News

Some of Kaibab Reopens and Returns to Stage Two Restrictions

Kaibab National Forest reopens to public entry

Fire restrictions and area closures remain in place

Williams, Arizona, July 6, 2021 — As of today the Kaibab National Forest has rescinded the full forest closure.  Although most of the forest is now open to public entry, Stage II Fire Restrictions and the Bill Williams Mountain closure will remain in place. In addition, an area closure is in place for the Raphael Fire.

The majority of the Kaibab has received enough rain in the last month to increase live fuel moisture levels that, combined with the recent cooler temperatures, the risk of severe fire behavior has been reduced. 

However, the persistent drought means fire danger is still very high, and the forecast calls for warm and dry weather with isolated thunderstorms bringing dry lightning.  The public is reminded to remain vigilant while visiting the National Forest – abide by the restrictions and closures and refrain from any behavior that may accidentally start a wildfire. Drivers should avoid dragging chains and driving vehicles over dry vegetation.  Stay informed of forest conditions before and during your visit. 

Stage II Fire Restrictions

Under Stage II restrictions, fires (including charcoal and briquettes) are prohibited on all National Forest lands.  Smoking is also prohibited forest-wide except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material. 

The following acts are prohibited from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine; using an explosive; blasting, welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 

Stoves or grills that are solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels are allowable.  Generators with approved spark arresting devices are also permitted in areas that are barren or cleared of any flammable material at least 3 feet around the generator. 

Bill Williams Mountain Closure Area

The Bill Williams Mountain Closure consists of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the area bordered by County Road (CR) 73, Old Route 66, Forest Road (FR) 122, FR 108 and, Interstate 40, as depicted in Exhibit A of Order Number 03-07-21-13.  This includes the following trails: Bill Williams Trail, Clover Spring Trail, City of Williams Link Trail, Bixler Saddle Trail, Benham Trail, and Devil Dog Mountain Bike Loop.   

Raphael Fire Closure

For public safety, an area closure is in effect for the Raphael Fire in and around Sycamore Canyon. On the Kaibab National Forest, the closure area is generally bordered by Forest Roads 125, 105, 12, 109, and 13 as depicted in Order Number 03-09-00-21-281.  Included in the closure area are the following popular locations: JD Dam, Yew Thicket Trailhead (TH), Deadman TH, Pomeroy Tanks TH, Sycamore Falls TH, Sycamore Rim TH’s, Canyon Overlook Trail (#70), Sycamore Rim Trail (#45), portions of the Overland Road Historic Trail (#133), and roads to Sycamore Point.  Roads bordering the closure area are open. White Horse Lake and Campground are also open. The public should refer to the Coconino and Prescott National Forests for their Raphael Fire closures.

All Kaibab National Forest Orders can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices.  Additional information about the Kaibab National Forest is available through the Fire Information Hotline, 928-635-8311 ,   or by following @KaibabNF on Twitter and Facebook.

Brienne Pettit
Public Affairs Officer
Forest Service Kaibab National Forest
c: 928-310-6035
brienne.pettit@usda.gov
800 S. 6th St.
Williams, AZ 86046
www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
 Caring for the land and serving people

Rafael Fire Update – 6/29/21

 Rafael Fire Morning Update – June 29, 2021

The next scheduled virtual community meeting will be Wednesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. on the Incident Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RafaelFireInfo/

Acres: 78,708
Percent Containment: 59%
Date/Time Detected: Friday, 06/18/2021 at 1927 MST
Structures Damaged/Destroyed:  0
Number of Personnel: 596
Cause: Lightning
Origin/Location: 4 miles north of Perkinsville
 

No smoke is being detected on any air quality monitors this morning. Tonight, what smoke is present may settle into the Chino and Verde Valleys.  Smoke forecasts are available at Wildfire Smoke Forecast | ADEQ Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (azdeq.gov)and https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NorthCentralArizona.

Today, crews will continue to patrol and mop up to secure the fire perimeter. Firefighters will begin to chip woody debris that was created during line preparation activities and either remove the chips or spread it on the ground. Smoke from burning interior fuels will continue to be visible for a few days. On the south side of the fire the remaining structure protection crew will be released. Thunderstorms and possible rain are predicted for this afternoon. Firefighters around the fire are prepared to take suppression action on any new ignitions resulting from lightning strikes. The process of demobilizing Crews and equipment will continue.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) were used for multiple operations on the Rafael Fire.  These operations are coordinated with other aerial operations within the Temporary Flight Restriction for the Rafael Fire to keep all operations safe.  Wildfires are no place for recreational drones—they put firefighters and aircraft personnel at risk and will shut down aircraft operations, hampering firefighting as well as firefighter safety.  Remember if you fly, we can’t.
 

Evacuation status as of 6 a.m. June 29 (Notifications are in place until status is rescinded or changed by each respective County Sheriff’s Office):
   “GO” in Coconino County Sycamore    Canyon

“SET” in Yavapai County, Loy Ranch

“READY” in Coconino County, Garland Prairie South and Garland Prairie North, South of Williams, Sherwood Forest, Camp Navajo, West of I-17 south of 1-40, Westwood Estates, Flagstaff Ranch (including W.L. Gore), Mountain Dell, Pine Del, Forest Highlands, Kachina Village, University Heights, Equestrian Estates, Upper Oak Creek Canyon, West Fork, Lower Oak Creek Canyon, and in Yavapai County, Grey Ranch, Windmill Ranch, Bear Mountain and Sedona.

Information about evacuation status can be found on the Coconino County Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/CoconinoCountyand at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/Maps of evacuation status in Coconino County can be found at: CoconinoCounty Situational Awareness Viewer (arcgis.com)

It’s fire season in Northern Arizona. Residents in Northern Arizona should be Ready.  https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Full forest closures are in effect on the Kaibab National Forest, Coconino National Forest, and Prescott National Forest   Coconino National Forest – Alerts & Notices (usda.gov) Kaibab National Forest – Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)and Prescott National Forest – Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)

All Arizona State Trust lands are closed effective Friday, June 25 at 8:00 a.m. Fire Restrictions and Closures Across Arizona | Department of Forestry and Fire Management (az.gov)

Downloads:

June28Evening-UpdateDownload
June29Update-AMDownload
Map-6_29Download

Rafael Fire Update – 6/28/21

Rafael Fire Morning Update –June 28, 2021  from the Southwest Area Incident Management Team. 

For information on evacuation status, and fire activity, there will be a virtual community meeting today at 6 p.m. on the Incident Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RafaelFireInfo/.

Acres: 77,102 
Percent Containment: 48% 
Date/Time Detected:Friday, 06/18/2021 at 1927 MST 
Structures Damaged/Destroyed:  0
Number of Personnel: 633 
Cause: Lightning 
Origin/Location: 4 miles north of Perkinsville 

Today on the north side of the fire, crews will be heavily engaged in securing the fire by patrol and mop up activities.  All perimeter firing operations are substantially complete, but smoke from burning interior fuels will continue for a few days. Today smoke is expected in the Verde Valley into Prescott and as winds shift later in the day into the Williams area.  Heavy smoke may settle into canyon bottoms and low elevation communities in the Verde Valley over the next few nights. Smoke forecasts are available at Wildfire Smoke Forecast | ADEQArizona Department of Environmental Quality(azdeq.gov) .   

On the south side of the fire, aircraft will monitor the perimeter to determine if suppression action is necessary and structure protection specialists will continue monitoring values at risk to prevent damage. Firefighters are prepared for initial attack over the next few days as the probability of thunderstorms and lightning increases. As containment increases some crews and equipment are no longer needed, and will be released for reassignment or rest and recuperation. 

Evacuation status as of 6 a.m. June 28 
(Notifications are in place until status is rescinded or changed by each respective County Sheriff’s Office): 

“GO” in Coconino County Sycamore Canyon and in Yavapai County, Loy Ranch.  

“SET” – in Coconino County, Garland Prairie South and Garland Prairie North. In Yavapai County, Grey Ranch, Windmill Ranch and BearMountain. 

“READY” -– in Coconino County, South of Williams, Sherwood Forest, Camp Navajo, West of I-17 south of 1-40, Westwood Estates, Flagstaff Ranch (including W.L. Gore), Mountain Dell, Pine Del, Forest Highlands, Kachina Village, University Heights, Equestrian Estates, Upper Oak Creek Canyon, West Fork, Lower Oak Creek Canyon, and in Yavapai County, Sedona. 

Information about evacuation status can be found on the Coconino County Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/CoconinoCounty and at the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/  Maps of evacuation status in Coconino County can be found at: Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer (arcgis.com) 

It’s fire season in Northern Arizona. Residents in Northern Arizona should be Ready.  https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

Full forest closures are in effect on the Kaibab National Forest, Coconino National Forest, and Prescott National Forest   Coconino National Forest – Alerts &Notices (usda.gov)    Kaibab NationalForest – Alerts& Notices (usda.gov).  

and Prescott National Forest – Alerts & Notices (usda.gov) 

All Arizona State Trust lands are closed effective Friday, June 25 at 8:00 a.m. Fire Restrictions and Closures Across Arizona | Department of Forestry and Fire Management (az.gov) 

Rafael Update 6/27/21

from Chief Moede

Remain in READY Status

Currently at 62,876 acres
11% contained
664 personnel assigned to the incident
Firing operations near JD Dam Lake and White Horse Lake
Weather is going to change. 
Starting Tuesday – Friday chance of precipitation percentages are T40%/W35%/Th50%/F40%
Possible Thunderstorms with cooling temps and possible lightening, possible 35 mph wind gusts from the east.
Anticipate possible high impact of smoke (from the back fires).
Wind described as 360 degrees

Rafael Fire Update 6/26/21

Coconino County EOC Wildfire Response Evening Recap | 6.26.2021

 www.coconino.az.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2463

Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) activated an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in response to the fires impacting Coconino County. Below is a summation of activities:

 Rafael Fire Information:
Acres: 53,663
Percent Containment: 11%
Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0
Number of Personnel: 664
Cause: Lightning
Origin/Location: 4 miles north of Perkinsville

This is the situation map of the Rafael Fire as of yesterday. The yellow area above the main fire is the “catcher’s mitt’ where burnouts and bulldozers are building a fire break.

Smoke forecasts are available at Wildfire Smoke Forecast. For additional Rafael Fire information please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7567.

Weather: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected into the evening. Thunderstorm chances increase in far eastern Arizona on Sunday before an increase in thunderstorm activity across  northern Arizona throughout much of next week.

Community Information: South Garland Prairie “GO” Order Downgraded to “SET.” More can be found here: https://coconino.az.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2466

Community Meeting – There is a live virtual community meeting each evening at 6:00 p.m. covering the Rafael Fire, hosted by Type 1 Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2, which can be watched here https://www.facebook.com/RafaelFireInfo. Several presenters will provide the latest information on fire activity, evacuations, and closures. This event is also being transcribed, and a live Streamtext feed will be available at the following link: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=RAFAEL

Members of the Type 1 team managing the Rafael Fire will be stationed in various locations throughout Flagstaff and its surrounding areas, including the Downtown Visitors Center, Heritage Square, and the Sunday and Wednesday Community Markets. Public information officers will be there with display boards with maps to share information about the fire and answer your questions.

Fire Restrictions: Coconino County, the city of Flagstaff, and the Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests are all in the highest stage of Fire Restrictions. For more information on The County enacted Stage 3 Fire Restrictions on June 23. https://coconino.az.gov/2733/2021-Fire-Information.

 Sheltering: American Red Cross (ARC) activated a shelter to support those who have been evacuated due to the fire. ARC Shelter is located at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86004.
Many people in Flagstaff and the surrounding areas are displaced due to the National Forest closures. There are sheltering resources available to them through our partners. The primary shelter is Flagstaff Shelter Services. If you are displaced due to the Forest closures, then please contact them at 928-225-2533.
If you are displaced due to the National Forest closures and wish to stay in your RV or car, Flagstaff Sheltering Services (FSS) can help. FSS will allow you to park your vehicle and remain in it. FSS is open 24/7, and has bathrooms, showers, and food available. Please go to FSS at 4185 E Huntington Drive, Flagstaff or call 928-225-2533.

Resources: A Call Center is available to answer questions. The Call Center received 35 calls today, 685 calls since opening Monday, June 21. Residents may call 928.679.8647 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Sign up for Emergency Notifications at https://www.smart911.com/smart911/registration/registrationLanding.action?cdnExternalPath=

Updated fire information is available at https://coconino.az.gov/2733/2021-Fire-Information .

Red lines indicate char height. Grey shadows on ground are ashes of burnt logs.
Left: Sherwood Fire rolls out to assist on Rafael fire. Center: At briefing: Larry and Gary (seated), Ed, Chris, and Chief Moede (standing). Right: Sherwood Fire would like to thank High Country Fire Rescue for bringing a crew of 4 to our station on Wednesday (23rd) just in case.  What great partners!

Forests Close Wednesday Morning

Kaibab NF News Release

Williams, Arizona, June 21, 2021 — FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., June 21, 2021 — Due to fire danger, dry conditions, and persistent wildfire activity during a time when firefighting resources are sparse, the entirety of the Kaibab National Forest will close for public safety, beginning Wednesday (June 23) at 8 a.m.

A full forest closure means that the public is prohibited from entering any part of the Kaibab National Forest at any time. Those with private inholdings will be allowed access to their property, as well as personnel providing utility support where necessary, and firefighters performing their duties. In addition, work on thinning and other forest and watershed restoration projects will cease.

Forest Service personnel will attempt to reach as many people as possible to begin vacating campsites and informing individuals who are camping in the forest currently. Campers and visitors to the national forest should vacate their campsites before the closure begins, and the public should cancel any plans for visiting the Kaibab National Forest for the next several weeks.

Though parts of the national forest may receive rain from sporadic storms over the next couple of weeks, this closure will not be rescinded until sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire, and hot, dry weather conditions are no longer forecast to continue. In short, this closure will continue until conditions are such that the closure can be lifted.

The violation of closures and fire restrictions carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months in prison, or both.

Stay up to date on Kaibab National Forest news by checking the Kaibab NF website and following @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter.

~Forest Service News Release

Media Contact:
Brienne Pettit, Forest Public Affairs Officer 928-310-6035 SM.FS.KaibabPAO@usda.gov

Rafael Fire

The Rafael Fire south of Sherwood is threatening many communities adjacent to Sherwood Forest Estates and Mountain Rose Ranch Estates. Please be sure that you have signed up for Ready, Set Go! to get alerts.

Updates from Coconino County

The most recent notifications are at the top.

Evening-Wildfire-Fire-Ready-Set-Go-UpdateDownload
County-Activates-Emergency-Operations-Center-and-Call-Center-for-Rafael-FireDownload

Due to the Rafael Fire, all areas south of 1-40, west of I-17, including Westwood Estates, Camp Navajo, Equestrian Estates, Flagstaff Ranch, Upper Oak Creek Canyon west of 89, University Heights, Mountain Dell, Kachina Village, Forest Highlands, Pine Del, Woody Mountain Road south of I-40, Garland Prairie and Pine Aire Estates and residents in between are in SET status. Begin preparing for possible GO order to EVACUATE. THIS IS NOT AN EVACUATION NOTIFICATION.

Click here for an accompanying map: https://bit.ly/3wLBaZ5.

Details about the Rafael fire can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7567/

Ready, Set, Go! reminds us that when it is time to Go! here are some items to remember to pack:

5 P’s of Evacuation

People and Pets and other animals/livestock and supplies.

Prescriptions with dosages, medicines, medical equipment, vision and hearing aids, batteries and power cords, face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. 

Papers including important documents (hard copies and/or electronic copies saved on external hard drives or thumb drives), insurance papers, contacts.

Personal Needs including clothing, water, baby supplies, food, cash, credit cards, first aid kits, phones, and chargers. Items for people with access and/or functional needs, such as older adults and children.

Priceless items including photos, irreplaceable mementos and other valuables.

Other Links

Smoke in the Area

Chief Moede reports that the smoke in the area is from a fire in the Prescott Forest. You can get current information about fires at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/. Type in Arizona in the search box.

Chief’s Report – June 2021

Activity:         

  • Incidents since last Board Meeting:
    • 5/14/2021 – Injury, E. Jolly Rogue
    • 6/08/2021 – Train Fire, Pronghorn Ranch Road
    • 6/08/2021-  Fatal Car Crash, Hwy 64, MM 191
    • 6/09/2021- Illegal Burning, Robin Hood
  • Region Covid report
    • County and Williams area
  • Supply of protective equipment still strong

Equipment:    

  • Apparatus Update
    • Enigne 1 (In Service) protection lines upgraded and SCBA’s added. New Steers
    • Engine 2 (Out of Service) pending transfer to State Fire
    • Tender 4 (In Service) PM and foam system completed, hoses added, new nozzle for red line, investigating plumbing for foam in red line. Fill tube leak still pending. New Steers. Filled
    • Tender 5 (In Service) PM completed and valve failure repaired. Filled
    • Brush 6 (In Service) Transmision leak, window regulator, rear lights, and brake fulid flush. Fire pump work on carb pending.  New tires
    • Tender 8 (In Service) Air lines, heater and brake work completed. Leak at fill valve pending. Filled
    • Brush 11 (In Service) Radio installed, frequency work is still pending
    • Ford Excursion (In Service) Working radio installed and operational. Brakes and tire rotation complete
    • Trailer 10 – Still at Wicked for pipe work
  • Station
    • NEPA Permit process lifted. Follow up has been requested
    • Niles completed Service Call for base station radio, parts pending
    • Apron Project – Downpayment Check given/Foundation  paperwork complete.  Add ons (slabs at man doors still under review)
    • Third emergency egress process continuing
    • DFFM process.  Three letters sent to owners.  One stated will not allow thining, second stated she would like trees tagged for visualization, no answer from third.  No follow up on Shanded Fuel Break
    • Office Painting Project, painting quote obtained
    • VFG Grant process complete check sent to PHX office
    • Repeater Update – delay due to two other frequencies
    • Third quote for emergency power pending

Training:         Bi-monthly trainings continue. June 12 training included 5 members and consisted of testing increased Tender 4 capabilities (3.5 hours).  June 16  medical training. Next month training July 3 (9 am) and July 21 (6 PM). EMT school was canceled

District Notes:

  • Fire danger is Extreme.  Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Patrols, meet and greets and banner
  • State Land Commission approves annexation of State land.  Next phase involves a boundry change for the District.
  • Wood Subdivision follow up (Requested pause in consolidation)
  • Williams Fourth of July overview
  • Repair to Road 102 accomplished
  • Potential new members, application from Shilo Thompson
  • Area collaboration with HCFR, WMS, Ponderosa, CCSO, and Forest Service continues
  • NAU Smoke Survey, potential information

Respectfully Submitted:
John D. Moede

Coconino and Kaibab Forests go to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Saturday

Two national forests in northern Arizona will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions this weekend because of increased danger.

The Coconino and Kaibab national forests will implement the restriction at 8 a.m. on Saturday in hopes of preventing human-caused wildfires during potentially dangerous conditions.

Increased restrictions include the prohibition of fires, campfires, charcoal, and coal and wood stoves.

Full story here: https://ktar.com/story/3261144/stage-2-fire-restrictions-to-expand-across-coconino-kaibab-forests/