State Forestry And Coconino National Forest Fire Crews Partner To Work A 45-Hundred Acre Burn Starting Wednesday Near Flagstaff

The Coconino National Forest and the State Forestry Department are teaming up on a large prescribed burn set to begin Wednesday southwest of Flagstaff. The Crater Sinks Project burn has been in the works for more than four years and is set to treat 45-hundred acres. The area is ten miles southwest of Flagstaff and about five miles to the northeast of the top of Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A. Fire officials say winds are forecast to be about 13 miles-per-hour from the south-southwest, which means smoke will disperse toward the north-northeast and should travel up and over Flagstaff. However, smoke will likely impact areas of Oak Creek Canyon overnight Wednesday and may impact Flagstaff. Prescribed burn smoke will be visible from several areas across the forest. Fire officials remind residents to please refrain from contacting dispatch or 9-1-1 to report the smoke, so lines can remain open for emergencies.