Coconino NF begins management of two lightning-caused beneficial wildfires on Flagstaff and Mogollon Rim ranger districts

The Coconino NF often strategically manages lightning-caused wildfires to benefit the overall health of the fire-adapted forest and plans to use the natural ignitions of both the Cecil and Still fires in this manner.

Wildfires are a natural part of the Coconino NF’s ecosystem, and when managed diligently and properly following the requisite planning process, improve the landscape long-term in several ways.

Cecil Fire:

The Cecil Fire, located west of Highway 89A (GPS: 35.065883, -111.764550), is currently 40 acres. It was first reported Sept. 18, and has been moving at a low-to-moderate rate of intensity through Ponderosa pine.

The Cecil Fire is currently staffed by two engines, one engine crew, one hand crew and miscellaneous overhead. Firefighters have spent the past several days preparing lines for firing operations, which will begin today. The fire is planned to grow to 2,100 acres within the next several days as fire managers take advantage of favorable weather conditions.

Smoke will remain highly visible during firing operations from the Flagstaff and Sedona areas as well as along 89A. Smoke may settle into the Oak Creek Canyon area during the evening.

There are no structures at risk, and – while there is no closure order in place – forest visitors are asked to avoid the fire area and remain cognizant of firefighting operations.

The Still Fire, located near the intersection of Highway 87 and Forest Road (FR) 751 (GPS: 34.582462311, -111.253540039) has been slowly smoldering since Sept. 14.

There are no structures threatened by the Still Fire. Resources assigned to the Still Fire include two engine modules, one fuels crew and miscellaneous overhead. Crews plan to conduct firing operations Wednesday and Thursday.

Forest visitors and motorists can expect smoke impacts in the Blue Ridge communities and along Highway 87.

The Still Fire is in the Blue Ridge urban interface, in an area that has been slated for upcoming fuels treatments including prescribed fire.

The management of the Still Fire will help reduce hazardous fuels and work to protect infrastructure, property and resources both south and west of the nearby Blue Ridge communities, including the C.C. Cragin watershed.

There are no road, trail or area closures in effect, but the public is asked to remain aware of and avoid areas of firefighting operations.

The management of the Still and Cecil fires aligns with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape as well as other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.

As part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, Coconino NF fire managers will look for opportunities to both strategically manage lightning-caused wildfires for forest health and to implement prescribed fire projects as weather conditions allow within the coming months.

Northern Arizona residents and forest visitors are encouraged to periodically check InciWeb for updates on wildfires and smoke impact.