WILLIAMS — Slightly warmer temperatures yesterday propelled the Boulin Fire on the Williams Ranger District to grow an additional 400 acres bringing the total size to 1155. Growth can be expected as weather conditions remain warm and dry.

Fire behavior continues to burn with a low to moderate intensity backing through grasses and ponderosa pine litter consuming dead and down fuels. Crews periodically ignite the edges of the containment lines to stay aligned with the fires natural progression. There have been no holding problems as the fire advances within the planning area.

A drone intrusion was averted, yesterday when fire officials received a report from an alert local resident who witnessed seeing an individual preparing to operate an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as “drones,” in the immediate fire area. Although no contact was made, it is critically important to remind people to avoid operating these type of aircraft anywhere near an active wildfire or prescribed fire to ensure the safety of firefighters and the effectiveness of operations.

“It may be hard for individuals who aren’t familiar with wildfire operations to understand why it’s so dangerous for them to fly a UAS over a wildfire,” said Jim Burton, Safety Officer on the Boulin Fire. “Firefighting aircraft typically fly in smoky, windy, and turbulent conditions. Safety depends on knowing what other aircraft are operating in the airspace and where they are at all times. This can be compromised by the presence of unauthorized aircraft, including UAS.”