Firefighters continue to suppress wildfires south of Flagstaff
Two lightning-caused wildfires located on the Coconino National Forest are showing increased containment following two days of suppression efforts.
The Luke Fire is 100% contained at nine acres and the Scott Fire is 10% contained at 164 acres. There has been no new growth on either fire since suppression efforts began.
Smoke may remain visible over the next few days while fire consumes unburned pockets of fuel located within the fire’s perimeter. Fire personnel will continue to monitor fire lines as necessary while working toward 100% containment.
Monsoon activity is predicted to return and remain throughout the week, which will aid in suppression efforts.
A closure order surrounding the area of the Scott Fire will remain in effect until the area is safe for public entry.
Fire managers made the decision to pivot to a full suppression strategy on both the Scott Fire and the Luke Fire Sunday afternoon.
Prior to pivoting toward suppression, both fires were being managed for forest health. This management style resulted in the successful treatment of nearly 200 acres of Coconino NF land. The treated areas are located along Forest Road (FR) 523 near Newman Park and along Interstate 17. This type of treatment resulted in the reduction of forest fuels – such as dead pine needles and fallen leaves – which improves the health of the fire-adapted ecosystem of the Coconino NF.
The Scott Fire is currently being managed by the Northern Arizona Type 3 Incident Management Team. Management will transition back to the Coconino NF later this week.
