Flagstaff AZ (July 31, 2015) – UPDATE – Perimeter burnout operations for the Echo fire concluded Wednesday and the lightning-caused wildfire that began on July 17 is completely lined, with only small internal pockets still burning and smoldering.
Smoke from the Echo fire should no longer impact surrounding communities such as Flagstaff and Sedona, and only residual smoke will be noticeable to those in the immediate area of the wildfire due to internal areas continuing to smolder. The fire received light to moderate rainfall yesterday, and crews will continue to monitor the pockets of unburned areas.
The total acreage of the Echo fire concluded at 1,954 acres as the fire accomplished multiple objectives, reducing hazardous fuels, restoring forest health and burning dead logs, branches, needles and leaves.
The location of the fire was an important strategic area for reducing fire danger and providing a point of protection for the city of Flagstaff, as the fire tied in a large swath of area that included last year’s Slide fire and the Taylor fire of 2009.
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Flagstaff AZ (July 27, 2015) – Echo fire update – A lightning-caused wildfire located approximately 10 miles northwest of Sedona continues to burn near Turkey Butte, and burnout operations to line the perimeter of the fire will begin tomorrow through the week.
The Echo fire is currently about 220 acres and burning at a low to moderate intensity, producing hazy to light smoke. However, smoke will be more apparent and noticeable throughout the week as burnout operations to line the fire will begin tomorrow through Thursday or Friday.
The fire continues to accomplish multiple objectives as it fulfills its natural role in the ecosystem by burning dead logs, branches, needles and leaves. As it burns, smoke will be visible to surrounding communities such as Sedona and Flagstaff throughout the week.
The smoke is predicted to travel toward the northeast during the day and could impact areas such as east Flagstaff and Doney Park. During the evening hours, smoke draining off from the fire could impact areas such as Oak Creek and Sedona.
Updates on the Echo fire will be posted as they are received on InciWeb at . You can also follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/CoconinoNF for quick updates on the fire and other activities concerning Coconino National Forest.
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Flagstaff AZ (July 24, 2015) – A lightning-caused wildfire approximately 10 miles northwest of Sedona, near Turkey Butte, is consuming dead forest branches, logs, leaves and pine needles.
The Echo fire is currently about 20 acres and burning at a low intensity, producing minimal smoke. However, it may become more active throughout the next week and grow in size, as it will be managed by the Forest Service to allow the fire to fulfill its natural role in the ecosystem.
“We will be monitoring this wildfire and preparing a perimeter around it through the weekend,” said Don Muise, fire staff officer for the Coconino National Forest. “This is an important piece of ground that ties in with the old Taylor fire of 2009 and last year’s Slide fire, as it will provide added protection for Flagstaff should a fire establish itself to the south in Secret Canyon.”
Fire managers may conduct burnout operations next week if weather conditions are suitable, but the fire will remain in monitor status throughout the weekend and may produce some noticeable smoke to surrounding communities such as Oak Creek, Sedona and Flagstaff.
Smoke from the wildfire is expected to travel in a northeast direction during the day and could impact areas such as east Flagstaff and Doney Park. During the evening hours, smoke draining off from the fire could impact areas such as Oak Creek and Sedona.