Fire Information

Ponderosa Fire Advisory Counsil (PFAC) fire drill photos now available here.

Founded in 1936, Fire Management Today has served the wildland fire community for more than 60 years as a clearinghouse for new techniques, technologies, and ideas. It has provided a forum open to anyone with anything useful to share with other wildland fire professional. In the process, the journal has not only facilitated information exchange, but also helped build a common history and culture in the wildland fire community.

For current fire information in the southwest, please CLICK on the Southwest Area Coordination Center logo to visit their website:

E-mail notification of coming Rx Fire

If you would like to be notified in advance via e-mail of our scheduled prescribed fires, please CLICK HERE, enter your name and e-mail address and put a check mark in the block for "Southwestern Region - Coconino National Forest Smoke Information", then click "Send Now".

Spring and early summer bring high temperatures and strong, drying winds to the Coconino National Forest. Rain is rare, days are hot and fire conditions often become "Very High" or even "Extreme." Wildfires are frequent during these conditions and can become true disasters, destroying valuable forest resources and endangering firefighters and nearby residences. Frequently, during this time of the year, forest visitors are required to observe various restrictions and closures which are designed to reduce the likelihood of wildfires.

A dry winter creates dangerous fire conditions for spring and summer. View photographs of the Pumpkin Fire of May 2000, north of Flagstaff, and the Springer Fire of May 2002.

Here are some interesting "time-lapse" movies of the Leroux fire from the webcam (each is about 800k) courtsey of the Rocky Mountain Research Station: June11_01.avi, June12_01.avi, June13_01.avi.

Smoking and Campfire Restrictions: When these restrictions are implemented, smoking is allowed only in developed campgrounds and picnic areas or within enclosed vehicles. Campfires and charcoal fires are permitted only in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. The use of gas or propane stoves is still permitted throughout the forest.  

Powersaw Restrictions: Sometimes referred to as "Hootowl Restrictions," these restrictions require that saws NOT be used from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Red Flag Alert: A Red Flag Alert is issued when severe fire weather, such as low humidity accompanied by strong winds and numerous dry lightning storms, is predicted by the National Weather Service. During these periods, which are usually only one to three days in duration, various fire prevention measures may be implemented. Campfires may be allowed in designated developed campgrounds and picnic areas but prohibited in others, as well as throughout the rest of the forest. Powersaws may not be used during a Red Flag Alert.

Closures: This level of Alert means that no public entry is permitted within a certain area of the forest unless authorized by special permit issued by the Coconino National Forest.

Area Closures: Specific areas of the forest are closed when the risk of a wildfire starting and causing extensive damage in that area is extreme.

Forest Closures: When severe fire conditions exist and numerous large fires throughout the southwest stretch firefighting resources to the limit, the entire Coconino National Forest may be closed. This happens rarely, but when it does exceptions for entry are made only on a case-by-case basis.

For information on fire restrictions on the Coconino call 928-527-3600.
For information on fire restrictions on any National Forest or any National Park or National Monument in Arizona or New Mexico call toll free: 877-864-6985.

To learn more about Fire Management visit the Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management web site. This site has a wealth of information about fire as well as current reports regarding fire danger.

Visit the National Fire Plan website, a cooperative, long-term effort of the USDA Forest Service, Department of the Interior, and the National Association of State Foresters. As you visit this site, you will see how the federal government and state partners are managing impacts of wildland fire to our Nation's communities.

For Current Fire information, please see the Southwest Area Coordination Center website.

Prescribed Fire

Approved for today:

Click "Currently" button for today's Prescribed Fire

For technical locations of the USDA Forest Service projects click here

Prescribed Fires and Smoke

Many parts of our forest are susceptible to insect infestations, disease, and catastrophic wildfire. It is because of our love of our forest, and our desire to improve its health that we prescribe fire. Much like a doctor prescribes medication to a sick patient, Forest Service managers sometimes prescribe fire to improve the health of our local forests...

Please view this timely brochure (4.95MB .pdf file) Click Here

What is Fire Retardant?

Informative article on effects and treatment of left-over slurry after the fire. (31kb .pdf file)

Benefits of Prescribed Fire

Arizona FIREWISE Communities