Arizona Fire Restrictions

Wildfire prevention team arrives at Coronado forest

A National Wildland Fire Prevention Team has arrived at the Coronado National Forest to enhance current wildfire prevention work. The team will work with forest employees to strengthen public awareness of current wildfire dangers, defensible space around structures, address current restrictions and closures coupled with individual wildfire preparedness throughout the five ranger districts of the Forest.

Punky McClellan, Prevention Team Leader said, “Folks don’t have to be reminded that this fire season has been devastating here in Arizona. 

Our work is to bring about a stronger understanding and receptiveness to the many wildfire preventative measures. 

To the best of our ability, we will bring to the forefront messages and products that will strengthen the public awareness of wildfire prevention.”  

National Wildland Fire Prevention Teams have been utilized for over 15 years. This year, teams have been assigned to New Mexico and Texas. 

The primary work conducted by a team is to coordinate with the host agencies and build or reinforce stronger community awareness as it relates to wildland fire prevention and all the implications associated with wildfire dangers. 

The team will work closely with forest employees and partnering agencies to enhance relationships with communities and community organizations and leadership, media outlets and local emergency services operators.

Most of the fire area showed little or no fire activity. Infrared detection still shows a few isolated hot spots in Carr Canyon and south in Oversight Canyon within the fire perimeter.  Crews will continue to work on these hotspots with helicopter support.  

Crews continued to mop-up and patrol along Forest road 61.  Military crews also continue to construct and improve lines, as well as clearing brush along the Garden Canyon road and elsewhere throughout the fort.

 Initial attack crews continue to be on alert to respond to any new fire starts that may occur in the area. 

— Submitted by Bob Valen, team public information officer, and Punky McCellan, team leader.

Wallow Fire Update – 6/27/2011 – 10:30 am « NM Fire Info

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The fire will continue to back downhill into Strayhorse Creek and Blue Canyon. The focus of suppression efforts in the southeast portion of the fire continues to be in the Blue River drainage with the objective to keep the fire south of Forest Road 205, west of Dry Blue Creek and the Blue River, North of Forest Road 475 north and east of US 191.  The threat continues to residential, commercial and out buildings in the Blue area.  Structure protection and patrolling of the line for hot spots in the vicinity of Luna continues.  Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) treatments are being implemented starting today.  

On the fire’s edge from US 191 continuing clockwise to Nutrioso, Ariz., crews are working at least 300 feet into the burned area extinguishing all visible smokes. US 191 and other roads are closed because of continued fire suppression and to ensure public and firefighter safety.   Hazard tree removal is being conducted along US 191 in preparation for a future reopening of the highway.  Crews are working to repair firelines and fences that were damaged during the fire.  Winds over the past several days have demonstrated the security of these lines along this portion of the fire’s edge.  Aircraft and firefighters are patrolling for fire and smoke, which will be visible in scattered islands well within containment lines.      

Elk are continuing to create a safety hazard as they are present on or near most of the highways and roads, especially at night and early morning.  There have been at several vehicle collisions with elk.

Temperatures will continue to be hot and dry.   Conditions will be mostly sunny with a high temperature near 85.  Light winds are forecast becoming southwest between 12 and 15 mph with gusts as high as 24 mph.  Minimum relative humidity will range from 8-12 percent in the afternoon.

Special Information: 

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Insiders' Guide to Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona

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Arizona's Sanctuaries, Retreats, and Sacred Places

National Geographic Traveler: Arizona