Category Archives: National Government

Thief compromises Bert Fire operations and public safety

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image013VALLE — On Tuesday morning a firefighter assigned to the Bert Fire on the Kaibab National Forest discovered the theft of essential emergency safety equipment taken from the scene of the Bert Fire southeast of Valle, Arizona.

Sometime during the night hours of Monday June 6, an electronic safety message sign that was placed on highway 180 was vandalized and multiple power batteries were stolen from inside of the unit. The sign board which displayed illuminated safety messages for travelers was rendered inoperable. The messages were designed to alert drivers of approaching hazardous conditions including smoke and fire personnel working in the area.

Officials would like to remind the public of the importance of safety when conduction fire operations that are near or within rural areas and adjacent to busy highway corridors. These types of careless actions can elevate danger and reduce the ability to provide for public safety of both firefighters and motorists. U.S. Forest Service law enforcement is currently working with the Coconino County Sheriff’s office and would encourage anyone with information related to this crime to contact the sheriff’s office at 928-774-4523 or USFS Law Enforcement at 928-635-5642.

Bert Fire remains active reaching 1531 acres in size

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WILLIAMS — The lightning caused Bert fire has grown to 1531 acres in size and continues to benefit the landscape while effectively meeting objectives. Yesterday crews successfully completed a burn out operation that was designed to protect resource values that included the Highway 180 corridor and the Arizona Public Service power line.

“As with all fires we manage in the forest, protecting life, public safety, and property is our first priority” said Danelle Harrison, district ranger on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. “Although we recognize the amount of smoke increased yesterday, the benefits of securing these values at risk was essential for us and will likely reduce the number of days smoke will linger in the long term.”

Winds are predicted to remain out of the northeast throughout today and then reverse direction. Smoke is expected to disperse to the southwest on Saturday and then move off to the northeast on Sunday.  Fire managers are preparing for the changes in weather patterns and will adjust operational plans accordingly. Minimizing smoke impacts remains a top priority.

To view recent spherical panoramas and photos of the Bert Fire and the area in which it is burning, visit http://bit.ly/BertFire2016.

Bert Fire continues steady growth while improving forest health

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WILLIAMS — The lightning caused Bert Fire continues to be active and is being allowed to burn naturally to improve forest health on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. At more than 213 acres in size, the fire is growing steadily while providing significant resource benefits, and fire managers anticipate that trend will continue given the drier weather pattern in place.

“The Bert Fire is doing exactly what we hoped it would,” said Quentin Johnson, incident commander for the Bert Fire. “It is backing through forest that needs to burn within the historic fire return interval. This frequency of fire on the landscape helps maintain a healthy environment, and we are seeing the kinds of effects we want. The fire is cleaning up accumulated fuels and improving the overall condition of the forest.”

Today, crews will continue with preparation work that will include securing Highway 180. A burn out operation will likely occur south of the highway over the next two days and will be visible from the corridor. A burn out operation is used to create a safe “blackline” which is effective in stopping the advance of an approaching fire and keeping it within a designated area. Motorists are asked to use additional caution when driving through the fire area and reduce speeds when appropriate.

As the Bert Fire continues its steady growth, smoke will be more obvious from surrounding areas. While smoke has largely been pushed toward the southeast away from developed areas, it is likely that increasing fire activity will lead to a more noticeable column over the coming days.

Warmer conditions allow Bert Fire to grow while meeting objectives

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bert-fire-1VALLE — With warmer and drier conditions, the Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has increased to 130 acres in size and is expected to grow larger over the next several days. Fire officials have identified a planning area within which to allow the fire to move safely to the south and west of Ebert Mountain near the point of origin in order to reduce hazardous fuels and improve grassland conditions.

Today, crews will continue preparation work which will include securing roadways, archaeological sites, range fences, power lines and any other potentially fire-sensitive resources within the established boundaries for the fire. Some techniques used will involve removing burnable materials away from these features as well as conducting burn out operations along roadways to stop fire as it approaches. Among several objectives identified, managers have recognized a predefined planning area for grassland restoration within the fire area.

“This is a unique opportunity for us to enhance this grassland restoration project area using fire as an effective tool,” said Deirdre McLaughlin, lands and minerals staff officer for the Williams Ranger District.

Smoke from the Bert Fire may become prominent as it increases in activity and continues to grow, and will be visible from the surrounding communities and highways. Winds are expected to be northwest moving smoke away from developed residential neighborhoods and be pushed toward the southeast with good ventilation. The public is urged to use caution while driving along Highway 64 and Highway 180 during the cooler early morning hours when smoke may be lower due to inversion. No closures are currently anticipated in the area of the fire.

The Bert Fire, discovered May 29th was caused by lightning and has grown to approximately 130 acres. It is located near the junction of forest road 144 and highway 180 approximately 10 miles southeast of the community of Valle.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources: InciWeb http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4751/; Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Phone Line (928) 635-8311; Text Message – text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404.

Campfire Safety Urged This Memorial Day Weekend

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WILLIAMS — aibab National Forest managers would like to remind visitors and the public to use extreme caution with campfires and any recreational activity that could potentially cause a wildfire as the holiday weekend approaches.

Although there are currently no fire restrictions in effect on the forest, fire danger will move to a rating of “High” on Friday May 27th on both the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts. Warmer temperatures, gusty winds, coupled with fuel moisture levels that change dynamically in the late spring and early summer months can significantly influence the potential for an unwanted wildfire in the forest.

We welcome people to visit and enjoy a wide variety of unique recreational opportunities the forest has to offer, but emphasize the message that there is always a need to be responsible with campfires.

Additional fire personnel will be out patrolling the forest this weekend to inform visitors about weather and potential fire conditions, but we offer the following suggestions to help ensure a safe visit to the Kaibab National Forest:

• Never abandon or leave a campfire unattended.
• Have a shovel and plenty of water on hand to put it out.
• Ensure the area surrounding your campfire is free of any burnable materials.
• Use existing campfire rings to minimize impact to the surrounding soil.
• Remember fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest Lands
• Dispose of all trash and debris in appropriate receptacles.

As weather conditions become warmer and drier, fire managers will continue to assess the need to implement fire restrictions. Forest visitors may call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 for current conditions and the status of fire restrictions. To find out if fire restrictions are in effect anywhere in Arizona, visit www.firerestrictions.us/az.

Emergency Area Closure for the Mormon Fire

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image002FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest has issued an emergency closure on all National Forest System lands within the area of the Mormon Fire on the Coconino National Forest, in Coconino County, north of the intersection of Forest Service Road 700 and FR 240 until rescinded or June 26, 2016, whichever event occurs first.

This area closure is implemented as a standard wildfire operations procedure which helps to protect the public from entering into an area that is still active with fire, so as not to impede the efficiency of firefighters and allow for their safety while they do their job. The public is prohibited from entering any trails, roads, or areas within the fire closure area, which will be in force until further notification.

To view the Order and map of the fire closure area, visit: http://tinyurl.com/hu7c99f
This area, road, and trail closure only affects National Forest System land, roads, and trails within the closure area on the Coconino National Forest. The closure does not affect any private, state, county, or other Non-National Forest System lands within the closure boundary.

“The Mormon Fire, a wildfire, is being managed near Mormon Mountain in the Flagstaff Ranger District,” said George Jozens, Deputy Public Affairs Officer for the Coconino National Forest. “The firefighters on scene are taking all measures to protect people, sensitive wildlife and other values which may be at risk. This closure is just one of the tools used to manage safety in the area. This lightning-caused wildfire is adding the frequent, low severity fire to restore wildlife habitat, promote healthy vegetation, reduce fuels and the risk of severe fire, and create safer conditions for residents, visitors, and firefighters.”

Smoke from forest fire to reduce visibility on Interstate 17 near Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Motorists traveling on Interstate 17 and State Route 87 in northern Arizona are likely to see smoke over the next week from three fires burning in the Coconino National Forest.

The Cowboy, Mormon and Pivot Rock fires are relatively small in size, and the U.S. Forest Service is allowing them to burn. Smoke could be visible through the weekend from all three fires.

The Cowboy fire is just east of I-17 at the Kelly Canyon Road interchange north of Munds Park. There could be heavy smoke along I-17 between the Newman Park Road and Kelly Canyon Road interchanges on Tuesday as Forest Service crews manage the fire along the interstate.

Flames will be visible from I-17. Smoke will most likely settle over the interstate Tuesday night.

Motorists are advised to use caution, as the smoke could reduce visibility and firefighters will be working near the highway.

Smoke from the Mormon fire, about five miles east of Munds Park, could affect visibility along SR 87 north of Clints Well.

Smoke from the Pivot Rock fire near SR 87 at milepost 284 could also affect visibility along the highway south of Clints Well.

Motorists traveling along State Route 288 north of Roosevelt Lake may also encounter smoke from the Juniper fire, another managed fire in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness Area of the Tonto National Forest.

The Forest Service, under certain conditions, allows fires to burn to reduce fuels and the risk of more severe wildfires. During managed fire operations, community members and visitors may see fire personnel and vehicles in the vicinity.

To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, call 511 or follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).

Fire managers postpone prescribed fires on Kaibab Plateau

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FREDONIA — Effective immediately, North Zone fire managers have postponed this week’s plans to conduct both the Bridge Unit and Moquitch 4 prescribed fires due to predicted high winds on the Kaibab Plateau.

High wind activity could potentially cause implementation efforts to exceed acceptable parameters for the hazardous fuels reduction prescription. Therefore, fire managers will commence plans to test burn on both units once predicted weather, wind speed, and air quality conditions align favorably with prescription constraints.

Current future information on current Kaibab National Forest both upcoming prescribed burn notifications and wildfires will be provided through the following methods:

Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311

Prescribed Fire Planned for Tusayan Ranger District Friday and Saturday

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TUSAYAN — Due to above normal precipitation and cooler temperatures over the last month, conditions on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are within prescriptive levels and are suitable for fire managers to continue treatment of the 8,000-acre Russell Prescribed Fire project southeast of Tusayan.

Crews plan to begin ignitions near the area of Russell Tank and the Arizona Trail beginning Friday and expect to complete a 429-acre unit by the end of the following day. Smoke may be visible from Highways 64 and 180, and from the communities of Valle and Tusayan, but is not expected to impact residential areas.

Fire managers strive to minimize smoke impacts and will only conduct ignitions when conditions exist that will allow smoke to ventilate away from sensitive areas. Smoke is expected to disperse to the northeast during the day. Residual smoke may settle into drainages and low lying areas overnight but will dissipate rapidly throughout the morning hours. The Arizona Trail will remain open during operations, but hikers are advised to use caution and observe signs and directions posted along the trail.

Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly throughout the season. The public can find this information online or through the recorded hotline. Contact your local Kaibab National Forest office for additional information.

Prescribed Burn Planned on Kaibab Plateau

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FREDONIA — Pending favorable conditions, North Zone fire managers on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are planning to begin a prescribed fire within the 1,806-acre Jacob Ryan North “Bridge” Unit as early as Tuesday, May 24.

Once ignitions commence, fire managers expect the prescribed fire treatment to last three to four days.

As one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems, prescribed fires are used to reduce forest fuels, recycle nutrients and increase habitat diversity by removing dead forest fuels.

“In addition to providing community protection and promoting forest health, this prescribed fire operation will be conducted with firefighter and public safety as our number one priority,” said North Kaibab District Ranger Randall Walker. “The tradeoff is that we are on the cusp of tourist season and smoke is to be expected. Conducting a prescribed burn with no smoke is not really very realistic. However, to mitigate the impact, we burn when conditions are such that the smoke will disperse away from populated areas as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Smoke sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures as fire managers do anticipate smoke to minimally impact visitors in the vicinity of Jacob Lake, on Highways 67 and 89A, as well as hikers on a portion of the Arizona Trail (AZT) that passes through the unit for short periods of time during the prescribed fire operations.

To aid hikers on the impacted portion of the AZT, fire managers will post firefighters at the east and west ends of the unit where the trail and the prescribed burn area intersect in order to escort hikers through as necessary. No road or trail closures are expected. However, visitors are reminded to use caution when traveling along Highways 67 and 89A, and be aware of emergency vehicles in the area.

“The fuel samples we collected last week indicate that the conditions for this prescribed burn are within the optimal range to meet our objectives,” said North Zone Fuels Specialist Dave Robinson. “We’re right in the heart of perfect conditions for this prescription.”

The boundaries for this prescribed fire are Forest Service Road 247 on the north and west, FSR 487 to FSR 257 south to Highway 89A to FSR 247 on the south, and a series of dozer lines and connecting forest roads on the east.

All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and appropriate weather conditions. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burns authorized on any given day, please visit http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html.

Information on current Kaibab National Forest wildfires and notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided through the following methods:

Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311

Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages)

Kaibab website “News & Events”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

WildfiresNearMe: A new subscription, web-based application tool that provides the public with real-time text and email notification about wildfires that break out in their area. Users can follow any fire that has started within their area of interest. For more information, visit http://wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com/.