Home > News

Drone Crash Ignites Wildfire in National Forest

coconino national forest
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

More than 300 acres were left scorched after a drone caught fire in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest.

Drone Crash Ignites Wildfire in Coconino National Forest

Plumes of smoke billowed over highway 180 near Flagstaff, Ariz., on Monday as a wildfire consumed 335 acres within Cococino National Forest.

According to the Coconino National Forest Service, 30 firefighters corralled the flames, preventing it from spreading. But the ignition source caused further concern. The Forest Service said a “personal drone” caught fire after landing. Investigators have not released the name of the drone’s manufacturer.

coconino National Forest drone wildfire

Drone Sparks Kendrick Park Fire

According to the Arizona Emergency Information Network, the drone crashed southeast of Kendrick Park sometime before 12:35 p.m. on March 6.

coconino National Forest drone wildfire

The report said firefighters from the Coconino National Forest and Summit Fire crews responded. They successfully backburned around Chapel of the Holy Dove, protecting the tourist site from damaging heat and flames.

coconino National Forest drone wildfire

By 5:30 p.m., crews reported they had completely contained the fire.

Coconino National Forest covers more than 1.8 million acres in central Arizona. Teddy Roosevelt established the park in 1908. He consolidated the San Francisco Mountains National Forest with parts of Black Mesa and Tonto National Forests, and all of the Grand Canyon National Forest south and east of the Colorado River.

It’s hailed as one of the most diverse landscapes of all national forests. It contains red rock canyons, desert, alpine tundra, pine forest, rivers, and lakes.

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!