Fires Near Flagstaff Creating Haze in Page
The Fisher Fire about six miles southeast of Flagstaff, reportedly has spread to 150 acres of the Coconino National Forest as of last Friday evening and sent a haze of of smoke in Page and Northern Arizona. More than 60 people, including the Flagstaff Hotshots, three engine crews and other fire personnel, have been working to put out the blaze. No structures were reported to be in danger but there are some Indian ruins in the area of the fire.
The fire began Friday, April 11, and investigators believe it was human caused but they have not pinned down the exact cause at this time, forest officials said Sunday afternoon.
Several crews were rerouted from the fire on Sunday to fight another fire that sparked just southwest of Lower Lake Mary at a campsite. Officials said that fire was quickly contained to about a quarter acre. Twelve campfires were found still burning in the Stoneman Lake area last weekend, an official said.
The City of Flagstaff will implement Stage 1 Fire Restriction this Friday, April 18 at 8:00 a.m. which will include a ban on all fire pits and other open flame devises – even those with a spark arrestor. The use of charcoal grills and other devices with an ON-OFF switch are still permitted.<
The fear is that with Memorial Day weekend approaching, more campers will take to the forest and might not be aware of campfire restrictions.