2004 Firewood Season

Firewood season usually begins just about the time that taxes are due. This year is no exception, however everything hinders on when we receive our Firewood Guides back from the printers. We will keep you informed or you may call us at 928-477-2255.

Wildland Fire Outlook for 2004 Season

This article was taken from the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho and was issued February 6, 2004. This outlook is good February through August, 2004.

Overall, the 2004 fire season is expected to be near normal in terms of the expected number of fire and acres burned. However, much of the interior West is expected to experience above normal fire potential this season. Some highlights of the upcoming season include:

• Long-term drought persists over much of the interior West. Drought stressed and/or insect damaged vegetation continues to increase in the West leading to greater potential for large, destructive wildfires at mid to high elevations.
• The Southwest is the driest area of the West. The fire season is expected to start early and has the potential to be comparable to 2002.
• Mountain snowpack and winter precipitation is above normal mainly in the Pacific Northwest and northern California. The spring and summer should be warmer than normal in the West. Spring should be drier than normal in the Southwest but wetter than usual in the Northwest. Even with a wet spring, the unknown factor will be June weather in the Northwest and Northern Rockies. The combination of a hot, dry June and long-term drought could mitigate the benefits from a wet winter and spring.

Southwest Area Discussion– Potential: Above Normal. The fire season has potential to be comparable to 2002. This is based on continued drought, less than normal winter precipitation and the forecast of a warmer and drier than normal spring. These conditions could lead to an early onset of the primary fire season, with both live and dead fuel components being drier than usual and more readily available for combustion. Grass and brush are more abundant in some areas than in past drought years due to rainfall received during the late winter and spring of 2003. The total area of deforestation caused by drought and insect damage has continued to increase resulting in additional dead fuel loading. A significant unknown is how spring weather, especially precipitation, may affect the overall situation. Spring precipitation can mitigate fire season severity in forested areas while leading to increased fire potential in grass and brush fuels.

The national outlook and some geographic area assessments are currently available at the NICC and GACC websites. The GACC websites can also be accessed through the NICC webpage at: www.nifc.gov/news/pred_services/Main_page.htm.

Mogollon Rim Fire Crews

With the possibility of an early fire season this year, we are planning to bring our Hotshot Crew and Engine Crews back to work on April 5th this year. Many people have been asking several of our employees when we intend to bring our fire crews back. Everybody is concerned about fire season this year, and we will keep you well informed of any new information that we receive. The Northern Arizona Type II Team becomes available on April 1st this year, and all the team members are prepared and ready to go at short notice. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at 928-477-2255.

ADOT Work on Highway 87

Work continues along Highway 87 between Strawberry and Clints Well. You can expect 30 minute delays. They have been clearing the right-of-way, falling some large trees. Please obey all traffic laws, the flagman, and plan accordingly.

Spruce aphid has been identified in the Flagstaff area causing extensive discoloration and defoliation of individual ornamental spruce trees. According to the Arizona State Land Department, the aphid feeds on the sap of the older needles or the inside of the branch, and can kill small trees in one season and seriously defoliate larger spruces. “Unusual for forest insects, spruce aphid is active during the winter."

The spruce aphid is green in color, small, about 1/16 of an inch long and has characteristic red eyes. Winged or wingless forms may be noted on the foliage.

Spruce aphid can be easily detected by tapping the inside of a branch on a white writing pad. Check several branches around the tree in the early morning. Trees should be sampled at least once a month from late fall through early spring. If aphids are detected, sample about every three weeks and treat appropriately.

A high pressure water spray directed on the affected parts of the tree will dislodge the insects. This treatment is most effective on small trees. Insecticidal soaps are also useful and will not harm most natural enemies. Caution: Care should be taken when applying soap sprays. Certain plants are very sensitive to the highly alkaline solution. It should always be tested on a small branch first. For further information you may contact:

Arizona State Land Dept. ,
928-774-1425
Flagstaff, AZ