WILLIAMS — The Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest is considering managing two lightning-caused fires to benefit forest resources. Both fires are producing smoke that is visible from nearby communities and highways.

The 1-acre Smith Fire is located by Smith Tank just north of the City of Williams and Interstate 40. The Key Hole Fire has grown to six-tenths of an acre in size and is located just north of Key Hole Sink near Duck Lake.

Fire managers are on scene at both fires and are considering whether they are appropriate to manage for resource objectives such as fuels reduction, wildlife habitat improvement, and community protection. There are many factors considered in any decision to manage a fire for resource benefit including potential risk to firefighters and the public, potential impacts to archaeological and other sensitive forest resources, and the availability of fire personnel and equipment.

“With the onset of the monsoon season, it is a great time for us to look at managing fire across the landscape to improve overall forest health conditions,” said Mike Uebel, fuels assistant fire management officer for the Williams Ranger District. “These two fires appear to be good candidates for management, and we will make that determination soon. In the interim, we want the public to know that we are aware of them and have resources at each site to take any actions that might be necessary.”

As the management strategy for each fire is defined, additional information will be provided.