Sedona residents are experiencing heavy smoke in the evenings and early mornings mainly from the 308-acre Platypus Fire and 60-acre Rhinoceros fires burning northwest of the city.
Fire managers with the Coconino National Forest stated Tuesday, Aug. 7, that they are monitoring and using several lightning-caused fires in the region to benefit the landscape and maintain a healthy ecosystem by allowing fire to fulfill its natural role and consume forest debris.
These fires do not have planned end dates, but wildland firefighters determine a specific planning area within which the fire may run its natural course. However, this does not mean the fire will move across the entire planning area, as specific edges of a fire may be suppressed to protect certain values such as public safety, private property, cultural sites, major transmission power lines, trailheads and dispersed camping sites. The U.S. Forest Service stated actions are also taken to minimize smoke impacts where possible.
Thunderstorms building in the area of the fires may randomly change wind directions, making smoke patterns difficult to predict.
Additionally, monsoon weather and precipitation may extinguish any of these wildfires at any time, which would bring the fires to a conclusion.
The Platypus and Rhinoceros fires are burning approximately four and six miles northwest of Sedona in Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness more than six miles from the nearest trailhead.
The USFS stated that fire modeling estimates indicates the fires are unlikely to grow outside of the wilderness or pose a significant risk to communities.
Lookouts and aircraft periodically monitor the fires as needed, the USFS stated. No actions are currently being taken due to extremely hazardous terrain and limited risk of large fire growth.
Smoke is visible from Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, the Village of Oak Creek and the Verde Valley. Enchantment Resort, the Boynton Canyon and Seven Canyons areas of Sedona can expect smoke, especially in the early morning. Trails in the area are continuing to be evaluated for public safety and closures if needed.
About 50 percent of these two fires had activity Monday, Aug. 6. Suppression actions are being started outside of the wilderness to ensure the fire does not run uncontrolled. The fires are being monitored by fire managers because of their location in extremely rugged areas of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness at the edge of sheer cliffs. The USFS stated firefighters working in the area would be placed at significant risk, particularly if an injury required rapid transportation for medical care.
The Bristow Fire is burning approximately 6 miles southeast of Munds Park and east of Interstate 17. Currently at 3,910 acres, resources include three engines and miscellaneous helicopters totaling 20 firefighters.
Smoke is moderate with good ventilation pushing it east toward Anderson Mesa. Settling smoke during the evening is expected to be in Woods Canyon, Jacks Canyon and may impact Interstate 17 near Munds Park. Some of this smoke is also drifting into the Village of Oak Creek.
Both Arizona Department of Transportation and Coconino National Forest continue to monitor conditions near Rocky Park and Fox Ranch Road exits. In addition, there are chances of smoke changing directions as thunderstorms in the area are predicted.
These storms could change the direction of the smoke moving it into Sedona and the Verde Valley.
There are no current closures.
The fire was burning well Monday and ignition operations are completed.
The interior of the fire will continue to be monitored as it will burn less every day.
Surveyor Fire The 10-acre Surveyor Fire is located approximately 3.5 miles south of Oak Creek Canyon Vista, south of Flagstaff, east of State Route 89A.
Approximately 34 firefighters are assigned, which includes helicopters. Light smoke is moving east. Expect smoke to be near Oak Creek Canyon to I-17 near the Willard Springs Road exit. Smoke may also settle in Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona, especially overnight.
There are no current closures. The fire has dried out some and has more activity. Containment is holding, and firefighters are monitoring it closely until aircraft become available. Seep Fire Currently at 4,000 acres, the Seep Fire is burning approximately 3 miles north of Kendrick Park, east of State Route 180 along Forest Roads 523 and 9001E.
One engine is patrolling the area, with approximately five firefighters. Light smoke from dense fuels is expected to rise and move northeast. No smoke impacts are expected to U.S. Highways 180 or 89 on Wednesday, Aug. 8.
There are no current closures. Fire activity is minimal. The fire is burning primarily in heavy dead and down debris from the 1996 Horseshoe Fire.
Christopher Fox Graham Larson Newspapers
