Coconino National Forest begins management of the Cecil and Still Fires

The Coconino National Forest Responds to Lightning-Caused Wildfires

The Coconino National Forest is currently managing two separate lightning-caused wildfires: the Cecil Fire on the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Still Fire on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

The Coconino NF strategically manages lightning-caused wildfires to promote the overall health of the fire-adapted forest. The natural ignitions of both the Cecil and Still fires will be utilized in this manner.

Wildfires are a natural part of the Coconino NF’s ecosystem. When managed effectively and following the necessary planning process, they can improve the landscape in several ways in the long term, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Cecil Fire

The Cecil Fire, located west of Highway 89A (GPS: 35.065883, -111.764550), currently spans 40 acres. It was first reported on September 18 and has been spreading at a low-to-moderate rate through Ponderosa pine.

Currently, the Cecil Fire is being managed by two engines, one engine crew, one hand crew, and miscellaneous overhead personnel. Firefighters have spent the past few days preparing lines for firing operations, which will commence today. The fire is expected to grow to 2,100 acres within the next few days, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions.

During firing operations, smoke will be highly visible from the Flagstaff and Sedona areas, as well as along Highway 89A. Smoke may settle into the Oak Creek Canyon area during the evening.

There are no structures at risk, but forest visitors are advised to avoid the fire area and be mindful of firefighting operations.

Still Fire

The Still Fire, located near the intersection of Highway 87 and Forest Road (FR) 751 (GPS: 34.582462311, -111.253540039), has been slowly smoldering since September 14.

No structures are threatened by the Still Fire. The resources assigned to this fire include two engine modules, one fuels crew, and miscellaneous overhead personnel. Firing operations are planned for Wednesday and Thursday.

Smoke impacts can be expected in the Blue Ridge communities and along Highway 87.

The Still Fire is situated in the Blue Ridge urban interface, an area scheduled for upcoming fuels treatments, including prescribed fire.

Managing the Still Fire will help reduce hazardous fuels and protect infrastructure, property, and resources in the nearby Blue Ridge communities, including the C.C. Cragin watershed.

There are no road, trail, or area closures in effect, but the public is urged to remain aware of and avoid areas where firefighting operations are taking place.

Wildfire Crisis Strategy

The management of the Still and Cecil fires aligns with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape and implement other treatments to enhance forest resiliency for future generations.

As part of this strategy, Coconino NF fire managers will seek opportunities to strategically manage lightning-caused wildfires for forest health and implement prescribed fire projects when weather conditions permit in the coming months.

Northern Arizona residents and forest visitors are encouraged to periodically check InciWeb for updates on wildfires and smoke impact.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the management of wildfires in the Coconino National Forest, which is directly related to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15) and efforts to mitigate climate change (SDG 13).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

The article highlights the strategic management of wildfires in the Coconino National Forest to benefit the overall health of the fire-adapted forest. This aligns with the target of promoting sustainable forest management (SDG 15.2). Additionally, by managing wildfires and implementing prescribed fire projects, the forest aims to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (SDG 13.1).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Area of forest under sustainable forest management and certified (Indicator for SDG 15.2)
• Number of hectares burned by wildfires and prescribed fires (Indicator for SDG 13.1)

The article mentions the management of wildfires and prescribed fire projects in the Coconino National Forest. The area of forest under sustainable forest management and the number of hectares burned by wildfires and prescribed fires can be used as indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: ein.az.gov

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