4/20/16 5:54 PM MJS

Prescribed burns planned week of April 18, 2016 on Coconino NF

Release Date: Apr 18, 2016

Contact(s): Media Contact: Brady Smith, 928-527-3490, Media Contact: George Jozens 928-527-3412

Flagstaff, Arizona — Fire managers are planning several prescribed burns this week to reintroduce fire into the Ponderosa pine ecosystem and reduce forest fuel accumulation in strategic areas around northern Arizona communities.

The public and media can get quick notification of when a prescribed burn or any other activity is happening on the Coconino National Forest by following us on Twitter at @CoconinoNF. When ignition of a prescribed burn begins, we update our Twitter account so the public can know why smoke is in the air and where it is coming from.
Eastside Project: Planned ignition will be Wednesday (April 20), depending on weather and wind conditions in the area. The burn includes 500 acres southeast of Flagstaff, near Pine Canyon subdivision and the Heckethorn community off Lake Mary Road. Smoke is predicted to disperse to the east and will be very visible to those in the Flagstaff area but is not predicted to impact Flagstaff.
Clints Project: Planned ignition will be Wednesday (April 20) and is located about five miles north of Clints Well. This burn includes up to 1,100 acres, and the amount of burning will depend on conditions and the weather. The burn may be split up so that 600 acres are completed on Wednesday and the following 500 acres on Thursday. Good ventilation is expected to push smoke to the east during the day and will be visible to residents in the immediate area and motorists along Lake Mary Road in that area and state Route 87.
Lake Mary Project: Planned ignition will be Thursday or Friday (April 21 or 22) if conditions are suitable for burning and weather allows. This burn includes approximately 500 acres located about five miles southeast of Flagstaff near Lower Lake Mary. Smoke should move toward the north/northeast and could impact motorists along Lake Mary Road.
Pete Project: Planned ignition will be Thursday or Friday (April 21 or 22) if conditions are suitable for burning and weather allows. This burn includes approximately 300 acres located about two miles north of San Francisco Peaks and four miles west of U.S. Route 89. Good ventilation is expected to push smoke to the north/northeast during the day and will be visible to residents in the immediate area and motorists along U.S Routes 89 and 180.

Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly throughout the season. The public can find this information online:
Inciweb: Spring 2016 Prescribed Burns on the Coconino National Forest

4/14/16 – The Holbrook Police Department is notifying the citizens Of Holbrook of an incident that occurred on Navajo Blvd south of the Burger King on April 12th, 2016 at approximately 11:35 P.M.

A female victim was out jogging along Navajo Blvd when she was stopped south of the Burger King and engaged into a conversation with a male subject. The male subject asked the victim for directions to a local motel. During the conversation with the male subject the female victim became uncomfortable and cut the conversation then continued her run home when she was then tackled to the ground and sexually assaulted. The female victim was released by the suspect for unknown reason at which time he then fled the area to the southwest.

The male subject was described by the victim as a white male approximately 25-30 years old, blonde/brown spiked hair, approximately 5’9 tall, 190 to 200 lbs, wearing beige cargo shorts, black t-shirt and black tennis shoes.

The public is encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and to conduct activities after the hours of darkness with a partner.

If anyone has any information about this incident, please contact the Holbrook Police Department criminal investigations section at (928)524-3992.

4/13/16 – The National Weather Service has forecast a Pacific low and cold front which will approach Arizona from the northwest bringing strong southwest winds with gusts in the 30 to 40 MPH. Winds will generally decrease overnight but will remain gusty northeast of high terrain.

On Friday a cold front is forecast to sweep across northern Arizona. Strong southwest winds with gusts in the 35 to 45 MPH range are expected to develop ahead of the front mainly impacting southern Navajo and Apache counties. Snow levels are forecast to lower throughout the day on Friday with snow possible down to 6000 feet by late Friday night. Driving could become hazardous Friday night into Saturday morning for elevations above 6000 feet. Good chances for showers remain in the forecast on Saturday.

Sunday through Tuesday, at least slight chances for showers remain in the forecast on Sunday and Monday. Dry conditions are forecast across northern Arizona on Tuesday.