The Coconino National Forest announced Tuesday that it will allow a lightning-caused fire in the Mogollon Rim ranger district to burn under controlled conditions for the purpose of fuel reduction.
The Blind Fire is located approximately 10 miles north of Clint鈥檚 Well and three miles east of Lake Mary Road. As of Tuesday, May 13, the fire was approximately 12 acres in size. Fire managers ultimately hope to treat around 5,000 acres of forest in the area through firing operations -- that is, deliberately burning vegetation between an established fire break and an active fire -- between Wednesday, May 14 and Saturday, May 17.
Significant smoke is anticipated around Lake Mary Road near Happy Jack. Smoke is likely to settle in low-lying areas in the evenings, and may be visible from Interstate 40, Flagstaff, Winslow and Holbrook.
No road or trail closures are planned in the area of the Blind Fire, but drivers should slow down near firefighters or when smoke is present.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, fuel reduction through techniques like thinning or managed fire 鈥渃reates a fire-resilient ecosystem that protects communities, private property, roadways and timber stands from catastrophic damage.鈥� Management of lightning-caused fires for fuel reduction is a common practice on Forest Service lands.
The area around Flagstaff was under a Wind Advisory and Red Flag Warning from the National Weather Service on Tuesday, with sustained 30 mph winds and gusts up to 60 mph, but forecasts call for a significant decrease in winds by Wednesday morning.
The Coconino National Forest has a dedicated smoke complaint line for people who would like to speak with fire management leadership about smoke impacts: 928-226-4608.