Wet historic Route 66 in Downtown Williams.
On Monday, there is a 40% chance of thunderstorms throughout the day and overnight. Tuesday the chance drops to 20% during the day and 10% overnight.
Wednesday sunny skies return and it is expected to stay clear through Friday with highs around 80.
TUSAYAN — With drier conditions and higher winds predicted for today, firefighters will begin management ignitions along perimeter roads of the Mason Fire planning area in order to reinforce boundaries established for the fire and protect fire-sensitive resources such as range fences.
The Mason Fire, which is the largest of the four lightning-caused fires that are part of the Jar Complex on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest, grew to 85 acres yesterday and is expected to pick up in activity today due to the changing weather conditions. The Mason Fire is located just southwest of Camp 36 Tank about 4 miles south of Grandview Lookout Tower and is burning predominantly in ponderosa pine.
Today, fire managers will use drip torches to burn fuels along Forest Road 301A from its intersection with FR 317 west toward FR 304. FR 301A serves as the northeastern boundary of the 16,100-acre planning area established for the Mason and Old fires, which are being managed to achieve resource-related objectives such as allowing fire to play its natural role in a fire-adapted ecosystem and improving overall forest health conditions. The Old Fire, located west of Forest Road 2736 just north of Old Automobile Tank, remains at under an acre in size but will likely increase in both size and activity as conditions dry out.
The other two fires that are part of the Jar Complex are the Lost and Shale fires, which are each just under an acre in size. The Lost Fire is located about 6 miles south of Tusayan and a quarter mile east of Highway 64. The Shale Fire is about a mile southeast of the Lost Fire just west of the junction of forest roads 2703 and 2703A. Fire managers have defined a 3,600-acre planning area within which the two fires will be allowed to grow over the coming days and weeks.
Besides conducting management ignitions along the northeastern boundary of the Mason Fire planning area today, firefighters will also continue additional work in preparation for fire growth including lining archaeological sites, trick tanks, range fences and any other potentially fire-sensitive resources within the established planning areas. Crews will also continue grading and making other improvements to roads in the area. Motorists using forest roads 301, 301A, 302 and 320 are asked to use caution due to the presence of heavy equipment for the road improvement work and firefighting trucks and personnel.
While smoke from the fires has not been very visible over the last few days due to cloud cover and rain, drier conditions in the forecast are expected to lead to increased fire activity and smoke production. The Mason Fire is most likely to produce smoke visible by members of the public. Due to prevailing winds, smoke will largely be pushed toward the northeast, making it visible from Desert View in Grand Canyon National Park and from Cameron, Ariz. As the four fires pick up in activity, smoke columns are likely to become more visible from other areas including the Town of Tusayan, Highway 64 and Highway 180.
The Kaibab Forest Service may appear to have trouble keeping the fires burning with the rains we have received and this may make campers complacent with fire. Campers are reminded that they still must show the proper respect and caution with campfires. Your camping area may just be drier than other areas.
Campers should have a bucket and shovel and make sure that campfires are cool to the touch before leaving.
Fire nearly out at 131 Sherman in Williams.
The Lifeline Ambulance stood about two-blocks from the fire so it appears that there were no injuries.
The fourth fire truck arrived at about 11 a.m. and it appeared that the fire was nearly out by that time.
WILLIAMS — If Facebook is any gauge, it appears that the historic Route 66 Williams Independence Day parade was a rousing success. Pictures and videos of the parade appeared from Richard Goettel of Phoenix and local resident Brenda Carter. Brenda even caught the Mayor directing traffic.
There was some concern that it might be a wash. Rain came down starting about two hours before the parade, but cleared up. While clouds darkened the city and threatened more rain, it never came.
The parade began with the members of the American Legion Cordova Post #13 carrying the colors. They were followed by the Vietnam Veterans of America. Smokey the Bear was the parade Grand Marshall.
The American Legion Post and Vietnam Veterans were joined by the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion and Matthew Broehm VFW Post.
A new addition is the War Memorial Museum of Arizona in their 1942 WWII half-track.
It would not be a Williams parade without the Bill Williams Mountain Men—official ambassadors of the State of Arizona, the tractors and the classic cars.
It was good to see Bearizona in the parade this year. The were promoting their upcoming Backwoods BBQ July 25.
Save Meant to Rescue had a tremendous float this year. They get our vote for Number 1. They were surrounded by pets rescued by new owners.
Overall the parade was the best we can remember.
Continue reading