Flagstaff AZ (August 20, 2016) – Fire managers on Coconino National Forest continue to use lightning-caused fires to benefit the landscape by allowing them to burn in confined areas.
The fires will consume heavy fuel accumulation—dead vegetation on the forest floor—which will cultivate healthier wildlife habitat by breaking down dead underbrush and releasing nutrients into the soil so new vegetation can thrive.
The following comprise active lightning-caused fires that are currently being managed:
CRACKERBOX FIRE
Start Date: July 20, 2016.
Location: Four miles southeast of Clints Well.
Current Size: 1000 acres.
Resources: One engine; total of about five firefighters.
Smoke: This fire has received a lot of moisture recently and is slowly creeping across the landscape, so not producing a lot of smoke. Predicted to disperse to the east/southeast today. Smoke will be minimal and light, but visible to those in the immediate area of the fire, Forest Road 300 and possibly by those recreating at Blue Ridge Reservoir.
Closures: None. The Arizona Trail has been reopened, however hikers should anticipate some smoke within the vicinity of the fire, and watch for burning stump holes. Fire crews will patrol the existing Arizona Trail and remove any hazard trees.
Operations: This fire has received intermittent rain showers over the last couple of weeks. Fire crews conducted management ignitions along Forest Road 123. Crews will continue to prep control features near the fire area.
Follow on Twitter @CoconinoNF for quick updates on these fires and other happenings around the forest, or visit to keep up-to-date on the details of managed and other large fires on the Coconino National Forest.