Emergency Information

The lightning-caused Castle Fire grew to 235 acres yesterday, and Kaibab National Forest managers are pleased with the positive effects it is having on the ecosystem.

The wildfire, which is being used by forest managers to meet a variety of resource objectives, is consuming heavy fuel accumulations on the forest floor and is helping ensure the ecosystem will be healthier and more resilient in the future.

The Castle Fire is being allowed to fulfill its natural role in a fire-dependent ecosystem within a defined planning area of 19,368 acres on the Kaibab Plateau. It is located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon.

As it moves across the landscape, wildland fire crews are actively reinforcing existing roads and other barriers that will ultimately confine fire growth to the predetermined boundaries. They do this by removing fuels, such as trees and brush, adjacent to the established perimeters in order to expand the nonburnable area.

Yesterday, wildland fire crews conducted burnout operations along Forest Road 760 to secure the northeastern flank of the planning area. During burn out, firefighters use drip torches to set fire inside an established control line to consume fuel between the edge of the fire and the line. Today, crews will continue preparation work along the eastern edge of the planning area.

Fire managers anticipate that the Castle Fire will continue burning over at least the next several weeks. Weather conditions are predicted to remain largely warm and dry, which should aid in the wildfire's continued gradual growth.

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure. Smoke impacts have been minimal to date. However, visitors to the North Kaibab Ranger District may notice some localized smoke as they travel near the fire area. Smoke may become more visible as fire activity increases.

 

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Location: Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
• Current Resources: Four crews, eight engines, a dozer, a chipper, two water tenders, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel: approximately 145.  
• Current Size: About 235 acres within a 19,368-acre planning area.
• Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, and Fredonia. 
• Current Closures: None.
• Recent and Current Operations: Wildland fire crews plan to continue improving roads and other designated perimeters within which the fire can move. Burnout operations may be conducted as needed to strengthen control lines.

 

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

·         Castle Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

·         Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 

·         Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF 

·         Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF 

·         Flickr: http://bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos

 

Update | Community Meeting | Evacuation | Smoke Impacts | Firefighting Strategy | Closures | Resources | Fire Information

Update:

Today’s unexpected cloud cover and higher humidity allowed firefighters to improve containment and hold any fire progress along the south and southwest perimeter of the fire. On the east side of the fire there was a little activity but retardant from airtankers kept the fire from moving. Dozers worked on creating fire line on north end of the fire as terrain allowed near Longfellow Springs. Crews continued to make good progress building fireline along the west and northwest side of the fire.  An interactive Cellar Fire Map is available at https://tinyurl.com/CellarFireMap.

Fire crews will continue working on structure protection at Palace Station tonight and monitor hots spots along FS Road 52 (Senator HWY) on the east side of the fire down to Shady Dells. Cloud cover tonight will keep heat over the fire, but little fire activity is expected.  

Community Meeting:

A Cellar Fire Community Meeting will be tomorrow, July 20, at 2pm at Crown King Fire Department, 7235 Main Street, Crown King, AZ. American Sign Language (ASL) and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services will be provided. We plan to livestream the meeting on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/ and the recording will be posted after the meeting is over. If we are unable to livestream or lose the connection, we will record the meeting and post highlights afterwards. No Facebook account is required to view the video.

Evacuation:

Thursday afternoon the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office issued a Code Red ‘GO’ mandatory evacuation for the residents located in Pine Flat.  A shelter has been set up at the Prescott High School. For information on Code Red, evacuations and road closures please call Yavapai County EOC at 928-771-3321. The communities of Walker, Groom Creek, Wolf Creek, Potato Patch, Indian Creek and Crown King remain in ‘READY’ status.  For information on Code Red alerts, visit the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/  or call (928) 771-3321 (7:00 am to 7:00 pm).

Smoke Impacts:

There is the potential for heavier smoke impacts into the weekend. Daily smoke outlooks are being posted to the Central Arizona Smoke Outlook athttps://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralArizona.

Firefighting Strategy:

Firefighters will continue to actively engage in fully suppressing the fire where they can do so safely and effectively. This includes protecting values at risk including private property and infrastructure in and around Pine Flats, Potato Patch, Wolf Creek, Groom Creek, Indian Creek Walker, and Crown King.

Daily video updates are being posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/.

Closures:

There is a Cellar Fire Closure Area in effect on the Prescott National Forest. It includes everything south of Wolf Creek including Potato Patch, south to the community of Crown King. The community of Crown King remains open for business. Detailed information and a map are available on Inciweb athttps://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6443/.  

Resources:

Cellar Fire Information: 928-925-1111 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6443/ (Fire info, maps, photos, links to cooperators and related info)

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/        Twitter: https://twitter.com/prescottnf

Ready, Set, Go Information and Code Red Sign Up: http://www.ycsoaz.gov/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/ 

Fire Information:

Acres:    7,393 acres (Based on more accurate mapping)   

Percent Containment: 18 %        

Start Date: July 14, 2019                                              

Cause: Lightning                                            

Origin Location: 16 Miles South of Prescott, AZ                    

Jurisdiction:  Prescott National Forest

Fuels: Upper elevation: Ponderosa pine. Lower elevation: Brush, Grass and Chaparral

Resources: 594 personnel including 10 Hot Shot Crews, 6 Type 2 IA Crews, 1 Type 2 Crew, 2 Dozers, and 18 Engines 

 

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective July 20 and 21, 2019, in the Phoenix area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HW is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

Ground level ozone forms when two types of pollutants—volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—react in sunlight. These pollutants come primarily from automobiles, but also from other sources including industries, power plants and products, such as solvents and paints. Generally, the highest levels of ozone occur in the afternoon.

Check the Hourly Air Quality Forecast | View >

Health Impacts

People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors, people with heart or lung disease and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and upper respiratory issues.

Please help reduce ozone by doing one or more of the following:

• Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
• Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
• Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
• Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers – delay big painting projects
• Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air

Be Air Aware!

Stay informed and be a part of the ADEQ air quality challenge. Together we can make a difference to improve air quality for everyone in Arizona by following three simple steps. | Learn More >

Background:

High Pollution Advisory (HPA) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.

Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.

Particulate Matter Fact Sheet | View >

Ozone Fact Sheet | View >

Find the Forecast:

ADEQ Hourly Air Quality Forecast | View >

Text or Email Alerts | Subscribe > 

Clean Air, Make More Mobile App

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Update | Evacuation | Smoke Impacts | Firefighting Strategy | Closures | Resources | Fire Information

Update:

Another active fire day is expected today. The fire remained active overnight due to poor humidity recovery. Fire activity is expected to increase throughout the day, especially in areas where slope and winds align.

Hot shot crews are continuing to construct fireline directly along the fire’s edge on the northwest side of the fire.  They have constructed line from the southwest corner of the fire and have made their way northeast to the Deer Spring area. They are continuing to make their way to the northeast to help create a fireline to help protect communities and infrastructure further north of the fire.

Fire crews and equipment are clearing brush along the Forest Road 52 (Senator Highway) on the east side of the fire. They are clearing brush 60 feet deep along the windy, dirt road to create a fireline to help limit the fire’s spread in preparation for the fire advancing to this area.  Fire crews with chainsaws, masticators that grind down vegetation, dozers, and engines are working in this area.

Evacuation:

Yesterday afternoon the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office issued a Code Red ‘GO’ mandatory evacuation for the residents located in Pine Flat.  A shelter has been set up at the Prescott High School. For information please call 928-771-3260. The communities of Walker, Groom Creek, Wolf Creek, Potato Patch, Indian Creek and Crown King remain in ‘READY’ status.  For information on Code Red alerts, visit the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/ or call (928) 771-3321.

Smoke Impacts:

There is the potential for heavier smoke impacts into the weekend. Daily smoke outlooks are being posted to the Central Arizona Smoke Outlook athttps://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralArizona.

Firefighting Strategy:

Firefighters will continue to actively engage in fully suppressing the fire where they can do so safely and effectively. This includes protecting values at risk including private property and infrastructure in and around Pine Flats, Potato Patch, Wolf Creek, Groom Creek, Indian Creek Walker, and Crown King.

Daily video updates are being been posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/.

Closure:

There is a Cellar Fire Closure Area in effect on the Prescott National Forest. It includes everything south of Wolf Creek including Potato Patch, south to the community of Crown King. The community of Crown King remains open for business. Detailed information and a map are available on Inciweb athttps://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6443/.  

Resources:

Cellar Fire Information: 928-925-1111 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6443/ (Fire info, maps, photos, links to cooperators and related info)

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/        

Twitter: https://twitter.com/prescottnf

Yavapai County Emergency Operations Center: 928-771-3321 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

Ready, Set, Go Information and Code Red Sign Up: http://www.ycsoaz.gov/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/ 

Fire Information:

Acres:    7,293 acres                                                                    

Percent Containment: 0 %          

Start Date: July 14, 2019                                                             

Cause: Lightning                                            

Origin Location: 16 Miles South of Prescott, AZ                    

Jurisdiction:  Prescott National Forest

Fuels: Upper elevation: Ponderosa pine. Lower elevation: Brush, Grass and Chaparral

Resources: 367 personnel including 7 Hot Shot Crews, 6 Type 2 IA Crews, 2 Dozers, and 6 Engines 

Wildland fire crews assigned to the Castle Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest continued efforts yesterday to improve established control lines in advance of the wildfire's gradual growth.

The lightning-caused wildfire, which is being allowed to fulfill its natural role in a fire-dependent ecosystem, remains at about 200 acres within a predetermined planning area of 19,368 acres. It is located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon.

Fire managers anticipate that the Castle Fire will continue burning at a low-to-moderate intensity over at least the next several weeks as it moves naturally through mixed conifer stands that will benefit greatly from the reintroduction of fire. Over time, the stands have become overly dense and weakened by insects and disease, resulting in a significant amount of dead and downed trees.

Allowing fire to naturally move across the landscape will not only consume dense fuels on the forest floor but will also replenish nutrients in the soil. This will reduce the risk of future high-severity wildfires and make the remaining trees more resilient.

While the Castle Fire did not grow significantly yesterday, it did slowly back down nearby ridgelines and smolder through heavy fuels. Fire managers expect increased fire behavior over the next few days, as weather conditions in the area are predicted to remain warm and dry.

Tomorrow, wildland fire crews plan to continue improving roads and other designated perimeters within which the fire can move. They are currently focusing efforts along both the northeastern and southeastern boundaries of the planning area.

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure. Smoke impacts have been minimal to date. However, visitors to the North Kaibab Ranger District may notice some localized smoke as they travel near the fire area. Smoke may become more visible over the coming days as fire activity increases.

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Location: Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
• Current Resources: Two crews, six engines, a dozer, a chipper, a water tender, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel: approximately 100.  
• Current Size: About 200 acres within a 19,368-acre planning area.
• Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, and Fredonia. 
• Current Closures: None.
• Recent and Current Operations: Wildland fire crews plan to continue improving roads and other designated perimeters within which the fire can move. They are currently focusing efforts along both the northeastern and southeastern boundaries of the planning area.

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

• Castle Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
• Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF 
• Flickr: http://bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos

 

Fire Perimeter with Planning Area PDF:

fireperimetermapwithplanningarea_071919.pdf

Evacuation | Update | Public Meeting | Weather/Smoke Impacts | Air Quality | Firefighting Strategy | Closures | Resources | Fire Information

 

Evacuation:

This afternoon the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office issued a Code Red ‘GO’ mandatory evacuation for the residents located in Pine Flat.  A shelter has been set up at the Prescott High School.  For information please call 928-771-3260. 

The communities of Walker, Groom Creek, Wolf Creek, Potato Patch, Indian Creek and Crown King remain in ‘READY’ status.  For information on the Code Red alerts you can visit the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/ or call (928) 771-3321.

Update:

The Cellar Fire was active this afternoon on the north and east perimeter of the fire and moved in to North Fork drainage towards Yankee Mine.  A Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) was effective in slowing the fire’s spread on the east side of the fire. Additional air tankers continued to support hotshot crews working on the northwest flank of the fire.

Firefighters continue structure protection in the Pine Flat community and the Palace Station historic site. 

Public Meeting:

A recording of tonight’s Cellar Fire Community Meeting is available to view on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/. No Facebook account is required to view it.

Weather/Smoke Impacts:

A warmer and drier weather pattern is forecasted to continue into the weekend. These conditions bring the potential for more fire activity leading to the possibility of heavier smoke impacts to the surrounding areas. Any smoke produced by the fire should move to the areas northeast and east of the fire. The highest concentrations are expected in the low lying areas adjacent to the fire overnight and into the early morning hours.

Air Quality:

Air quality monitoring is currently being conducted in the communities of Cordes Lakes, Dewey/Humbolt and Camp Verde. Realtime air quality monitor data: Cordes Lakes & Dewey/Humbolt https://app.airsis.com/USFS/UnitMap

Camp Verde: https://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx.

Firefighting Strategy:

Firefighters will continue to actively engage in fully suppressing the fire where they can do so safely and effectively. This includes protecting values at risk including private property and infrastructure in and around Pine Flats, Potato Patch, Wolf Creek, Groom Creek, Indian Creek Walker, and Crown King.

Closures:

A Prescott National Forest Cellar Fire Closure Order went into effect this morning. It includes everything south of Wolf Creek including Potato Patch, south to the community of Crown King. The community of Crown King remains open for business. Detailed information and a map are available on Inciweb athttps://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6443/.  

Resources:

Cellar Fire Information: 928-925-1111 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6443/ (Fire info, maps, photos, links to cooperators and related info)

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/        

Twitter: https://twitter.com/prescottnf

Yavapai County Emergency Operations Center: 928-771-3321 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

Ready, Set, Go

Information and Code Red Sign Up: http://www.ycsoaz.gov/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/ 

Fire Information:

Acres:    7,008 acres                                                                    

Percent Containment: 0 %          

Start Date: July 18, 2019                                                             

Cause: Lightning                                            

Origin Location: 16 Miles South of Prescott, AZ                    

Jurisdiction:  Prescott National Forest

Fuels: Upper elevation: Ponderosa pine. Lower elevation: Brush, Grass and Chaparral

Resources: 367 personnel including 7 Airtankers, 7 Helicopters, 7 Hot Shot Crews, 6 Type 2 IA Crews, 2 Dozers, and 6 Engines 

The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team #1 assumed command of the Cellar Fire this morning at 6am. Additional firefighters are arriving as well.

A Cellar Fire Community Meeting will be held tonight, July 18, at 6pm at Glassford Hill Middle School, 9601 E. Panther Path, Prescott Valley, AZ. American Sign Language (ASL) and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services will be provided. We plan to livestream the meeting on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/ and the recording will be posted after the meeting is over. If we are unable to livestream or lose the connection, we will record the meeting and post highlights afterwards. No Facebook account is required to view the video.

Firefighters are actively engaged in fully suppressing the fire where they can do so safely and effectively.  This includes protecting values at risk including private property and infrastructure in and around Pine Flats, Potato Patch, Wolf Creek, Groom Creek, Indian Creek Walker, and Crown King.

Hot, dry weather is expected to continue.  Firefighters are prepared to respond to the potential for fire movement and initial attack as needed. Firefighters are improving and holding the anchor point on the southwest flank of the fire. Airtankers are dropping retardant to support hotshot crews on the ground in holding and securing the west flank of the fire. Firefighters are assessing structure protection needs and will be implementing structure protection as needed.

There are NO evacuations currently in effect. As a precaution, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Code Red ‘SET’ for the community of Pine Flat; and a Code Red ‘READY’ for the communities of Walker, Groom Creek, Wolf Creek, Potato Patch, Indian Creek and Crown King.  For information on the Code Red alerts you can visit the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/ or call (928) 771-3321.

A Prescott National Forest Cellar Fire Closure Order went into effect this morning. It includes everything south of Wolf Creek including Potato Patch, south to the community of Crown King. The community of Crown King remains open for business. Detailed information and map are available on Inciweb athttps://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6443/.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More info visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information: 928-925-1111 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6443/ (Fire info, maps, photos, links to cooperators and related info)

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/        

Twitter: https://twitter.com/prescottnf

Yavapai County Emergency Operations Center: 928-771-3321 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)

Ready, Set, Go Information and Code Red Sign Up: http://www.ycsoaz.gov/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/ 

 

Acres: 6,450 acres                                                                     

Percent Containment: 0 %          

Start Date: July 18, 2019                                                             

Cause: Lightning                                            

Origin Location: 16 Miles South of Prescott, AZ                    

Jurisdiction:  Prescott National Forest

Fuels: Upper elevation: Ponderosa pine. Lower elevation: Brush, Grass and Chaparral

Resources: 7 Airtankers, 4 Helicopters, 7 Hot Shot Crews, 6 Type 2 IA Crews, 2 Dozers, and 18 Engines   

The Yavapai County Emergency Management office has activated the emergency phone bank to answer questions about the Cellar Fire.  

The phone bank will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and can be reached at 928-442-5103 or 928-925-1111.  

You can also find up to date information at the following websites:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/

https://twitter.com/PrescottNF

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office now utilizes CodeRED® as its Emergency Notification System. With this service, we can send messages to residents and businesses within minutes with specific information when an emergency or time-sensitive issue arises.  Sign up here http://ycsoaz.gov.

Weather conditions allowed for successful aerial ignitions on the Newman Fire yesterday, and burnout operations secured control lines along the south/southwest shoreline of Lake Mary.   Fire managers will continue to monitor fire behavior and weather conditions today. Proactive burnout operations will continue if conditions remain favorable to secure the perimeter and increase the strength of control lines. Crews will be actively patrolling the fire’s edge to ensure all fire remains within the predetermined planning area.   Heavy smoke impacts are still anticipated through the weekend. Smoke settled on Lake Mary Road last night, impairing visibility along the driving corridor. Similar conditions can be expected this evening.   Smoke will be visible from the communities of Elk Park Meadows, Lake Mary Meadows, Flagstaff, Kachina, Mountainaire, Munds Park and major transportation corridors nearby.   The public should use extreme caution when recreating or driving along Lake Mary corridor and any roads adjacent to the fire area. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. If any public manned or unmanned aircraft are identified within the TFR, air operations will be suspended, which poses significant risk to fire personnel and interferes with the safety of operations.   Updates about the Newman Fire, acreage, and latest activity can be found daily on Inciweb.   NEWMAN FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery date: July 11, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Origin location: Approximately 15 miles southeast of Flagstaff (Latitude/Longitude: 35° 1.342N, 111° 31.502W).
• Current size: 1,937 acres.
• Current resources: Four crews, six engines, two patrol units, a dozer, and miscellaneous overhead personnel. Total personnel: approximately 122.
• Predicted smoke impacts: Significant smoke will impact the Lake Mary Corridor.
• Current closures: Temporary closure of the Newman Fire area, Forest Order 03-04-19-14F. The Narrows day-use area and Lakeview Campground have also been closed temporarily due to expected heavy smoke impacts.

 

 

The Castle Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest grew to 200 acres yesterday while continuing to clean up downed, woody debris and improve overall forest health.

The fire, which was discovered July 12, has been creeping and smoldering through dense mixed conifer forest about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon. Gradual fire growth is anticipated over the coming days as dry conditions persist.

The Kaibab National Forest is using the lightning-caused Castle Fire to achieve a variety of resource objectives including restoring the forest structure to more historic conditions, reducing spruce and fir encroachment of area meadows, removing fuels that could feed future severe wildfires, and promoting aspen regeneration. The Kaibab National Forest is part of a fire-adapted ecosystem and is dependent on fire to play a natural role in maintaining forest health.

While there is no planned end date for the wildfire, forest managers have established a planning area within which it will be allowed to grow over the coming weeks. This does not mean that the wildfire will move across the entire planning area, as weather conditions and terrain features will impact long-term activity and growth.

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure. However, smoke is likely to become more visible over the coming days as the fire spreads within the defined planning area.

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Location: Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
• Current Resources: Two crews, six engines, a dozer, a chipper, a water tender, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel: approximately 100.  
• Current Size: About 200 acres.
• Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, and Fredonia. 
• Current Closures: None.
• Recent and Current Operations: Wildland fire crews are preparing boundary roads and other control lines for the fire's likely growth. They are also doing work to protect potentially fire-sensitive sites such as range fences and ponderosa pine plantations in advance of the wildfire’s spread. 

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

• Castle Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
• Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF 
• Flickr: http://bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos

Last night, crews made good progress establishing an anchor point at the southwest corner of the fire and completed burn out operations along the southern edge of the fire.  Today firefighters went direct along the west edge of the fire to the north.  Dozers and engines continued with structure protection on 2 ranches to the west of the fire and at Palace Station to the north.  Air support worked most the day on the north end of the fire keeping the fire from moving past Longfellow Ridge.

The Cellar Fire is being managed as a Type 3 incident.  Sinclair’s Type 1 Incident Management Team will take command of the fire on Thursday, July 18 at 6:00 am. 

As a precaution, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Code Red ‘SET’ for the community of Pine Flat; and a Code Red ‘READY’ for the communities of Walker, Groom Creek, Wolf Creek, Potato Patch, Indian Creek and Crown King.  There are NO evacuations currently in effect.  For information on the Code Red alerts issued you can visit the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for updates or call (928) 771-3321.

CLOSURES:  For the safety of firefighter, emergency responders and the public, fire managers have implement the following road closures on the Bradshaw Ranger District.  

The following roads have been closed:  

• At the junction of Forest Road 52 and Forest Road 261 south to the junction of Forest Road 52 and Forest Road 361; following Forest Road 52 east to Crown King.  
• Mayer-Bolander Road (County Road 177) is closed from the western boundary of Pine Flat west to Forest Road 52 (Senator Highway).

The public can obtain additional information via the following:

• Fire Information:  (928) 925-1111
• Prescott NF Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/
• Twitter:  @PrescottNF
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/
• Local Ranger Stations: Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000; Chino Valley Ranger District (928) 777-2200; Verde Ranger District (928) 567-4121

Location:  16 miles south of Prescott, AZ on the Bradshaw Ranger District (T10N, R2W, S5) 

Start Date:  July 14th

Size:  Approximately 6,450 acres 

Percent Contained:  0

Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Grass and Brush

Resources Assigned:  7 Airtankers, 4 Helicopters, 7 Hot Shot Crews, 6 Type 2 IA Crews, 2 Dozers, and 18 Engines   

 

To ensure for public health and safety the Coconino National Forest has issued a temporary closure of the Newman Fire area.

Hand ignitions on the Newman Fire were successful yesterday. All fire remained within the intended fire perimeter and there were no holding concerns. Firefighters decided to postpone aerial ignitions due to gusty winds.

Fire managers will reevaluate firing operations along the south/southwestern Lake Mary shoreline this evening. Crews will continue with hand ignitions to secure control lines throughout the day.

Heavy smoke impacts can be expected through Thursday. Smoke will primarily impact visibility and recreational activities along the Lake Mary corridor. Smoke will be visible from the communities of Elk Park Meadows, Lake Mary Meadows, Flagstaff, Kachina, Mountainaire, Munds Park and major transportation corridors nearby. 

The public should use extreme caution when recreating or driving along Lake Mary corridor and any roads adjacent to the fire area. Updates about the Newman Fire, acreage, and latest activity can be found daily on Inciweb.

NEWMAN FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery date: July 11, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Origin location: Approximately 15 miles southeast of Flagstaff (Latitude/Longitude: 35° 1.342N, 111° 31.502W).
• Current size: 888 acres.
• Current resources: Four crews, six engines, two patrol units, a dozer, and miscellaneous overhead personnel. Total personnel: approximately 122.
• Predicted smoke impacts: Significant smoke will impact the Lake Mary Corridor.
• Current closures: Temporary closure of the Newman Fire area, Forest Order 03-04-19-14F. The Narrows day-use area and Lakeview Campground have also been closed temporarily due to expected heavy smoke impacts.

The Cellar Fire is burning in grass and brush, but moving east/northeast into ponderosa pine west of Senator Highway (FR 52).  It is being managed as a Type 3 incident, however a Type 1 Incident Management Team is expected to take command of the fire on Thursday, July 18 at 6:00 am. 

Last night, crews made good progress establishing an anchor point at the southwest corner of the fire.  Today ground resources will be working on direct line construction with the use of air support.   As we work on a Closure Order for the incident, we ask that folks stay off Senator Highway (FS Road 52) and County Road 177. 

As a precaution Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office issued a Code Red for the community of Pine Flat.  The ‘SET’ alert was issued last night by the Sheriff’s Department.  There are NO evacuations currently in effect.  For information on the Code Red issued please call (928) 771-3321

CLOSURES:  For the safety of firefighter, emergency responders and the public, fire managers have implement the following road closures on the Bradshaw Ranger District.  

The following roads have been closed:  

• At the junction of Forest Road 52 and Forest Road 261 south to the junction of Forest Road 52 and Forest Road 361; following Forest Road 52 east to Crown King.  
• Mayer-Bolander Road (County Road 177) is closed from the western boundary of Pine Flat west to Forest Road 52 (Senator Highway).

The public can obtain additional information via the following:

• Fire Information:  (928) 925-1111
• Prescott NF Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/
• Twitter:  @PrescottNF
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/

Local Ranger Stations: Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000; Chino Valley Ranger District (928) 777-2200; Verde Ranger District (928) 567-4121

Location:  16 miles south of Prescott, AZ on the Bradshaw Ranger District (T10N, R2W, S5) 

Start Date:  July 14th

Size:  Approximately 7,000 acres 

Percent Contained:  0

Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Grass and Brush

Resources Assigned:  Air Attack, 2 – Airtankers, 3 – Helicopters, 6 – Hot Shot Crews, 2 – Dozers, 6 – Engines   

 

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Health Watch (HW) for ozone effective July 18, 2019, in the Phoenix area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HW is in effect, especially children and adults with respiratory problems.

Ground level ozone forms when two types of pollutants—volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—react in sunlight. These pollutants come primarily from automobiles, but also from other sources including industries, power plants and products, such as solvents and paints. Generally, the highest levels of ozone occur in the afternoon.

Check the Hourly Air Quality Forecast | View 

Health Impacts

People most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution include children, older adults, adults exercising outdoors, people with heart or lung disease and those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. Exposure can increase the number and severity of asthma attacks, cause or aggravate bronchitis or other lung disease and reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and upper respiratory issues.

Please help reduce ozone by doing one or more of the following:

• Drive as little as possible, carpool, use public transit or telecommute
• Re-fuel your vehicle in the evening
• Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines, for example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants or banks – park your car and go inside
• Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers – delay big painting projects
• Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air

Be Air Aware!

Stay informed and be a part of the ADEQ air quality challenge. Together we can make a difference to improve air quality for everyone in Arizona by following three simple steps. | Learn More 

Background

High Pollution Advisory (HPA) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to exceed the federal health standard.

Health Watch (HW) | Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is forecast to approach the federal health standard.

The 50-acre Castle Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest grew slowly but steadily yesterday while wildland fire crews prepared boundary roads and other potential control lines for the fire's likely growth.

The Kaibab National Forest plans to allow the lightning-caused Castle Fire to continue growing within a defined area in order to fulfill its natural role of reducing dense forest fuels and improving overall ecosystem health.

The wildfire, which was discovered July 12, is located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.

With warm, dry and windy conditions predicted over the next several days, fire managers expect the Castle Fire to continue its slow and steady growth. Wildland fire crews will be working to secure designated perimeters within which the fire can move, including burning out when necessary to consume fuel between the edge of the fire and control lines.

The Castle Fire is burning in an area with dense mixed conifer, heavy fuel loading, and a significant amount of dead and down trees. Allowing the fire to act as a natural disturbance process in the ecosystem will help meet a variety of resource objectives including restoring the forest structure to more historic conditions, reducing spruce and fir encroachment of area meadows, removing fuels that could feed future severe wildfires, and promoting aspen regeneration.

While there is no planned end date for the wildfire, forest managers have established a planning area of several thousand acres within which it will be allowed to continue growing. This does not mean that the wildfire will move across the entire planning area, as weather conditions and terrain will be large factors in long-term activity and growth.

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure. However, smoke is likely to become more visible over the coming days as the fire spreads within the defined planning area.

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Location: Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
• Current Resources: Three crews, five engines, a dozer, a chipper, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel: approximately 110. 
• Current Size: About 50 acres.
• Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, and Fredonia.
• Current Closures: None.
• Recent and Current Operations: Wildland fire crews are preparing boundary roads and other potential control lines for the fire's likely growth. They are also doing work to protect potentially fire-sensitive sites such as range fences and ponderosa pine plantations in advance of the wildfire’s spread. 

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

• Castle Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
• Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF 
• Flickr: http://bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos

Firefighters will begin burnout operations today on the 275-acre Newman Fire, which includes ignitions on the ground in coordination with aerial ignitions to secure control lines along the planned fire perimeter.   Burnout operations are expected to continue through Thursday as weather conditions allow, and the public can expect to see a significant increase in smoke as these ignitions are carried out.   Fire managers will reduce the overall duration of smoke impacts to the community by completing burnout operations over the span of a few days instead of a span of a few weeks.   Smoke will primarily impact visibility and recreational activities along the Lake Mary corridor. Smoke will be visible from the communities of Elk Park Meadows, Lake Mary Meadows, Flagstaff, Kachina, Mountainaire, Munds Park and major transportation corridors nearby.   The Narrows day-use area and Lake View Campground have been closed temporarily due to expected heavy smoke impacts. The immediate fire area remains closed for public health and safety. A larger area closure is expected mid-week as burnout operations continue.   The public should use extreme caution when recreating or driving along Lake Mary corridor and any roads adjacent to the fire area. Updates about the Newman Fire, acreage, and latest activity can be found daily on Inciweb.   NEWMAN FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery date: July 11, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Origin location: Approximately 15 miles southeast of Flagstaff (Latitude/Longitude: 35° 1.342N, 111° 31.502W).
• Current size: 275 acres.
• Current resources: Four crews, six engines, two patrol units, a dozer, and miscellaneous overhead personnel. Total personnel: approximately 106.
• Predicted smoke impacts: Significant smoke will impact the Lake Mary Corridor.
• Current closures: None.
• Recent and current operations: Firefighters are conducting burnout operations along the Lake Mary corridor this week, beginning today.

The Woodbury is 100% contained around the perimeter edge. This does NOT mean that the fire is controlled. There is still smoke and active fire moving within the interior through pockets of unburned fuel.

Apache Lake remains closed along with State Highway 88 between Tortilla Flat and the Roosevelt Dam.  ADOT will issue a News Release later this week after conducting meetings with Tonto National Forest and other cooperating agencies.  These meetings may provide a more definitive timeline on the closure.

A forest closure order remains in place for the Woodbury Fire and surrounding area. You can read more about the closure at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6382/49307/

Businesses remain open along Highway 188 and along State Highway 88 (Apache Trail) from Tortilla Flat south to Apache Junction.

The Local Type 3 IMT and Tonto National Forest would like to thank the public for their ongoing support and patience throughout the Woodbury Fire.

As information becomes available it will be posted to the Woodbury Fire Inciweb page found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6382/  as well as the Tonto National Forest webpage and social media sites.

Incident Commander Trainee John Johanson called the Woodbury Fire 100% contained at 7:00 p.m. on July 15, 2019. The fire is contained around the perimeter edge but is NOT controlled. There is still smoke and active fire moving within the interior through pockets of unburned vegetation.

For more information about the Woodbury Fire visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6382/

The Kaibab National Forest is planning to allow the lightning-caused Castle Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District to continue growing within a defined area in order to fulfill its natural role of reducing dense forest fuels and improving overall ecosystem health.

While currently only about an acre in size, fire managers expect the Castle Fire to grow quickly today and through this week given anticipated dry and windy weather conditions. The naturally-caused wildfire, which will be used by fire managers to meet a variety of resource objectives, is located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just north of Forest Road 759 on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.

The fire, which was discovered July 12, is burning in an area that has a significant amount of dead and down trees as well as heavy encroachment by mixed conifer species. Allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area will remove fuels that could feed future severe wildfires as well as help to restore the forest's structure to more historic conditions.

While there is no planned end date for the wildfire, forest managers have established a planning area of about 12,000 acres within which it will be allowed to grow. This does not mean that the wildfire will move across the entire planning area, as weather conditions and terrain will be large factors in long-term activity and growth.

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure. However, smoke is likely to become more visible over the coming days as the fire spreads within the defined planning area. As needed, fire managers plan to conduct burnout operations in order to strengthen established control lines, which frequently causes a temporary increase in the amount of smoke produced.

Additional information and maps will soon be available.

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Location: Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just north of Forest Road 759 on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
• Current Size: About 1 acre within a 12,000-acre planning area. 
• Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to become more visible today from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, and Fredonia.
• Current Closures: None.
• Recent and Current Operations: Wildland fire crews are monitoring the fire and preparing possible burnout operations to ensure it remains within the planning area.

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

• Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF 
• Flickr: http://bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos

 

A Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Newman Fire over the weekend and will allow the fire to fulfill its natural role in the ecosystem and consume excess forest fuels within a predetermined planning area.   Today firefighters are working to prepare control lines for burnout operations, which are anticipated to begin Tuesday (July 16) evening. Fire mangers plan to continue burnout operations throughout the week as weather conditions allow.   Heavy smoke impacts can be expected over the next week as the fire naturally moves across the landscape and as firefighters introduce low-intensity ignitions to secure the fire perimeter.Fire managers intend to complete firing operations as quickly as possible to reduce the duration of smoke impacts.   The fire is burning in a ponderosa pine vegetation type, which is a fire-adapted ecosystem. Allowing fire to naturally move across the landscape will replenish nutrients in the soil and consume dense fuels on the forest floor. This will provide a more defensible space reducing the risk of future catastrophic wildfires to homes, private property and recreation sites along the Lake Mary Corridor. After fire moves through the area, new grasses, forbs, plants and trees replenish and grow stronger while old growth stands rejuvenate and become more resilient.   The public should use caution when recreating or driving in the Lake Mary corridor as smoke may impair visibility, and firefighters will be working nearby. The immediate fire area is closed for public health and safety. A larger area closure is expected mid-week due to aerial ignition operations and Lake Mary Road may be closed as needed for smoke impacts. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area.   Updates about the Newman Fire can be found on Inciweb. Additionally, follow the Coconino National Forest’s Twitter and Facebook sites to get timely updates on this fire, other incidents, and forest-wide activities.