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Fire managers on the Whiskey Fire have will be using a helicopter to perform aerial ignitions to supplement the efforts of firefighters conducting hand ignition burnouts today which will produce large volumes of smoke going northeast.

Utilizing a helicopter to conduct aerial burnout operations in remote and steep sections of the fire area reduces risk to firefighters working on the ground. Ignitions are important to secure control lines and keep the fire within the predetermined containment area. Today’s firing operation is expected to produce a significant amount of smoke for the next several days. The Whiskey Fire is currently 4,190 acres.

Persons planning to travel near the fire area should expect delays and alternate routes as identified. Fire patrols are present to guide forest visitors to alternative routes in the event of a temporary road closure. Smoke will be present, so turn your headlights on for safety.

Smoke is expected to spread to the northeast today and tomorrow moving more to the north. Smoke may affect areas including Flagstaff, Munds Park, Mountainaire, Kachina Village, Forest Highlands, Doney Park, Mormon Lake Village, Highway 89A Corridor, Sedona, Village of Oak Creek and portions of Interstate 40. Firefighters will attempt to reduce impacts to the public as much as possible. However, there are no perfect weather conditions or tactics that exist to remove smoke impacts entirely from a fire.

For more information, including smoke forecasts for the Whiskey Fire, updates concerning closures and notable fire activity please visit the Whiskey Fire InciWeb site https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6580/ Quick updates will also be provided on the Coconino National Forest’s Twitter and Facebook sites, and the Forest’s website at www.coconinonationalforest.us

WHISKEY FIRE OVERVIEW

• Whiskey Fire Inciweb site: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6580/
• Discovery date: Sept. 2, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Containment: 16 percent.
• Origin location: Approximately 15 miles southwest of Flagstaff (Latitude/Longitude: 35° 2.652N, 111° 50.394W).
• Current size: 4,190 acres.
• Current resources: Four engines, one fuels crew, one dozer, four fire prevention unit, and various firefighting personnel. Approximately 80 people.
• Predicted smoke impacts: Large amounts of smoke will be produced over the next few days, impacting Flagstaff, Lake Mary and Kachina Village. Communities at lower elevations, such as Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona and Village of Oak Creek may also experience smoke impacts in the evening and overnight as smoke drains into those areas. Firefighter, public safety, and ecosystem health remain the top priorities for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area. Smoke may appear thicker at times due to burnout operations or as the wildfire consumes larger trees. This is normal.
• Current closures: Expected closures around the fire area is anticipated and parts of forest roads in the area may be closed periodically to allow for safe firefighting operations.
• Recent and current operations: Wildland firefighting crews are conducting burnout operations to ensure it remains in the planning area.

 

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2HPfZxC  Whiskey Fire: new maps have been uploaded to this incident

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2HQ8SFm  Whiskey Fire: September 17\, 2019: Daily Update | MapCurrent Situation: (as of 7:00 a.m.) The

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2Nm6b2o  Whiskey Fire: Update 9-17-2019

#EdenFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2MRyQMP  Eden Fire: A lightning-caused wildfire about 4 miles northeast of Clints Well that began last we

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2NiVFZV  Whiskey Fire: Whiskey Fire Update 9-16-2019

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2NeLgP1  Whiskey Fire: Whiskey Fire Updat 9-15-2019

#NewmanFireBAERInfo #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2LP5vQ9  Newman Fire BAER Info: new photos have been uploaded to this incident

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2HQ8SFm  Whiskey Fire: FLAGSTAFF\, Ariz.\, Sept. 14\, 2019 – The fire

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2NeMPfM  Whiskey Fire: Whiskey Fire Update 9-14-2019

#CastleFire #AZ #AZKNF http://bit.ly/2NeR5M5  Castle Fire: Officials to Lift Castle Fire Closure on the North Kaibab Ranger District

The Redmond and River Fires, both started by lightning, on the evening of Tuesday, September 3 are nearing containment and minimal fire activity is visible. 

The Redmond Fire, burning north of Globe, reached 920 acres before firefighters received help from rain falling on the fire area.  Firefighters will continue to patrol the area, and monitor fire activity as the weather returns to warmer and drier conditions.  Forest Roads 223 and 644 remain temporarily closed to the public.

The River Fire, burning north of Cave Creek, reached 7,900 acres, and fire crews were able to keep it from growing larger by burning out from Forest Roads 17 and 41 (Table Mesa Road).  Higher humidity aided firefighters, even though the area didn’t receive any measurable rain.  Forest Road 41 is open to the public.  Firefighters will continue to patrol firelines, so please slow down when driving in the area, and be alert for potential flash flooding if thunderstorms appear on the horizon.

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2HSPhEi  Whiskey Fire: new photos have been uploaded to this incident

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2Ndmf6O  Whiskey Fire: Whiskey Fire Update 9-13-2019

Effective today, the Kaibab National Forest will lift the area closure around the Castle Fire that has been in place since the lightning caused wildfire started in mid-July.

Members of the public can now access the area, which had been closed due to public safety during ongoing fire operations, including areas of active fire, and the presence of firefighting equipment and personnel. The public Is advised to have heightened awareness about potential safety hazards and exercise increased vigilance regarding personal safety.

"The district was very successful at restoring fire into a fire dependent ecosystem, which will greatly reduce the risk of future catastrophic wildfire and improve overall forest health," said North Kaibab District Ranger Randall Walker. "We now believe it is appropriate to lift the closure and allow the public to resume activities in the area such as hunting and fuelwood gathering, but that doesn't mean hazards don't exist. We urge the public to understand the potential hazards and to prepare accordingly. We want them to be able to use their public lands but we want them to do it safely, recognizing that any area recently impacted by wildfire will likely have some greater risk than other areas."

Potential risks in any area recently burned by wildfire include the following:

• Burned out stump holes that could cause injury if stepped in;
• Unstable terrain with potential for rolling debris (boulders, logs, rocks, etc.);
• Unsound burned trees (snags) that could fall or drop large limbs;
• Storms resulting in flash flooding that could wash out roads, initiate debris flows, and entrap people at flooded stream courses;
• Eroded and very rough roads that could result in unsafe driving conditions
• Blowing dust and ash on roads and hillsides.

Visitors to the Castle Fire area are advised to follow these outdoor safety best practices:

1. Know the weather forecast and check it frequently as conditions can change in a very short timeframe.
2. Let someone outside the area know exactly where you are and where you will be going daily.
3. Do not park vehicles or camp in areas with burned snags or where potential flood waters would prevent escape. Know where you are in relation to drainages.
4. During windy conditions remain in open areas that are free of trees (both live and burned) as much as possible.
5. If an area seems unsafe for any reason, leave.
6. Have good maps and know where you are at all times.
7. Keep a well charged cell phone with you and check it frequently so you know when you are in an area where there is no coverage.
8. Understand that there are many areas on public lands that are remote. It can take a very long time before responders can arrive if a rescue is required. The Castle Fire area is very remote.

Visitors can check with the North Kaibab Ranger District office to get the latest Information regarding current conditions:

North Kaibab Ranger District: 928-643-7395, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Jacob Lake Visitor Center: 928-643-7298 

For additional information please visit:

• 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

 

#EdenFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2LIVRhS  Eden Fire: Eden Fire Update 9-13-2019

Grand Canyon National Park has received confirmation that two bats collected along the Colorado River in the park last month tested positive for rabies. The rabies-positive bats, both Canyon Bats, were deceased at the time of collection and did not come in contact with any visitors or staff.   Rabies is preventable if medical treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is given following an exposure to a rabid animal. It is almost always fatal if PEP is not given prior to the development of symptoms. Humans can contract rabies through contact with an infected animal's saliva, such as a bite or scratch.   All mammals are susceptible to rabies, including bats, skunks, and foxes. Possible rabies infections should be considered in animals that exhibit unusual or aggressive behavior or that are not afraid of humans.

 

Grand Canyon National Park would like to remind visitors about the following things they can do to protect themselves from rabies:

• Never approach or touch wildlife. Please observe and appreciate wildlife from a safe distance. If you see sick or erratic behaving wildlife, notify a park employee or call the park's 24-hour emergency communications center at 928-638-7805.
• In areas where pets are allowed, make sure that pets are vaccinated and kept on a leash at all times. Domestic animal contact with bats should be minimized.
• Teach children to tell you if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.
• Anyone who has had contact with a bat or other wild animal in the park should notify a park employee as soon as possible. You should consult with your doctor in the event you have contacted an animal thought to be rabid.
• While on a river trip take extra precaution and sleep in a tent for protection. Public health officials should be contacted if a bat is found in a room where a person has been sleeping.
• Bats should never be handled by untrained or unvaccinated people nor be kept as pets.

There are 22 species of bats that live within the park. In a healthy colony, typically less than 1% of bats are sick with rabies. Grand Canyon National Park is working with the National Park Service Office of Public Health and the Wildlife Health Branch to protect the health and safety of visitors and wildlife in the park by testing any sick or dead wildlife. Visitors can read additional information regarding zoonotic diseases and bats at: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/zoonotic_diseases.htm.

 

Rabid bats have been documented in 49 states. Every year, there are reported cases of rabies in animals in Coconino County, Arizona. The Arizona Department of Health Services website has additional information about rabies testing, prevention and publications within the state at: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/rabies/index.php.

Grand Canyon National Park has received confirmation that two bats collected along the Colorado River in the park last month tested positive for rabies. The rabies-positive bats, both Canyon Bats, were deceased at the time of collection and did not come in contact with any visitors or staff.   Rabies is preventable if medical treatment called post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is given following an exposure to a rabid animal. It is almost always fatal if PEP is not given prior to the development of symptoms. Humans can contract rabies through contact with an infected animal's saliva, such as a bite or scratch.   All mammals are susceptible to rabies, including bats, skunks, and foxes. Possible rabies infections should be considered in animals that exhibit unusual or aggressive behavior or that are not afraid of humans.

 

Grand Canyon National Park would like to remind visitors about the following things they can do to protect themselves from rabies:

• Never approach or touch wildlife. Please observe and appreciate wildlife from a safe distance. If you see sick or erratic behaving wildlife, notify a park employee or call the park's 24-hour emergency communications center at 928-638-7805.
• In areas where pets are allowed, make sure that pets are vaccinated and kept on a leash at all times. Domestic animal contact with bats should be minimized.
• Teach children to tell you if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.
• Anyone who has had contact with a bat or other wild animal in the park should notify a park employee as soon as possible. You should consult with your doctor in the event you have contacted an animal thought to be rabid.
• While on a river trip take extra precaution and sleep in a tent for protection. Public health officials should be contacted if a bat is found in a room where a person has been sleeping.
• Bats should never be handled by untrained or unvaccinated people nor be kept as pets.

There are 22 species of bats that live within the park. In a healthy colony, typically less than 1% of bats are sick with rabies. Grand Canyon National Park is working with the National Park Service Office of Public Health and the Wildlife Health Branch to protect the health and safety of visitors and wildlife in the park by testing any sick or dead wildlife. Visitors can read additional information regarding zoonotic diseases and bats at: https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/zoonotic_diseases.htm.

 

Rabid bats have been documented in 49 states. Every year, there are reported cases of rabies in animals in Coconino County, Arizona. The Arizona Department of Health Services website has additional information about rabies testing, prevention and publications within the state at: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/rabies/index.php.

The Forest Service is announcing the preliminary results of the investigation regarding the cause of the Museum Fire, a wildfire which began July 21 and burned 1,961 acres on the Coconino National Forest above Flagstaff.

Fire investigators have determined that the human-caused wildfire originated in a steep slope environment associated with critical restoration work and was likely caused by an excavator striking a rock during operations. The resulting spark created a heat source that hibernated until warm, dry, and windy conditions arrived that caused the heat source to grow into a small fire and was subsequently spread by the wind. Rock strikes are possible during operations in steep slope thinning restoration projects such as the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project.

At this time, the investigation has shown that the cause of the fire was not related to negligence and that all proper inspections of equipment were conducted. The investigation also determined that the last piece of equipment was used 14 hours prior to the first report of fire, and the operator had completed a one-hour fire watch before leaving the area.

“It’s unfortunate that the Museum Fire started as the result of ongoing restoration work designed to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire and improve forest health and resiliency—especially in the Flagstaff area where citizens joined together to invest resources to help fund the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West. “Fortunately, some of the restoration work that had been completed previously in and around the wildfire area actually helped stop the fire from becoming larger and more destructive.”

Post-fire analysis show that 50 percent of the wildfire burned at low severity, 38 percent burned at moderate severity, and 12 percent of the area burned at high severity. During the past several years, city and Coconino National Forest personnel have worked diligently to implement planned Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project actions and have made substantial progress.

“While the cause of the fire is unfortunate, it does not take away from the significant mitigating impact the treatment work had on the fire and subsequently the forest and our watershed,” said Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans. “The restoration work initiated by the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project, in partnership with the Forest Service, is incredibly valuable and we remain committed to continuing this work and further protecting our watershed.”

Deep layers of forest fuels and roots can hold heat for long periods of time, burning and smoldering underground for days, weeks, or months without any sign of a fire. They can surface at a later time when temperatures become warmer and the weather becomes windier, causing a wildfire. As with all investigations, the Forest Service will continue to investigate and provide updates if new information is uncovered.

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2HSPhEi  Whiskey Fire: new photos have been uploaded to this incident