Courtesy image.
FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers with the Coconino National Forest are currently managing a lightning-caused wildfire that began Saturday in an area adjacent to Fort Tuthill, beginning burnout operations today which will produce significant and noticeable smoke southwest of Flagstaff.
The Brigade Fire is located 1 mile west of the Fort Tuthill fairgrounds and located in an important and strategic area when it comes to protecting the community of Flagstaff since it is only 3 miles southwest of the city. Updates regarding this fire will be posted on Brigade Fire Inciweb site as they are received.
Managing this fire to allow it to consume hazardous forest fuels such as pine needles, cones, and dead wood, which will help create a buffer in an area that is typically susceptible to the direction of catastrophic wildfires during traditional southwest winds. In the long run, the treatment this fire provides will help protect residents, the surrounding community, powerlines, and the airport.
Fire managers seek to treat roughly 1,700 acres and will be conducting burnout operations around the fire over the next several days, depending on weather conditions. As such, smoke will be very visible due to the proximity to Flagstaff until the weekend.
With current wind predictions coming from the south and southwest, smoke could impact areas such as Flagstaff Ranch neighborhood, Fort Tuthill, city of Flagstaff, Fort Valley, Doney Park, and Interstates 17 and 40.
Smoke is an unavoidable byproduct of land restoration work and wildfire. While early fall wind patterns typically funnel smoke upward for a wider distribution that will lessen smoke impact to nearby communities, area residents and visitors should be prepared for lingering smoke in the Brigade Fire area. One tool to use to track air quality and smoke impacts is fire.airnow.gov
A new Smoke Complaint Hotline has been established for the public at 928-226-4608 for the public to leave their name and number if they would like to speak to fire leadership regarding smoke impacts and concerns regarding this managed wildfire.