FREDONIA — Like the Jolly Fire, the Locust fire is a lightning caused fire in the Kaibab National Forest. The Locust Fire is located approximately 39 miles south-southeast of Fredonia, Arizona northeast of Locust Point near the Rainbow Rim Trail. The fire was discovered by fire personnel on June 15 at approximately noon during an aerial reconnaissance flight.

North Zone fire managers met yesterday to discuss strategies for managing a second fire in the North Kaibab Ranger District, and the possible impacts this managed fire could potentially have on forest visitors.

They plan to allow it to burn to rid the forest of Pine litter, down woody debris and grass fuels. The planning area is bound by Forest Service Road (FSR) 214 on the north, FSR 206 on the east, FSR 293 on the south and FSR 250 on the west. The Rainbow Rim will not be closed during this managed fire, and fire managers are aware of the anticipated increase in visitor use during this weekend’s scheduled bike festival.

Smoke may be visible from FSR 22, FSR 206 and Arizona Highway 67, Highway 89A and the scenic vista viewpoints on the Rainbow Rim. No closures are currently anticipated.