Coconino and Kaibab National Forests have each announced the ignition of prescribed fires starting over the weekend and soon after in parts of the forests near Mormon Lake, 25 miles south of Flagstaff and near Kaibab Lake in Williams.
Mint West Prescribed Burn Project
Coconino National Forest’s Mint West treatments are set to begin on Saturday, May 18. The Forest announced that while no closures of roads or recreation areas are anticipated, smoke impacts will be felt near Mormon Lake and along Lake Mary road.
The burn is expected to be a one-day project.
Although it remains open, a segment on the Arizona Trail that runs near the burn area could be heavily impacted by smoke and have fire personnel on site.
Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project
Kaibab National Forest advised that its Three Sisters project will start in Monday, May 20. The treatment area is located just north of the City of Williams between Airport Road and Highway 64 near Kaibab Lake. The ignitions are expected to take up to three days.
In their news release, Kaibab NF said:
“Smoke will be highly noticeable from the Williams area, particularly the H.A. Clark Memorial Field Airport, Kaibab Lake, Ash Fork, Red Lake, Valle, and portions of State Route 64 and I-40.
No road or trail closures are planned as part of the Three Sisters prescribed fire project. However, during operations, fire personnel and vehicles will be visible to the public. Visitors to the Kaibab Lake area need to be especially cautious and aware during and in the days following ignitions for their safety. Motorists are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active project areas.”
Recreationists planning for outings at these sites should be cautious:
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