Please see the following press release from the Coconino National Forest regarding potential smoke impacts through the end of March due to controlled burns in the area.

Planned projects at this time include:

• Purpose: To mitigate the risk of high severity wildfire to the communities of Flagstaff by reducing the accumulation of fine hazardous fuels such as pine needles, cones and branches.
• Dates: Possibly March 26, depending on conditions.
• Location: 13 miles southwest of Flagstaff.
• Size: 1,441 acres.
• Type of Burn: Broadcast burn (see Methods & Types of Prescribed Burns).
• Smoke Impacts: Moderate smoke impacts in the early ignition phase of the burn which will decrease as smoke begins to lift and disperse to the northeast. Smoke may impact the SR89A travel corridor to the east of this project. Smoke will likely settle overnight in the surrounding area during the evening and early mornings. Smoke impacts will persist for several days after ignitions are completed as fuels continue to be consumed.

• Purpose: To mitigate the risk of high severity wildfire to the communities of Mormon Lake and Flagstaff by reducing the accumulation of hazardous forest fuels such as pine needles, cones, and dead fallen branches.
• Dates: Possibly March 27-31, depending on conditions.
• Location: Two separate blocks planned; One block is located 1/2 mile west of the community of Mormon Lake. The other block is located 5 miles southeast of Mormon Lake.
• Size: 2,310 total acres.
• Type of Burn: Broadcast burn (see Methods & Types of Prescribed Burns)
• Smoke Impacts: Possible smoke impacts during the active ignition face of the burn with possible impacts to Lake Mary Road and the community of Mormon Lake. Smoke is expected to rise and disperse to the northeast. Smoke production should decrease overnight but may settle in the surrounding area. Smoke impacts may persist for several days after the burn as fuels continue to be consumed.
• Closures/Restrictions: Possible reroute of the Arizona National Scenic Trail southwest of the community of Mormon Lake. Reroute signs will be posted for hikers.

• Purpose: To mitigate the risk of high severity wildfire to the Blue Ridge communities.
• Dates: Possibly March 26, 27, or 28, depending on conditions. This is project is planned for one day and will be on the day when weather and conditions are most appropriate.
• Location: 13.5 miles northeast of Clints Well, just north of the Starlight Pines neighborhood.
• Size: 700 acres.
• Type of Burn: Broadcast initial entry burn (see Methods & Types of Prescribed Burns).
• Smoke Impacts: Smoke may impact SR87 adjacent to the burn also may impact communities directly south.