Whiskey Fire

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2019 – The fire is burning approximately 8 miles east of Turkey Butte Lookout and approximately 3900 acres in size currently. A type 3 team took over command of the fire on Sept. 10 at 0700. The lightning-caused Whiskey fire was reported by the Turkey Butte fire tower lookout on Sept. 2nd, 2019.

Starting today, fire personnel plan to conduct a large firing operation. This operation is important to secure control lines and keep the fire within its containment area. This firing operation is expected to produce a significant amount of smoke in the area for several days after.
Over the past several days fire personnel moderated firing operations in efforts to minimize smoke impacts to the surrounding areas, allowing only areas of unburned fuel to continue to burn within the fire perimeter.

We apologize for the expected smoke impacts. Fire fighters will attempt to reduce impacts to the public as much as possible. However, there are no perfect weather conditions or tactics that exist to remove smoke impacts entirely from a fire.

Smoke is expected to spread to the north over the next several days following a more seasonal southwest wind pattern. Smoke may affect areas including Flagstaff, Munds Park, Mountainaire, Kachina Village, Forest Highlands, Doney Park, Mormon Lake Village, Highway 89A Corridor, Sedona, Village of Oak Creek and portions of Interstate 40.

Forest Road 538 will be closed at the intersection of FR 527 and 538 all the way south to the intersection of FR 538E. The closure may last several days in efforts to provide for firefighter and public safety. However, the closure could last longer if necessary to safely continue vital operations. Persons planning to travel in this area should expect delays and use the alternate routes.

On Thursday, firefighters conducted a large firing operation. Due to an atypical wind shift, smoke from the fire was pushed south to the areas of Prescott Valley, Camp Verde, Chino Valley and other areas south and southwest of the fire area. Yesterday, fire personnel moderated firing operations in efforts to minimize smoke impacts to the surrounding areas, allowing only areas of unburned fuel to continue to burn within the fire perimeter.

Quick updates will also be provided on the Coconino National Forest’s Twitter and Facebook sites, and the Forest’s website at www.coconinonationalforest.us.