FLAGSTAFF – The current hot and dry weather that Northern Arizona is experiencing, coupled with the below average monsoonal moisture, is causing some areas of the Museum Fire to show increased fire activity and smoke.

The 1,961-acre fire remains at 100 percent containment and the fire activity is deep within the fire area and poses no threat to containment lines. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and is currently in patrol status with one engine and miscellaneous overhead assigned. The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team continues implementation of the the recommendations to stabilize conditions in the fire area.

The mosaic burn pattern the Museum Fire exhibited across the landscape has left areas that did not burn at all. These aforementioned areas may begin to burn over the next few weeks or months. These interior islands pose no threat to the containment lines and may vary in size from a few square feet to an acre or two in size. Most of the time these areas burn with very low intensity but this can vary based on fuel loading, topography, and climatic conditions.

These areas are being monitored closely, but are not being suppressed due to their inaccessibility and the hazards associated with working for extended periods of time in remote post burn areas. These hazards include significant numbers of burned out trees, burning stump holes that may extend far beyond what is evident above ground, steep inaccessible terrain and rolling material.

The Museum Fire will continue to be monitored closely by firefighters to ensure that it remains safely within the containment lines.

Visitors to the Coconino National Forest are encouraged to know before you go by visiting Inciweb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6450/0/93533 to view a map of the Museum Fire Public Safety Closure area.