Crews fight fire with fire, Kaibab National Forest

A Type 3 helicopter lands in Pittman Valley after conducting aerial ignitions and reconnaissance flights on the Sitgreaves Fire, Parks, Ariz., July 19, 2014 | Photo by Holly Krake, courtesy of the United States Forest Service, St. George news

WILLIAMS, Arizona — Ignitions were successful Saturday on both the Sitgreaves and McRae Fires in the Kaibab National Forest. Smoke impacts will continue to vary each day but should continue to lift during the day and settle locally overnight. Smoke impacts may increase during times of managed ignitions. Fire managers are working in coordination with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, municipal fire departments, and neighboring forests to monitor smoke impacts.

Current fires in the Kaibab National Forest

Williams Ranger District: Currently 350 acres in size, the Sitgreaves Fire is located approximately 5 miles northwest of Parks, Arizona. Today crews may conduct aerial ignitions to continue backing fire down from the ridge tops with low to moderate intensity. Additional hand ignitions may also occur along Forest Service Road 76. Some tree torching may occur which is beneficial to reducing stand densities and reducing the threat of high intensity wildfire. Smoke is highly visible from Interstate 40.

A community meeting for the greater Parks area has been scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30pm at the Maine School Gymnasium.

Currently 324 acres in size, the Duck Fire is located approximately 3 miles northwest of Parks. Crews continue to actively monitor the fire. Smoke is highly visible from I-40.

Tusayan Ranger District: Currently 1500 acres in size, the McRae Fire is located approximately 5 miles southeast of Tusayan, Arizona. Today crews are planning 500 acres of managed ignitions as needed within the planning area. Smoke may become highly visible from Highway 64.

North Kaibab Ranger District: Currently 27 acres in size, the Quaking Fire is located approximately 40 miles southeast of Fredonia, Arizona. Today crews are planning managed ignitions as needed along Forest Service Roads 271 and 206. No smoke impacts are anticipated at this time.

Resources

Fire activity updates and maps available 24 hours at:

  • Fire Information Line: 928-635-8311
  • Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov
  • Text Message: text “follow kaibabnf” to 40404

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.

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