U.S. Forest Service

President Donald Trump has told government agencies to consolidate their wildland firefighting into a single program despite warnings that it could be costly and increase the risk of catastrophic blazes.

The federal government forecasts above-normal wildfire potential in much of the West and some southeastern states. KNAU News Director Ryan Heinsius discussed the ongoing season on NPR's Morning Edition.

Work has begun on a long-awaited wildlife overpass on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff. It’s the first of three intended for the area, which wildlife biologists say will dramatically reduce car crashes with elk and other animals.

Crews have been trying to take advantage of calmer conditions as they fight the 12,600-acre Greer Fire in the White Mountains ahead of near critical fire expected over the weekend.

Coconino National Forest employees were among the thousands of federal workers recently laid off by the Trump administration. Three now-former federal workers shared their stories with KNAU.

The U.S. Forest Service says it is reviewing a 1986 environmental assessment of a uranium mine near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Leaders of the Hualapai Tribe will testify Tuesday in federal court. A judge issued a temporary restraining order last month on a lithium project near culturally important sites.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked exploratory drilling for a lithium project in Arizona that leaders of the Hualapai Tribe say will harm land they have used for religious and cultural ceremonies for centuries.

Attorney General Kris Mayes is calling on the U.S. Forest Service to conduct a new environmental assessment for the Pinyon Plain Mine near the Grand Canyon. The last such study was done in 1986 and she’s concerned the uranium mine's permits are based on outdated science.

Smokey Bear turns 80 today. He’s one of the most iconic figures in advertising history, conjuring images of America’s national forests and the message, “Only YOU can prevent wildfires." Some call him timeless. Others wonder if his message is dangerously out of date.