TUSAYAN, Ariz. – As drier conditions return to
northern Arizona, fire activity is expected to increase today on the two fires
being managed for resource benefit on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab
National Forest.
The McRae Fire, located a few
miles south and southeast of Tusayan, is 5,074 acres in size and is expected to
grow significantly over the next few days as drier conditions prevail. With
warmer temperatures and southwest winds predicted, fire managers consider it the
perfect time to conduct managed ignitions starting at the northwest corner of
the fire area and moving south along State Highway 64. Smoke and fire will be
visible from Tusayan and the highway today, but predicted winds should carry the
smoke away from Grand Canyon Airport and other populated areas. Motorists are
asked to use caution while driving on the highway between mile posts 230 and
234, as fire personnel and equipment will be present.
The Hammer Fire, which is located
farther from Tusayan at about 10 miles east to southeast of the community, grew
to 855 acres yesterday. With drier conditions in the forecast, fire managers
expect the Hammer Fire to expand more rapidly, increasing the acres treated and
the benefits to overall forest health. Today, crews will burn grass, brush and
other forest fuels along forests roads 310 and 317 at the northwest corner of
the planning area, a technique known as black lining. Black lining is used to
create a safe burned area in front of the main fire to prevent any future issues
with keeping the fire within defined boundaries. No smoke impacts are expected
to communities.
The goal is to allow these fires
to continue burning as they would naturally as long as they can be safely
managed and confined to predetermined boundaries while also benefiting forest
resources. Specifically, fire managers are seeking to improve overall forest
health, reduce accumulations of forest debris, enhance wildlife habitat, and
reduce the likelihood of future high-severity fires that could threaten
communities and lives.
Additional information, photos
and maps are available at the following locations:
- McRae Fire Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3940/
- Hammer Fire Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4023/
- Kaibab Fire Information Line: (928) 635-8311
- Text message: text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404
- Kaibab Flickr Photostream: www.flickr.com/kaibabnationalforest
