Category Archives: Kaibab National Forest

Two new lightning caused wildfires on Williams Ranger District

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SunflowerFIre013WILLIAMS — Fire officials on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest have two new lightning caused fires called the “Sunflower” and “Ike” fires. Both fires are being assessed for their potential of reducing hazardous fuel accumulations and restoring overall forest health.

The Sunflower fire was discovered on July 20th, and has grown to approximately 11 acres in size. It is located near Sunflower Flat west of White Horse Lake close to the junction of forest roads 747 and 14. The Ike fire, also discovered on July 20, is approximately 1.5 miles to the southeast of the Sunflower fire and is currently less than one acre in size. Both fires are burning in a ponderosa pine fuel type mixed with oak and grasses and have the potential to grow over the next several days as a warmer drying weather pattern is forecasted.

Smoke may be visible from several communities including Williams, Parks, Bellemont, Pittman Valley, Prescott, Camp Verde, Flagstaff and Sedona. Fire managers will monitor smoke production closely and will take extra measures as necessary to minimize impacts to surrounding developed areas.

As these fires develop and expand in size, an emergency closure order may be implemented in the immediate effected areas and on a short section of the Overland Trail to ensure public and firefighter safety.

Scott fire area enters rehabilitation phase

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TUSAYAN — With no growth over several days and mop up activities nearing completion, fire managers on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are now entering the rehabilitation stage on the Scott fire. Crews are working to improve upon the landscape with intent to preserve the integrity of the environment and maintain a desirable healthy condition in the forest after the fire occurrence.

Kaibab National Forest photo.

Kaibab National Forest photo.

Heavy equipment including an excavator and a loader are being utilized to move large amounts of material back onto the disturbed surfaces of land that were previously cleared to establish control lines for the fire.

A “BAER” team (Burned Area Emergency Response) has arrived and a risk assessment of the fire vicinity is currently underway. The purpose of the BAER program is to identify hazards caused by the fire and then implement emergency actions to reduce threats to life and property. Rehabilitation actions will inevitably stabilize and prevent unacceptable resource degradation resulting from the fire. This includes activities such as restoring fire lines installed by hand crews and dozers to a more natural condition which in turn will deter the public from using them as roads and trails. It will also minimize erosion and sediment delivery to water bodies and sensitive drainages.

“This work is critical to avert cascading negative effects and long duration damage to the affected land” said Kaibab National Forest Soil Scientist Kit MacDonald. “This process will not only help provide for public safety, but will also shorten the overall recovery time of the impacted areas.”

Road stabilization maintenance will begin on a short section of forest road 307 near the fire perimeter. Short-term closures may occur and visitors are urged to avoid travelling through the area until work is completed.

A nine mile section of the Arizona Trail will remain closed to the public, however an alternate detour route has been provided adjacent to the closed portion on forest road 310. Forest officials will re-open the trail once it is deemed safe for public access.

Flight restrictions imposed over wildfires near Tusayan

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image013TUSAYAN — The two lightning-caused wildfires that are being managed to improve forest health on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are now being actively suppressed to ensure public and firefighter safety. Drier conditions combined with higher wind speeds prompted managers to adjust plans, however the fires continue to accomplish land management objectives that were originally identified.

The 679-acre Airstrip Fire is 50% contained. It has shown no growth over night and is still holding within the designated planning area. Engine crews will continue to patrol and mop up along containment lines working toward full containment. Smoke will continue to be noticeable but will be light with minimal impacts to Tusayan.

The Scott Fire continues to be active growing approximately 110 acres yesterday bringing the total burned area to 2485 acres. Crews are assessing the terrain to establish a safe approach in order to begin constructing control lines as close as possible to the active fire edge. Additional resources have been brought in to hasten the direct attack approach. With higher winds predicted in the short term forecast, managers are striving to have control lines in place before the expected winds arrive.

A temporary flight restriction has been implemented over the area of the fire in order to allow fire aircraft to work safely without conflicts from touring aircraft in the high traffic corridor near Grand Canyon.

An area surrounding a 9 mile section of the Arizona Trail and has been closed by special order (Order Number: 07-16-07-F) for the purpose of ensuring public safety. Trail users are directed to follow an alternate detour route along forest road 310 adjacent to the closed section of trail. Members of the public are asked to avoid driving into areas where fire personnel are working to ensure firefighter and public safety.

Both fires will continue to produce some visible smoke that may be seen from the communities of Tusayan, Valle, Cameron, Tuba City, and from both rims of the Grand Canyon.

Airstrip Fire reaches objectives, Scott Fire to be suppressed

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TUSAYAN — Due to changing weather conditions in the forest that are now causing higher risks and exposure to firefighters, Officials have decided to implement a suppression strategy for the wildfires being managed on the Tusayan Ranger district on the Kaibab National Forest.

The Airstrip Fire has currently reached the perimeters within the planning area that were pre-set to stop forward progression and is no longer expected to grow. Crews successfully completed final ignitions along the south east boundary of the fire yesterday evening and will now begin mop up and patrolling to hold containment lines in place. Approximately 679 acres were burned and managers are pleased with the results which met the desired objectives that were identified for this fire. Although smoke will continue to be visible, volume is expected to decrease dramatically over the next few days as the fire settles.

The Scott Fire experienced much higher winds over the last two days which influenced a significant increase in fire behavior causing an acceleration in growth bringing the total burned area to 1730 acres. Officials continue to observe positive effects that correlate with land management objectives however strategies have been changed to ensure the protection of fire personnel and the public.

“With warmer temperatures and higher winds predicted over the next several days, we have decided that suppression is the best course of action at this time” said Tusayan District Ranger Christina Pearson. “Firefighter and public safety is our number one objective and we will only engage this fire when there is a high probability of success without putting people at risk.”

Both fires will continue to produce some visible smoke that will be seen from the communities of Tusayan, Valle, Cameron, Tuba City, and from both rims of the Grand Canyon. Smoke is expected to decline significantly from the Airstrip Fire but will remain more noticeable from the Scott Fire over the next few days.

Two lightning caused wildfires to be managed on Tusayan Ranger District

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TUSAYAN — Fire officials on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are managing two new fire starts called the “Scott” and “Airstrip” fires. The Scott fire was discovered June 28, and has grown to approximately 5 acres in size. It is located in a remote area on the Coconino rim near forest road 310 eleven miles east of Tusayan. The Airstrip Fire was discovered on June 29, and is currently 6 acres in size. The Airstrip fire is located just south of the town of Tusayan on the east side of highway 64.

The Scott Fire is burning in a pinyon juniper and ponderosa pine fuel type on the northeast slope of the Coconino rim in the Upper Basin. A temporary detour has been put in place on a section of the Arizona Trail between the Grand View lookout tower and forest road 311 north of Russell tank. Trail users are asked to follow directions posted along the trail and avoid areas where active fire is present.

The Airstrip fire is burning in a predominant ponderosa pine stand adjacent to the Grand Canyon airport and will be visible from the community of Tusayan and from highway 64. Both fires will be allowed to move within a predetermined planning area for the purpose of reducing hazardous fuel accumulations and restoring overall forest health.

“With the recent arrival of monsoon rains, conditions in the forest have become favorable for us to utilize both of these fires to significantly improve the landscape” said Josh Miller Assistant Fire Management Officer on the Tusayan Ranger District. “We recognize the concern people have about the Airstrip fire being managed relatively close to the community. By allowing moderate ground fire to clean up this critical piece of forest south of the developed areas, fuels loads will decrease creating a safeguard in front of the community. The end result will reduce a future threat of a potentially devastating wildfire running straight toward the town from the south.”

Weather conditions are expected to vary on a daily basis which will influence changes in fire behavior and growth patterns as both these fires begin to progress.

Smoke may be visible from the Grand Canyon village, the communities of Tusayan, Cameron, Valle, and from Highways 64 and 180. Fire managers will monitor smoke impacts closely and will employ extra measures as necessary to minimize smoke impacts to the surrounding residential areas.

Wildfire, recreational safety: Everyone’s responsibility this holiday weekend

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WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest officials are expecting increased numbers of visitors at the forest’s more popular recreational areas over the Independence weekend. Visitors are encouraged to use caution during all recreational activities that could potentially cause personal injury or a wildfire. The following are tips for having a safe and pleasant visit to the Kaibab National Forest:

 Campfires, Smoking and Fireworks: Forest visitors are reminded that although some areas of the forest have received some isolated moisture, the forest remains in very high fire danger and campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect in order to protect public health and reduce preventable human-caused fires.

 Stage 1 fire restrictions include:

  • Campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires are prohibited except in designated fire pits in developed recreation sites only.
  • Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters are authorized provided these devices can be turned on and off.
  • Smoking is only permitted in enclosed vehicles, buildings or developed recreation sites.
  • Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework is prohibited year-round on all National Forest lands. This includes “legal fireworks” available in some retail stores.

To learn more about Arizona fire restrictions, visit firerestrictions.us/az.

 Summer Monsoons: The potential for flash floods, lightning and widespread rainfall can occur with little warning. Visitors are advised to check weather forecasts, seek appropriate shelter during storms and visit MonsoonSafety.org for more information regarding monsoon awareness and safety tips.

 Camping: Whether planning to rough it this holiday weekend or simply enjoy a scenic drive, there are many ways to enjoy your National Forest. Forest officials encourage visitors to Know Before You Go. This online resource provides helpful tips to help visitors maximize a memorable and safe experience.

 Dispersed Camping:  Picnicking and camping outside of developed recreation areas on the forest is allowed unless otherwise posted. There are extra responsibilities and skills necessary for dispersed camping. As a reminder, camping rules and regulations are in place to make your experience a safe one while protecting natural and cultural resources so they remain unspoiled for other forest visitors. Visitors should provide their own water, Tread Lightly, and follow Leave No Trace Principles.

 Motor Vehicle Use:  The rules for motorized vehicles may vary between forests and districts. Please refer to the free Motor Vehicle Use Maps for each district for details. Visitors may download district MVUMs for various electronic devices here.

 Wildfire Information: Forest visitors may also call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 or subscribe to wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com for current fire conditions. This web-based app is a free subscription service and may be customized to individual areas of interest and sent real-time via text or email.

Visit the forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/main/kaibab for all other forest information or call the local ranger stations for the latest information on outdoor recreational experiences:

  • Williams Ranger District: (928) 635-5600
  • Tusayan Ranger District: (928) 638-2443
  • North Kaibab Ranger District: (928) 643-7395

Head Kaibab National Forest fire official recognized for achievements

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gonzales

Kaibab National Forest photo

WILLIAMS — The head fire official on the Kaibab National Forest was recently recognized for his achievements with two notable awards.

Arthur Gonzales, who has served as the forest’s fire staff officer since August 2011, was named the USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region’s Forest Fire Management Officer of the Year for 2015 as well as being recognized as the Outstanding Student in an advanced fire behavior course by the International Association of Wildland Fire.

“When I found out I was selected for these awards, I felt surprised, proud and very humbled,” Gonzales said. “I don’t do this job for recognition. I do it because I love the work and the benefits I see that it provides to not only me as a forest user but also to my family and my community.”

Gonzales was selected as the fire management officer of the year for his contributions in leading a progressive, balanced fire program on the Kaibab and for leading by example and working in a productive, interdisciplinary environment with other staff areas. He was honored by the cadre of the S-590 Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation course based on his demonstrated leadership and support of colleagues during the challenging class, which was held at the National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute in Tucson, Ariz., in March.

“Arthur is a great example of honesty, integrity and duty. He truly loves what he does and his passion shows,” said Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio. “He is innovative and forward thinking and is never satisfied with the status quo, but rather is always looking for a more efficient and better way to complete a task, accomplish a job, run the forest, or move the agency forward in some way.”

Under Gonzales’ leadership, the Kaibab National Forest doubled its 10-year average in prescribed fire accomplishments in 2015. More than 16,000 acres were treated, which was the most ever for the forest.

During the same year, there was a total of 21,551 acres burned by wildfires on the Kaibab. Of those acres burned in wildfires, a whopping 98 percent, or 21,111 acres, were from wildfires managed for natural and cultural resource objectives and benefits including grassland restoration, wildlife habitat improvement and overall enhancement of forest health. The Kaibab’s five-year average for acres from such fires was top in the Southwestern Region, with 24 percent of the region’s total coming from the forest.

“All the work we do is intended to benefit the ecosystem, and the communities we live in are part of that ecosystem,” Gonzales said. “I’m as big a user of our National Forests as anybody else out there, and I recognize that fire is essential to continuing to have this amazing place and the opportunities that stem from it.”

Since 2003, a total of 170,596 acres have been successfully managed to achieve natural and cultural resource objectives on the Kaibab National Forest including this year’s 5,983-acre Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District, which allowed fire to be used as a tool to begin important grassland restoration work in the area.

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have developed an understanding of how fire has shaped landscapes and how it has been critical in developing and providing the opportunities I so greatly enjoy in the outdoors,” Gonzales said. “With this understanding of the role of fire in ecosystems, I have dedicated myself to a career in fire management, with a particular focus in using fire to maintain and enhance landscapes so that everyone can experience all the opportunities that our public lands have to offer both now and into the future.”

Besides actual treatment on the ground, Gonzales’ leadership has proved innovative in myriad other ways. In late 2015, an informational video was released explaining the importance of wildland fire in the ecosystems of northern Arizona from the perspectives of various Kaibab National Forest natural and cultural resource specialists. That video, entitled “Keeping Fire on the Ground: Resource Specialist Perspectives on the Kaibab National Forest,” stemmed from Gonzales’ desire to highlight a part of the wildland fire world that most people never get to see. Gonzales took a truly unique approach to tell the story of wildland fire by highlighting some of the unsung heroes on his unit. He is using the video to help educate employees across the agency, raise awareness, and highlight the collective efforts necessary to build a successful wildland fire management program.

“Arthur is by far the finest fire management officer I have had the pleasure of working with in my nearly 30-year career,” Provencio said. “His depth of knowledge and experience in fire, combined with his strategic thinking and strong leadership among all resource areas within the agency, make him more than deserving of this recognition and the awards that he has received.”

Bert fire burning out

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WILLIAMS — For Immediate Release. The Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has decreased in activity over the last few days and is expected to continue to decline as the fire reaches pre-defined action perimeters.

Smoke an fire have diminished after the fire consumed the fuels of the approximately 5983 acres. Crews have effectively allowed fire to move across the landscape using techniques that were designed to successfully achieve management objectives. Much of the fire perimeter has now reached the identified boundaries previously set forth and managers are very pleased with the results.

Bert Fire experiences largest day of growth

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800-bert-160620-1046WILLIAMS — As expected, the Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest reached its largest day of growth yesterday with just over 700 acres of fire spread bringing the total burned area to 5445 acres.

The Bert Fire is located ten-miles southeast of Valle on highway 180 near Ebert Mountain.

The Northern Arizona Type 3 incident management team assumed management on Tuesday morning after a predicted increase in fire activity. Crews were ready for the change in fire behavior as near record high temperatures combined with low relative humidity prompted the anticipated growth. Containment lines held while several land management objectives continued to be met with positive results including key improvements to grassland restoration.

An increase in high lifting smoke was visible from far reaching areas surrounding the vicinity of the fire but overnight impacts remained minimal. Smoke may continue to be noticeable over the next several days until monsoonal precipitation eventually arrives.

Wildcat Fire 70% contained

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FREDONIA — The final report on the lightning-caused, 1,502-acre Wildcat Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest is 70 percent contained, with no additional fire growth anticipated.

The fire started June 13 south of Highway 89A in the vicinity of the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. A crew of 238 personnel have been monitoring the fire with a goal of full suppression. On Sunday, excessive temperatures caused two fire fighters to be treated for heat-realated illnesses.

There has been no growth on the Wildcat Fire for several days. Crews have successfully mopped up 100 feet in from the fire edge along 70 percent of the fire. In the wilderness, hand crews have extinguished hot spots while implementing Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics. Infrared photography shows little heat, and no spot fires have been found across the fire’s edge in days. Responsibility for management of the Wildcat Fire passed from Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 back to the Kaibab National Forest this morning. A smaller fire organization will patrol and mop up the fire until it is 100 percent contained.

As a reminder, both the North and South Canyon trails are temporarily closed in order to provide for public and firefighter safety. Public notifications will be released once the closure is rescinded. The North Canyon Trail closure starts at Forest Road 631 and extends to the intersection of the Arizona Trail on the west side, approximately three-quarters of a mile from FR 611. The South Canyon Trail closure starts at FR 211 and extends to the west side trailhead near the junction of FR 610 and FR 2599.