Coconino National Forest fire managers will continue work on several crucial prescribed fire projects through Friday, Nov. 3, while wind and weather conditions are favorable.
Planned projects for the Flagstaff Ranger District include the 3E burn, which will take place intermittently between Oct. 30 and Nov. 3. This area is 2.5 miles northwest of Lower Lake Mary along Lake Mary Road or Forest Highway 3. The 3E prescribed fire project will help secure homes in the Flagstaff urban interface by reducing hazardous fuel loading within communities located near the town.
The 2,500-acre burn will be broadcast and maintenance and is expected to last five days. No closures are expected. Smoke will be highly noticeable from the city of Flagstaff and surrounding areas. Smoke will move southwest to affect the Verde Valley communities.
In the Mogollon Rim Ranger District, the Upper Beaver Creek controlled burn will take place from Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. The burn is located in the Mule Park area near the Happy Jack Ranger Station and will reduce hazardous fuels, return fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. The broadcast burn will cover 6,000 acres. No closures are expected. Rare easterly winds will minimize smoke effects on Lake Mary Road. Smoke will be noticed in the Camp Verde and other Verde Valley communities.
Information on prescribed fires can always be accessed via inciweb.wildfire.gov, where all projects will be detailed under the “Coconino National Forest prescribed fire [Fall 2023]” page; on Twitter at @CoconinoNF; on Facebook by searching for “U.S. Forest Service — Coconino National Forest;” and via news releases by visiting coconinonationalforest.us, then clicking the “Get News Via Email” link under the “Stay Connected” header.
