For residents of the Verde Valley on Thursday and Friday, the normally pristine air of Northern Arizona has been marred by a heavy dose of smoke, coming from the Whiskey Fire, which according to the Coconino National Forest is located 8 miles east of Turkey Butte, northwest of Sedona.
“This lightning-started fire is being used to slowly consume forest debris, turning the forest floor fuels into nutrients and reduces the risk of a more severe high-intensity wildfire in the future,” the Coconino NF wrote in a press release. “The Ponderosa pine forest thrives on low- to moderate-severity fire.”
According to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, the federal agency that monitors woodland fires, the Whiskey Fire encompasses 3,500 acres, and is currently 5% contained. The agency estimates that it will be contained by mid October. 90 personnel have been dispatched to the fire.
The smoke has encompassed much of the surrounding area, including the entire Cottonwood area, and all the way to Camp Verde and even Prescott and Chino Valley due to abnormal wind on Thursday.
“With cool evening temps, the smoke settles and follows the drainages. Essentially, all of the Verde Valley,” Copper Canyon Fire and Medical Chief Terry Keller wrote in an email. “I am sure due to recent rains, the fire intensity is low, but that usually means more smoke. Those sensitive to smoke or with respiratory conditions should avoid outdoor activities until the smoke that has settled overnight can rise or be carried away by afternoon breezes.”
“People, and especially people with respiratory problems, should limit their exposure to the smoke by staying indoors and keeping windows closed if possible,” Mike Kuykendall, Fire Chief for the Cottonwood Fire & Medical Department, wrote in an email.”
“Fire fighters will moderate any firing operations in efforts to lessen smoke impacts to the area now and through the weekend,” Matthew Traynham of the USFS wrote in an email. “The public should expect smoke in the area to decrease and move out throughout the day. Some residual smoke will settle in the area over night but dissipate during the day and gradually lessen each day over the weekend.”
