The following press release has been issued by the US Forest Service-Coconino National Forest. In case you are traveling that direction smoke will be visible on the Interstate.

Prescribed burn planned for Wednesday south of Little America Hotel

Flagstaff, AZ – Pending favorable conditions tomorrow, Feb 26, fire managers on the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest are planning to conduct a prescribed burn approximately 2 miles south of Flagstaff and the Little America Hotel, off Harold Ranch Road. Crews plan to burn 225 acres, in increments of 100. Winds in the forecast will help disperse smoke to the east and northeast. Some smoke may be noticeable on Interstate 40 and in southeast Flagstaff including Harold Ranch, Walnut Canyon, and Country Club areas.

The forest depends on low-intensity fire to reduce accumulated vegetation, enhance wildlife habitat, and recycle valuable nutrients into the soil. “Fire is a natural part of this ecosystem,” says Vic Morfin, Coconino National Forest Fuels Management Officer. “It reduces the likelihood of severe fire behavior, creating safer conditions for the community and firefighters.”

Prescribed burns are termed such because they are conducted within a “prescription” that defines the fuel moisture levels, air temperatures, wind conditions, and relative humidity levels that are appropriate for each project.

All prescribed fire activity is dependent on personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and ventilation, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

Fire managers strive to minimize smoke impacts to the community by working closely with ADEQ, partners in the Ponderosa Fire Advisory Council, as well as neighboring forests to monitor air quality. In addition, fire managers try to burn when winds and other atmospheric conditions will push the majority of smoke away from homes, and try to burn larger sections at a time to ultimately limit the number of days smoke is in the air.

The public can register to receive regular email notifications by choosing the “Southwestern Region” option at http://www.fs.fed.us/news/subscription. Information can also be obtained via the Prescribed Fire Hotline at 928-226-4607, our website, and Twitter at www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF.

Wednesday’s burn is part of the Eastside Project. Map below shows general location.

###

2/3/14 – Monday a weak disturbance will bring light snow showers to northern Arizona today. Snow levels will range from 3500 to 4500 feet. On Tuesday ligh snow showers will continue across northern Arizona with snow levels from 3000 to 4000 feet with an inch or two of snow accumulation over the mountain areas.

Thursday and Friday a stronger storm system and cold front will move across Arizona late thursday into Friday. Expect a drop in high temperatures along with increasing snow shower coverage with moderate snow accumulations possible over the high terrain on Friday.

Make sure you, your vehicle and your home are ready for all kinds of weather and hazards  including snow by visiting www.ready.gov and getting preparedness tips and information.

1/31/2014 – Another windy day is expected today with windspeads of 20 to 30 MPH and gusts from 40 to 45 MPH. There is a Wind Advisory in effect from 8 a.m. this morning until 7 pm this evening.

Falling temperatures along with the chance for rain and snow will develop from the northwest to southeast today. Snow levels will range from 5500 feet near the Utah border to over 7000 feet in the White Mountains. Light accumulations are possible especially from the Mogollon Rim northward.

Saturday colder and unsettled weather is expected to continue with more rain and snow showers into the evening with spotty light accumulations. Showers are expected again on Monday and possibly again at the end of the coming week.