Forest Service to Investigate New Fire Breaks for Sedona’s Protection

The U.S. Forest Service is contemplating the establishment of fire breaks on the south side of Sedona over the next decade as part of a broader fire management strategy for the Red Rock Ranger District (RRRD). District Ranger Alex Schlueter shared this prospective initiative during a Sedona City Council meeting held on December 10.

Internally described as the “Big Park protection plan,” this initiative aims to address fire prevention across a significant area that extends beyond just the Big Park and Village of Oak Creek, according to Schlueter. He noted that development of the plan is still in its early phases.

Travis Mabery, the district’s Fire Management Officer, has observed a critical need to enhance community protection measures. “We weren’t progressively working on community protection,” he stated, highlighting advancements in scientific methods that could help assess community threats more effectively.

If implemented, fire breaks would likely range from 100 to 200 feet in width, contingent on varying topographical features and fire risk modeling. Schlueter explained that wider breaks would be necessary in steeper areas to create effective barriers between structures and potential fires.

Mabery emphasized that these breaks serve multiple purposes. They not only act as fuel barriers but also provide space for firefighters to defend against approaching flames. “It needs to be wide enough that folks can stand in there and hold the line,” he added, reinforcing the importance of firefighter access during emergencies.

The type of vegetation present will also dictate the width of the breaks; denser areas may require broader treatments, while lighter vegetation could warrant narrower cuts. Techniques considered include manual thinning and mechanical treatments like masticating underbrush to reduce fuel loads.

Schlueter identified predominant winds from the south and southwest as a crucial factor in determining where to focus fire management efforts. Historical fire patterns—particularly around Flagstaff, Prescott, and Payson—show a higher likelihood of fires spreading from windward sides of communities.

Despite fire breaks being a strategic intervention, Mabery raised concerns regarding their overall effectiveness, as high winds can carry embers beyond these barriers. He described them as a foundational step, offering a significant first line of defense against wildfires.

Historically, the Sedona and Village of Oak Creek areas have seen both more frequent and less intense fires before the U.S. Forest Service adopted aggressive fire suppression strategies in the early 20th century. Mabery noted the ecological shifts caused by these policies, mentioning, “We’ve helped create this problem that we’re trying to come back out of in some regards now.”

In line with these fire management efforts, Coconino National Forest supervisor Aaron Mayfield set a benchmark in November 2024 for selling at least 14.5 million cubic feet of timber annually over the next three years to tackle wildfire risks. This volume could generate energy equivalent to powering approximately 22,700 homes, based on EPA residential energy data.

Schlueter acknowledged that the Red Rock Ranger District, having fewer mature trees, faces unique challenges in timber sales compared to other forest districts. However, he remains optimistic regarding potential synergies between timber harvesting and fire break construction.

Beyond combating wildfire risks, Schlueter highlighted innovative partnerships such as the “Wood for Life” program, aimed at repurposing removed materials to benefit local tribes for heating. Mabery also mentioned other potential avenues for utilizing biomass to support energy needs, contingent on further developments.

The planning phase for these projects will depend on staffing capacities and environmental analyses. Schlueter cautiously anticipates a timeline of at least two to four years before any on-the-ground implementation occurs. “It’s a long process that many people would be interested in,” he concluded.