Emergency Information

Although drier conditions remain, the Ikes Fire is moving at a good pace through the predetermined planned area. The fire is presently backing down drainages and moving along the forest floor at a low to moderate intensity through accumulations of dead vegetation and overgrowth.   Yesterday, crews continued to patrol and hold the northern boundary and improve line. Firefighters on the southern boundary lit debris piles constructed in the early phases of line preparation. This tactic deprives the fire of excess fuel as it spreads to the west.

 

Today firefighters will proceed along the southern boundary to utilize hand ignitions to remove fuels ahead of the advancing fire and create a buffer. Fire managers will assess conditions throughout the day in order to determine if additional aerial ignitions will be utilized. Crews will patrol and hold line along the northern and eastern boundaries.

 

Currently there are 93 resources assigned and the Ikes Fire has spread across approximately 4,839 acres within the 7,738-acre planning area.

 

Fire is a jolt to living systems, the beginning of a new state of life on the land which is part of a cycle that has been in place for thousands of years. The current behavior displayed on the Ikes Fire is part of a naturally occurring wildfire, causing dead or decaying matter to burn and return nutrients to the soil.  This infusion of nutrients promotes healthy growth for both new and established vegetation.

The predicted weather for tomorrow will put temperatures in the low to mid-80s with no chance of precipitation. Light and variable winds out of the southwest will be 2-4 mph with gusts up to 14 mph after 10:00 AM. 

  Smoke from the Ikes Fire, along with other fires in the area, will be visible throughout the surrounding area. For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov  websites: or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.  Visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/ for a list of road and trails closures currently in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest.    The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.   Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for ozone effective August 19, 2019, in the Phoenix area. ADEQ recommends that people limit outdoor activity while the HPA 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.

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 >

Fire is steadily moving across the forested landscape within the Boulin Fire planning area achieving incident objectives. The results have been effective in reducing accumulations of burnable debris and fuels from the forest floor, protecting valued resources at risk, and strengthening defensible space near residential communities.

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 2423 acres.

Containment: 20%

Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.

Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.

 

Current Status: The 2423 acre Boulin Fire has been expanding an average of about 400 acres per day. Fire has now carried through over half of the planning area and is moving toward the southwest containment line. The consistent warm dry weather that has been over the area for the past 10 days is forecasted to continue which will likely align with the pattern of growth that has been occurring this week.

Road maintenance will be ongoing on several roads at the fire location. Increased traffic activity will be noticeable in the vicinity. Graders and large water trucks will be present.  Motorists are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active fire areas.

Smoke: Smoke will continue to be visible from Highway 64, Highway 180, and many communities Including Williams, Pittman Valley, Garland Prairie, Spring Valley, Parks, Red Lake, Junipine Estates, Pumpkin Center, Bellemont, Fort Valley, and Flagstaff.

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

 

Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

• InciWeb inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6511/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
• Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
• Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 
• Fire Information Recorded Phone line: 928-635-8311

 

 A fire area closure order is in effect over the Sheridan Fire area, limiting access south of the Camp Wood Road (County Road 68), with areas to the north of Camp Wood Road remaining open. County roads on the perimeter of the closure remain open. Map and detailed description of the closure area is available on Inciweb.  

The fire continues to move steadily across the landscape in a remote and rural area south of the Camp Wood Road, and northwest of Willow Spring in the Sheridan Mountain area. There are no homes or structures threatened.

Sheridan Fire Overview

Location: 23 miles Northwest of Prescott, AZ on the Chino Valley District (T16N, R6W, S16)

Start Date: August 5, 2019

Size:  approx. 3,700 acres

Percent Contained: 0%

Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Pinyon-Juniper, Grass and Brush

Resources: Approx. 60 personnel including: 3-Engines, 1-Water Tender, 1-Handcrew, 1-Helicopter

Current Situation:

We are asking local forest users to use caution as they continue to use the Camp Wood Road, as firefighters and multiple fire resources are working in the area. Area roads, trails, and natural barriers will be used as control features. Masticators will begin working along the Camp Wood Road and in select areas to clear vegetation to enhance the effectiveness of control features. Firefighters are continuing to use a helicopter and agency operated drones to monitor fire activity as access to the immediate fire area is limited mostly due to rough and rugged terrain.

The Sheridan Fire is a lightning caused fire being monitored as it burns naturally across the landscape. This fire is being allowed to play its natural role within the fire-adapted ecosystem. There is a wide variety of vegetation densities on the fire which, along with terrain and weather, will influence fire behavior and effects. The desired result of the Sheridan Fire is a “mosaic” of fire effects. Under the right conditions, fire helps break down nutrients and minerals in plants and other debris such as old logs and dense undergrowth and restores them to the soil.  The process also effectively reduces fire intensity in the case of future ignitions in the area as well.

Smoke:

Smoke from the Sheridan Fire will continued to be very visible from Prescott and the Tri-City area during mid-afternoon and into the evening hours, extending as far north of the general fire area relative to the predominant wind direction. Yesterday’s smoke was visible as far north as Ash Fork and Williams.

With smoke impacts continuing to be expected, we recommend that the public plan activities during the earlier part of the day. For sensitive groups we also recommend staying indoors with windows and doors closed and bringing pets inside.

Prescott Fire Information Phone: 928-925-1111

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6522/

Prescott National Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/

Prescott National Forest Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrescottNF 

The Castle Fire became more active yesterday as wind speeds increased. Some spotting occurred on the north and south perimeter. Firefighters were successful in holding the fire north of Castle Point and on the southeastern portion of the perimeter.

With hot, dry weather and winds forecasted to continue for the next few days, fire managers are increasing firefighting resources in order to mitigate fire behavior and meet the objectives of the Castle Fire. The objectives are:

• Utilize deliberate risk management process to ensure that incident responders are only committed where and when they can be successful, with the least exposure necessary.
• Allow fire to function as a natural disturbance process within the ecosystem to reduce accumulations of forest fuels that may exist in the area.
• Limit fire intensity to prevent adverse impacts to cultural and natural resources.
• Hold fire within the planning area.

Smoke is visible from surrounding communities and is expected to settle in the valleys during early morning and late evenings and then clear out by mid-morning. For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Please visit InciWeb for more information on the Castle Fire and other fires in the area.  

Soon after the Castle Fire started on July 12, fire managers pre-identified a planning area in which the lightning-caused wildfire would be allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. The fire has burned through about 96% of the 19,368-acre planning area, burning through a significant amount of dead and down trees and some mixed conifer species. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days. By allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area, the ecosystem will become healthier and more resilient.

A Closure Order remains in effect for the Castle Fire area: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Location (point of origin): 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 engines and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel approximately 32.
• Current Size: About 19,368 acres within a 19,368-acre planning area. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days.
• 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, Fredonia and Page. To learn more about smoke and public health, visit http://bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.
• Current Closures: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety. For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/.
• Recent and Current Operations: Wildland fire crews will patrol, monitor and hold designated perimeters within which the fire can move and mitigate hot spots if they occur. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire 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/CastleFire2019

 

Over the years, fire managers from the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service have developed and used effective tactics, technology, and policy to enhance public and firefighter safety, and preserve natural and cultural landscapes. Fire managers are meeting the objectives of allowing fire to play its natural role as a disturbance factor in the ecosystem, enhance wildlife habitat, improve forest health, and reduce potential for uncharacteristic high severity wildfires in future years.   Yesterday, the Ikes Fire grew to approximately 4,297 acres and has 87 resources assigned. Despite gusty winds and dry conditions, the fire spread across the planning area with low to moderate fire behavior. At this time, the weather has not provided for any challenges due to firefighters completing firing operations across the east end of the fire planning area.   Today firefighters will move along Swamp Ridge Road to utilize hand ignitions to remove vegetation and secure the perimeter line ahead of the advancing fire. Removing this excess vegetation from the forest floor reduces the amount of fuel available to the advancing fire which helps to keep fire behavior at low to moderate intensity. Depending on weather conditions, aerial ignitions may be utilized along ridge tops to create a backing fire and fill in areas that crews cannot safely access. Crews will patrol the fire perimeter, improve line, and mitigate hazard trees.   The weather will continue to be drier than normal with no chance of precipitation in the forecast. Light winds are expected out of the southwest at 8-10 mph with gusts up to 18 mph. Smoke from the Ikes Fire, along with other fires in the area, will be visible throughout the surrounding area. For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov  websites: or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.  Visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/ for a list of road and trails closures currently in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest.    The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.   Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.  

The Boulin Fire on the Kaibab National Forest grew another 400 acres yesterday within the planning area and has now reached 15% containment. Fire effects on the landscape are have been advantageous meeting the desired ecological benefits defined in the initial strategic decision process.

Crews successfully secured the Boulin Tank private land yesterday and have completed preparations to allow fire to move into the lower southwest half of the planning area over the next few days.

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 1960 acres.

Containment: 15%

Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.

Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.

 

Current Status: The Boulin Fire continues to be highly visible from the surrounding rural communities with occasional increases in activity. There have been no control problems to date.

Road maintenance will begin today on several roads within and around the fire location. Along with fire apparatus, an increase in traffic activity will be noticeable that will include a grader and large water truck.  Motorists are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active fire areas.

Smoke: Atmospheric conditions drew a considerable amount of smoke into the Williams area yesterday afternoon from the south and east where other fires are occurring on neighboring forests. Smoke from the Boulin Fire continues to transport out to the northeast throughout the day with residual amounts laying into the low level surfaces as cooler air creates inversion in the evening. Ventilation is forecasted to be excellent today.

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

 

Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

• InciWeb inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6511/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
• Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
• Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 
• Fire Information Recorded Phone line: 928-635-8311

 

The lightning caused Ikes Fire has burned through approximately 3,500 acres of the pre-determined 7,785 acre planning area. Currently, there are 88 resources assigned to the Ikes Fire.    One of the main objectives for utilizing the Ikes Fire within the 7,785-acre planning area is for resource benefit. The Type 3 Incident Management Team is using a variety of methods to confine the fire within the predetermined area. These methods include the usage of natural barriers and constructed fireline while tactical firing operations along the perimeter are incorporated to add depth to the line. Once the line is completed, it slows or stops fire as it approaches.   The Ikes Fire has currently spread across 42% of the 7,785-acre planning area. This portion of the pre-determined planning area has had fire move through it with low to moderate fire behavior observed. Fire is a force of nature that has shaped the vegetation and ecosystems of the national parks. The first national parks were created in the late 1800s. At the time, wildfires were suppressed because they were considered a threat to the grand scenery.   Over the years, land managers learned that when all fire is suppressed, fuels build up making larger and damaging fires unavoidable. Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest are working together to safely utilize this lightning caused fire effectively and to promote healthy forest regeneration.   Yesterday, gusty winds prevented firefighters from carrying out firing operations. Crews patrolled the perimeter on the northeast and eastern portion of the fire while other personnel continued to prep the west side of the Forest Service Road 223. Observed fire behavior was active with backing fire along ridge tops and single tree torching.   The predicted weather for the weekend is warm, very dry conditions with temperatures about 5 degrees above average for mid-August. Expect gusty west to southwest breezes in the afternoon with light drainage winds overnight. Closures remain in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest. More information on closures can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/.    The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.   Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.  

As expected, with strong gusty winds yesterday, the Castle Fire became more active moving it into pockets of unburned piñon-juniper and mixed conifer. The fire slowed once reaching confinement lines. Winds were blowing from the southwest pushing smoke eastward. The hot, dry and windy pattern will continue through the weekend.

Fire managers are keeping a close watch on any spotting that may occur on the north edge of the Castle Fire to ensure it stays within the confinement area. The Castle Fire remains in a hold and patrol status.

During the peak burning period, which is mid-day to late afternoon, smoke may be visible from surrounding communities and is expected to settle in the valleys during early morning and late evenings then clearing out by mid-morning.

For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Please visit InciWeb for more information on the Castle Fire and other fires in the area.

Soon after the Castle Fire started on July 12th, fire managers pre-identified the 19,632-acre planning area where the lightning-caused wildfire would be allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. Better mapping of the pre-identified planning area has indicated a decrease in acreage from 19,632 to 19,368. The fire has burned through 96% of the planning area, burning through a significant amount of dead and down trees and some mixed conifer species. By allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area, the ecosystem will become healthier and more resilient.

A Closue Order remains in effect for the Castle Fire area:   https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Location (point of origin): 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 engines and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel approximately 32.
• Current Size: About 19,368 acres and it has spread across about 96% of the 19,368-acre planning area. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the wildfire’s interior and may burn over the coming days.
• 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, Fredonia and Page. Please see www.airnow.gov for local air quality conditions.
• Current Closures: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety.  For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
• Recent and Current Operations: Four engines will continue to patrol, hold and monitor the Castle Fire. Hazard trees will be identified and removed as necessary. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire 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/CastleFire2019  

 

Firefighters conducted burnout operations associated with the Saber Fire on Thursday to remove fuel near the Arizona Public Service (APS) high-voltage electrical power lines in the area and expect to conduct more ignitions to protect values at risk over the weekend.   The Saber Fire has increased to 394 acres due to warmer, drier weather conditions and successful burnout operations along a dozer line adjacent to the APS high-voltage lines. The firing operations secured a control line by removing available fuels ahead of the fire to protect the infrastructure on the western perimeter.   Today, firefighters will monitor and patrol Thursday's operations to ensure the established control line remains secure. Crews will continue to prepare control lines further north along the fire perimeter and around values at risk in anticipation of burnout operations Saturday evening.   The fire continues to fulfill its natural role in the ecosystem by consuming debris accumulated on the forest floor—removing excess forest fuels to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfires, while replenishing nutrients back into the soil to stimulate vegetation growth.   Smoke is expected to lift during the day and may be visible from Sedona, Verde Valley, Oak Creek Canyon, state Route 89A, Interstate 40, Interstate 17 and Flagstaff. Cooler temperatures cause smoke to settle overnight into drainages and canyons flowing into communities at lower elevations below the Mogollon Rim.   The public should avoid the immediate fire area near Turkey Butte and drive with caution in the forest, as smoke may impact visibility where wildland firefighters are working.   Updates about the Saber Fire can be found on Inciweb. Follow the Coconino National Forest’s social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, to get timely updates on this fire, other incidents, and forest-wide activities.   SABER FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery date: August 2, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Origin location: Approximately 1.5 miles south of Turkey Butte lookout tower (Latitude/Longitude: 35.011°N, 111.901W).
• Current size:  394 acres.
• Current resources: 4 engines, 2 crews, a dozer and overhead personnel. Total approx. personnel: 74.
• Predicted smoke impacts: Expect smoke production to increase over the next few days. Significant smoke may impact forest roads south of Flagstaff and west of I-17. The smoke will be visible from Flagstaff, motorists in the area along I-17, I-40 and SR 89A. Smoke will likely impact areas of Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona communities during cooler evening hours.
• Current closures: None. However, campers should not establish any camps near the Mogollon Rim close to Turkey Butte due to upcoming burnout operations.

 

The Boulin fire is moving steadily across the planning area as anticipated toward the southwest perimeter. Crews have completed preparations at the Boulin Tank private land and will implement actions to protect this inholding as the fire is expected to reach this point sometime today. 

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 1567 acres.

Containment: 10%

Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.

Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.

Current Status: With increased wind speeds and the relative humidity percent dropping slightly today, the fire may show an Increase in activity as it continues moving across the planning area to the southwest. A dozer line was established around the Boulin Tank private Inholding to secure the property. Crews will conduct ignitions along the dozer line to prepare for the arrival of the fire which is expected to pass by this location this afternoon.

Fire behavior continues to be very favorable for meeting all the objectives identified for this Incident.

Smoke: Smoke impacts may lessen today as ventilation improves with elevated wind speeds. Gusty winds tend to transport smoke away from the immediate fire area quicker, reducing the volume of smoke that can linger overnight. Smoke will continue to be present and visible from communities surrounding this fire.

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

• InciWeb inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6511/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
• Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
• Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 
• Fire Information Recorded Phone line: 928-635-8311

As hot and dry weather lingers, the Castle Fire is moving through areas of unburned islands of dead and down vegetation that has accumulated over the years. The Castle Fire has been burning with mostly low to moderate fire intensity but holding well within confinement lines. This type of fire behavior will result in improving forest health and wildlife habitat in that area while providing a barrier for future wildfires.

Fire managers on the Type 3 Incident Management Team are anticipating stronger winds today and will closely monitor the Castle Fire to ensure confinement lines remain secure. Crews will continue patrolling the fire daily, performing hazard tree removal, and light rehab work.

Smoke from the Castle Fire has gradually begun to decrease and will continue to decrease each day into the coming weeks or until a wetting rain event occurs. During the peak burning period, which is mid-day to late afternoon, smoke may be visible from surrounding communities and is expected to settle in the valleys during early morning and late evenings then clearing out by mid-morning.

For local air quality and related information, please visit the following websites: www.airnow.gov or the Smoke Management Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Please visit InciWeb for more information on the Castle Fire and other fires in the area.

Soon after the Castle Fire started on July 12th, fire managers pre-identified the 19,632-acre planning area where the lightning-caused wildfire would be allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. Better mapping of the pre-identified planning area has indicated a decrease in acreage from 19,632 to 19,368.The fire has burned through 96% of the planning area, burning through a significant amount of dead and down trees and some mixed conifer species. By allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area, the ecosystem will become healthier and more resilient.

A Closure Order remains in effect for the Castle Fire area:   https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Location (point of origin): 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 engines and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel approximately 32.
• Current Size: About 19,368 acres and it has spread across about 96% of the 19,368-acre planning area. Small pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the fire’s interior and may continue to burn over the coming days.
• 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, Fredonia and Page. Please see www.airnow.gov for local air quality conditions.
• Current Closures: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety.  For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
• Recent and Current Operations: Four engines will patrol, hold and monitor the Castle Fire. Hazard trees will be identified and removed as necessary. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire 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/CastleFire2019  

 

The Ikes Fire is approximately 3,289 acres, 42% contained, and has 89 resources assigned. The natural caused lightning fire is being utilized to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. Due to the absence of fire for nearly two decades in the northeast corner of the planning area, there is a heavy accumulation of dead and down forest debris and pine litter. Fire will help to reduce forest litter and burn off excess vegetation, promoting new plant growth and strengthen wildlife habitat. The lightning-caused wildfire is actively burning within a 7,785-acre planning area.   Yesterday crews made progress with firing operations as weather conditions remained favorable. Work on the northeast corner and eastern boundary of the planning area has been completed. Today firefighters will continue to strengthen and improve containment lines along the northern border heading west towards Fire Point. Firing operations are weather dependent and may not occur as strong winds are expected. The Type 3 Incident Management Team will continue to evaluate weather conditions and monitor fire behavior to meet incident objectives while providing for firefighter and public safety.   The predicted weather is mostly sunny with clouds in the afternoon. Expect very dry and breezy conditions with wind gusts up to 22 mph. Precipitation is not forecasted as we move into the weekend. Expect to see smoke from multiple fires within the area surrounding the Grand Canyon from both the North and South Rims. Smoke has settled into the canyon overnight due to cooler temperatures but is expected to lift out as the day temperatures become warmer. Closures remain in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest. More information on closures can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/.    The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.   Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.

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.   Residents of Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff are urged to sign up for emergency notifications at coconino.az.gov/ready. The Coconino County Emergency Call Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (928) 213-2990.    Any future updates will be posted to the Coconino National Forest Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CoconinoNF/ and Twitter @CoconinoNF. 

Warm, dry weather conditions have led to additional growth on the Ikes Fire, which is now approximately 1,535 acres and 20% contained. The Ikes Fire is being utilized to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. The fire continued to spread naturally across National Park Service land and crossed the boundary onto Forest Service land. Fire helps to remove debris along the forest floor, causing it to open up to sunlight. Once the fire burns excess vegetation, it returns nutrients to the soil and encourages the growth of vegetation such as grasses and shrubs. Removing vegetation can help trees to grow stronger and healthier as it helps to reduce competition across the landscape. This new growth provides food and habitat for wildlife.   The Ikes Fire transitioned from a Type 3 Incident Management Team to a Type 4 at 6:30 AM. Yesterday crews continued firing operations to secure the northern and eastern boundaries of the planning area. Hand ignitions occurred along the perimeter to reduce fuels and strengthen control lines already in place. A helicopter was utilized for aerial ignitions to place fire in areas not easily accessible to crews due to safety risks. Firing operations are expected to continue for the next few days as weather conditions allow. Strengthening the perimeter is a high priority due to an expected increase in winds later this week. The lightning-caused wildfire is actively burning within a 7,785-acre planning area.   The predicted weather is mostly sunny, with no precipitation over the next few days. Strong winds forecasted at the end of the week may produce gusts up to 25 mph. Winds could push smoke east towards State Highway 67 between De Motte Campground and Jacob's Lake. Multiple fires within the area surrounding the Grand Canyon may continue to produce visible smoke from both the North and South Rims. Smoke settled into the Grand Canyon overnight as temperatures cooled but smoke may begin to lift as temperatures warm up throughout the day.   Approximately 70 personnel are currently assigned to the Ikes Fire, including a Type 2 Initial Attack (IA) crew, five engines, a task force leader, resource advisor, fire effects monitors, and various overhead and support positions. Additional resources will be requested as needed in order to meet management objectives.   Closures remain in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest. More information on closures can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/.    The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.   Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park or call 928-638-7819 for recorded fire information. For additional information about the Ikes fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6475/.

For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.

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

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 1155 acres.

Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.

Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.

Current Status:

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

Smoke: Smoke impacts have been evaluated consistently throughout this incident due to the proximity of this fire being situated adjacent to developed residential areas north of Parks and Williams. Fire officials recognize the inconvenience smoke can cause to the community and use strategies to minimize the volume and duration whenever possible. The goal is to shorten the overall length of time that smoke will be produced by managing fire in a controlled situation as opposed to an uncontrolled wildfire event that can have longer lasting impacts. Cooler night time air will continue to push smoke down settling into low lying drainages in the evening but will lift rapidly in the early morning hours as surfaces warm.

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

• InciWeb inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6511/
•  Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
•  Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
• Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 
• Fire Information Recorded Phone line: 928-635-8311

 

Operations have been successful in allowing the lightning caused Castle Fire to reduce accumulations of dead and down forest vegetation. This will contribute to a regeneration and renewal of this area, creating new habitat for wildlife while forming a buffer for larger fires that may occur in the future.

Three engines will focus on patrolling and ensuring the perimeter of the fire area is secure. Other firefighting personnel will continue identifying and removing hazard trees that could pose a risk. Fire managers are monitoring the Castle Fire from the air and ground. The Type 3 Incident Management Team with IC Brandon Allen could be in transition for at least a couple of days before transferring command of the Castle Fire to a smaller Type 4 Incident Management organization due to the anticipation of stronger winds in the forecast for Friday.

The Castle Fire will continue to generate smoke until a wetting rain occurs. Smoke will be visible from surrounding communities. Please see www.airnow.gov for local air quality conditions and related information.

Today, the weather forecast calls for mostly clear skies and no precipitation and is expected. 15-25 mph winds are in the forecast for Friday. Smoke will be visible as fire behavior increases during the peak burning period which is mid-day to late afternoon. 

Soon after the Castle Fire started on July 12th, fire managers pre-identified the 19,632-acre planning area where the lightning-caused wildfire would be allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. Better mapping of the pre-identified planning area has indicated a decrease in acreage from 19,632 to 19,368.   The fire has burned through 96% of the planning area, burning through a significant amount of dead and down trees and some mixed conifer species. By allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area, the ecosystem will become healthier and more resilient.

A Closure Order remains in effect for the Castle Fire area:   https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
•  Cause: Lightning.
• Location (point of origin): 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 engines, one crew, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel: approximately 72.  
• Current Size: About 19,368 acres and it has spread across about 96% of the 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, Fredonia and Page.  Please see www.airnow.gov for local air quality conditions.
•  Current Closures: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety.  For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
• Recent and Current Operations: Three engines will patrol, hold and monitor the Castle Fire. Hazard trees will be identified and removed as necessary. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire 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/CastleFire2019

 

National Weather Service has extended an Excessive Heat Warning for: 

• Graham and Greenlee Counties from 8/14/19 10 AM to 8/15/19 8 PM
• *Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yuma Counties from 8/13/19 10 AM to 8/16/19 8 PM
• Mohave County from 8/14/19 8 AM to 8/16/19 8 PM
• *Pima County from 8/14/19 10 AM to 8/16/19 8 PM

*Extended Time

Daytime highs are expected to be in the 104 - 119 degrees Fahrenheit range. Residents are advised to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.

Precautions to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke: 

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day).
• Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
• Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside.
• Check the UV Index.
• Click here to learn more about today's heat risk map.

For additional information, please visit our Heat Safety Site which details ways to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.

The Boulin Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has grown to 756 acres benefiting forest health, reducing hazardous fuels, and improving protection of the communities within the urban interface.

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

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

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 756 acres.

Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.

Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.

Current Status: Fire continues to move moderately in a westerly direction away from the residential area as predicted. The fire remains active and will continue to consume available fuels as weather conditions persist. Crews continue to fortify control features keeping pace with the fires movement.

Smoke: Smoke impacts have intermittently expanded in distance several miles from the immediate vicinity of the fire during the overnight hours as atmospheric patterns change. However lift and dispersion follows quickly by mid-morning each day.

Smoke will continue to be visible and may occasionally impact Highway 64, Highway 180, and the communities of Williams, Pittman Valley, Garland Prairie, Spring Valley, Parks, Red Lake, Pumpkin Center, Bellemont, Fort Valley, and Flagstaff.

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

 Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

• InciWeb inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6511/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
• Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
• Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
• Fire Information Recorded Phone line: 928-635-8311

The Saber Fire produced minimal smoke Tuesday as it grew to 75 acres while it continued to move slowly across the landscape within the 2009 Taylor Fire burn scar.    Fire managers are pleased with the observed fire effects. The Saber Fire is consuming and eliminating hazardous dead and down forest fuels left behind from the Taylor Fire. Hazardous fuels include snags, fallen trees and thick brush. Reduction of these excess fuels will reduce to the likelihood of severe wildfires moving through the area in the future.   Today, crews will remove fuels around the Turkey Butte lookout and along the Arizona Public Service (APS) high voltage electrical powerlines in preparation for anticipated firing operations later this week. Removing fuels allows firefighters to safely conduct low intensity ignition operations to eliminate sources of fuel around these values at risk, ahead of the fire, in order to secure and protect infrastructure and powerlines.    Firefighters will continue to scout and prepare contingency lines around the planned fire perimeter to ensure the fire remains within the predetermined planning area.   Fire managers do not anticipate a significant increase in smoke impacts over the next few days. Smoke will lift during the day and may be visible from Sedona, Verde Valley, Oak Creek Canyon, state Route 89A, Interstate 40, Interstate 17 and Flagstaff. Smoke may settle overnight into drainages and canyons flowing into communities at lower elevations below the Mogollon Rim.   The public should avoid the immediate fire area near Turkey Butte and drive with caution in the forest as smoke may impact visibility where wildland firefighters are working.   Updates about the Saber Fire can be found on Inciweb. Follow the Coconino National Forest’s social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, to get timely updates on this fire, other incidents, and forest-wide activities.   SABER FIRE OVERVIEW  

• Discovery date: August 2, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Origin location: Approximately 1.5 miles south of Turkey Butte lookout tower (Latitude/Longitude: 35.011°N, 111.901W).
• Current size: 75 acres inside of a 12,495-acre planning area.
•  Current resources: Four engines, a crew, a dozer and overhead personnel. Total personnel: approximately 36.
• Predicted smoke impacts: Expect smoke production to increase over the next few days. Significant smoke may impact forest roads south of Flagstaff and west of Interstate 17. The smoke may be seen by people in Flagstaff, motorists on I-17, I-40 and SR 89A. Smoke will likely impact areas of Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona communities during cooler evening hours.
• Current closures: None. However, campers should not establish any camps near the Mogollon Rim close to Turkey Butte due to upcoming burnout operations.
• Recent and current operations: Wildland firefighting crews are preparing control lines using a dozer and backburning along forest roads near the Mogollon rim.