Kaibab National Forest

One of northern and central Arizona’s most iconic tree species is in trouble. The shaggy bark juniper, known for its distinctive outer layers that appear to be shedding, has been dying off in significant numbers in recent years. 

The phenomenon was first documented in 2018. Since then, biologists estimate close to 100,000 acres of the conifers have perished between the communities of Paulden and Ash Fork, as well as north of Williams. Thirty percent of junipers in some areas have been wiped out. Others have turned a sickly brown.

Crews continue to demobilize as firefighting efforts wind down on the 78,000-acre Rafael Fire. More than 70% of the blaze has now been contained. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.

Firefighters are reporting continued progress battling the 77,000-acre Rafael Fire near Flagstaff. They’ve contained nearly half the blaze ahead of predicted monsoon rains that could decrease wildfire danger in the area. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.

The Rafael Fire burning southwest of Flagstaff has grown to 36,000 acres with no containment yet reported. It comes as a federal incident management team has assumed command amid continued extreme wildfire conditions. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.

Officials say the Rafael Fire burning southwest of Flagstaff could have grown to as many as 35,000 acres Tuesday with no containment yet reported. Crews, however, weren’t able to generate an accurate infrared map because of cloud cover Tuesday night. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.