Coconino National Forest fire managers are working to suppress two lightning-caused wildfires, the Knob Fire and the Clay Fire, both of which were about 4 acres in size and first reported Monday, July 15, following a weekend storm.

One engine, one hand crew and one Type 3 helicopter are tackling the Knob Fire, located 6.5 miles north of Sedona, atop the Mogollon Rim, 0.9 miles due west of Banjo Bill Campground.

Two engines and a helitack module of firefighters lifted by helicopter are joined by a Type 1 helicopter conducting bucket drops on the Clay Fire, located 6 miles east-southeast of Sedona, on the Mogollon Rim between Woods Canyon and Interstate 17.

Smoke will remain highly visible from Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, Munds Park, Jerome and Interstate 17, during suppression work.

Coconino National Forest fire managers made the decision to suppress the Knob and Clay fires due to the location of both fire starts. Both fires originated in rugged, steep terrain with poor access for wildland firefighting operations. These locations also lack good holding features, i.e., such as wide roads and canyons, that would safely confine the fire to a pre-determined area and ensure full containment.

When lightning-caused fires are reported, fire managers complete a full analysis before deciding whether to suppress a fire or manage it to benefit the fire-adapted ponderosa pine ecosystem of Northern Arizona.

While the Knob and Clay fires will both be managed with a full-suppression strategy, Coconino National Forest fire managers will continue to manage lightning-caused fires for forest health as outlined in the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which includes planned, strategic growth of certain lightning-caused fires can reduce hazardous fuel loading, improve watershed health, and protect northern Arizona communities from future catastrophic and unwanted wildfires.