LIghtning Caused Fires Continue to Burn in Coconino National Forest

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Two lightning-caused fires on the Coconino National Forest are being managed for resource benefits that include:

• Re-introducing natural fire into the ecosystem.
  
• Reducing heavy fuel loading to diminish catastrophic wildfire danger.
  
• Maintaining and enhancing healthy wildlife habitat.
  
• And recycling valuable nutrients back into the soil.
  

Weir Fire

Crews have limited the growth of the Weir Fire, in part due to the smoke impacts. They completed burnout operations today to confine the fire. Smoke will still be very noticeable today, tonight and tomorrow morning – especially in the Village of Oak Creek and Verde Valley and should dramatically diminish thereafter.

Burning about one mile north of Stoneman Lake and five miles east of I-17, the Weir Fire treated approximately 1300 acres.  Fire activity spread north to the Lee Butte, Fain Mountain and Gash Mountain, so visitors and hunters are advised to avoid those areas. Smoke is visible from Interstate 17, Flagstaff, Mormon Lake and the Verde Valley.  

The Weir Fire was ignited by lightning August 16 and is burning within the Rattlesnake Quiet Area and Game Management Unit 6A which is currently open for an archery-elk hunt. Several forest roads are temporarily closed, including FR 239 and 665. No structures or developed recreation areas are threatened.  

Ranger Complex

The Ranger Complex includes the Ranger Fire and Bravo Fires, which ignited in mid-July between Highway 87 and Blue Ridge (C.C. Cragin) Reservoir.  The complex has grown to 3650 acres at low intensity and crews continue to manage this fire for resource objectives. Smoke may impact the subdivisions at Blue Ridge and along State Highway 87. An engine is monitoring the fire daily. No private land or developed recreation sites are threatened.


Author:US Forest Service Press Release