Daily Archives: August 23, 2018

Stina, Cat Fire officials thank local businesses for support

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FREDONIA — For Immediate Release. With outbreaks of severe wildfires unfolding across the West many firefighting and support resources were stretched thin this fire season, this included support contractors who were spread out in all directions across the country.

The Kaibab National Forest was not immune – the wildland fire community was at preparedness level five nationally (the most elevated preparedness level) – and getting critical logistical support was going to be a challenge. Lightning ignited fires on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park – 53 times in July and 21 times in August. Local resources had their hands full with the Obi Fire, Stina Fire, Cat Fire, and initial attack on every other lightning-caused fire in the area, which meant fire managers would soon begin seeking outside resources.

For Stina Fire and Cat Fire Logistics Chief Gary Holsten, this meant finding meals for firefighters, among other needs. Locally Mickey and Kami Houston, owners of Houston’s Trails End Restaurant and Catering, are typically Holsten’s go to for catering needs as they’ve done for years – serving countless numbers of meals to our nation’s wildland fire community on incidents both locally and nationally. But this time the Houston’s were already committed to supporting the national firefighting effort, which meant that Holsten had to find an alternative solution.

With nearly zero notice, six local businesses agreed to support the North Zone Fire Management Organization and the Arizona Central West Zone Type-3 Incident Management Team.

“We could not do this job without your trust and support, and for that, we are truly thankful,” said Stina Fire Incident Commander Mike Uebel. “We are blessed and fortunate to have such a supportive community.”

“You came through when we needed you most,” added Cat Fire Incident Commander RobRoy Williams. “Thank you for your unwavering support these past two weeks.”

Below is a list of these local businesses and their contributions on the Stina Fire and Cat Fire:

• In the midst of his first week in business, Walt Thirion and his staff at Vermillion 45 filled the gap by providing 140 dinners daily to firefighters on both the Stina Fire and Cat Fires.
• Honey’s Marketplace filled the gap by providing 200 breakfasts, 200 lunches, and 100 dinners daily to firefighters on both the Stina Fire and Cat Fires.
• Subway of Kanab filled the gap by providing 200 sandwich meals to firefighters on day number one of the Stina Fire.
• The Kaibab Lodge filled the gap by providing 50 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for several days to firefighters on both the Stina Fire and Cat Fires.
• The North Rim Country Store filled the gap by providing unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel needed to keep the refrigerator trailer running and for fuel for burnout operations on both the Stina and Cat Fires.
• Jackpot Waste Management provided 23 portable toilets and six portable hand wash stations in support of firefighters on both the Stina Fire and Cat Fires.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab and Inciweb under the name of the fire at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov or visit us on Facebook and Twitter @KaibabNF or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.

Stina, Cat Fire Update: Area closures lifted

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FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest will lift all area closures this Thursday, August 23, at 8 a.m. due to the significant and widespread monsoonal moisture that occurred over both the Cat Fire and Stina Fire over the last 72 hours.

“We encourage visitors to exercise caution, good judgment, and abide by the following recreational best practices,” said North Kaibab District Ranger Randall Walker.

Potential risks in an area recently burned by wildfire include the following:

· Storms resulting in flash flooding that could wash out roads, initiate debris flows and may entrap people at flooded stream courses.
· Unsound burned trees (snags) that could fall or shed large limbs.
· Eroded and very rough roads resulting in dangerous driving conditions.
· Unstable terrain with potential for rolling debris (logs, rocks, boulders, etc.).
· Burned out stump holes that could cause injury if stepped in.
· Blowing dust on roads and hillsides.

Visitors to the North Kaibab Ranger District are advised to follow these outdoor safety best practices:

1. Know the weather forecast and check it frequently as conditions can change in a very short timeframe.
2. Let someone outside of the area know exactly where you are and where you will be going daily.
3. Do not park vehicles or camp in areas with burned snags or where potential flood waters would prevent escape. Know where you are in relation to drainages.
4. During windy conditions, remain in open areas that are free of trees (both live and burned) as much as possible.
5. If an area seems unsafe for any reason, leave.
6. Have good maps and know where you are at all times.
7. Keep a well-charged cell phone with you and check it frequently, so you know when you’re in an area where there is no coverage.
8. Understand that there are many areas on public lands that are remote. It can take a very long time before responders can arrive if a rescue is required. The North Kaibab area is very remote.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab and Inciweb under the name of the fire at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov or visit us on Facebook and Twitter @KaibabNF or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.