areas from future severe wildfires.

The Scott and Luke wildfires are occurring in areas where fires have previously occurred and where prescribed fires are planned. Managing both the Scott and Luke wildfires for forest health will increase the amount of treated land near Kachina Village and Mountaineer, linking fire histories in this fire-dependent ecosystem. I can.

This further reduces hazardous fuels and helps protect the infrastructure, assets and resources of the surrounding area.

The management of these fires is in line with the Forest Service’s 10-year wildfire crisis strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire and other treatments in the landscape and improve the resilience of forests for future generations. I’m doing it.

No roads, trails or areas are closed to traffic at this time, but visitors to the forest are asked to avoid fires and be vigilant in fighting fires.