Daily Sun Stuff
The Coconino National Forest could be in smoke after several regular burns continued this week in the Mogollon Rim Ranger and Flagstaff Ranger districts.
Foresters began a prescribed 5,000-acre burn earlier this week and continued on Thursday with a 300-acre burn about 44 miles southeast of Flagstaff. Weather permitting, foresters plan to continue the burning next week.
Westerly winds are expected to continue during the fires, which will mitigate potential impacts on WAPA power lines and Lake Mary Road. Overall, the smoke is expected to drift east/northeast and subside around Lake Kinnikinik, or even further towards Lake Long. The smoke is likely to be visible from Lake Mary Road and, during ignition, may also be visible from both Highway 87 and Interstate 40.
Others are reading…
On Friday, foresters plan to burn about 437 acres about 16 miles northeast of Flagstaff.
Northeast winds are expected, so the smoke should move southwest. Minimal impact is expected along Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff.
Rated burns are always subject to weather and wind conditions and approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The general public can view approved prescription burns on the ADEQ website. smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino NF writing begins with the specifier “COF”.
The US Army relies on burns to sustain military operations and training.
