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NEWS RELEASE
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest For Immediate Release July 17, 2014
Media Contact:
Brienne Magee, 928-527-8290 Fire managers are using lightning-caused fires to benefit the forest Flagstaff, Ariz. –
Fire managers on the
Coconino National Forest are utilizing four lightning-caused fires to benefit forest health. These fires are burning at a low intensity and mainly across the forest floor - the way fire historically and naturally would in this ecosystem – and will be used
to accomplish several objectives including restoring wildlife habitat, promoting healthy vegetation, and reducing fuels and the risk of severe fire thus creating safer conditions for residents, visitors and firefighters.
With drier conditions in the forecast for the next several days, crews are anticipating fire behavior and smoke to increase and will be using various tactics to ensure the fires move through
the landscape at appropriate intensities and within pre-determined boundaries. In addition, fire managers will be working closely with the Department of Environmental Quality, municipal fire departments, and neighboring forests to monitor smoke impacts. Crews will continue actively managing these fires while objectives are being met and weather and other conditions allow. Willard Fire Size: Approximately 15 acres Location: South of Flagstaff between I-17 and Oak Creek Canyon, near the Willard Springs Interchange.
Behavior: Creeping, smoldering Smoke may be noticeable from I-17, Munds Park, Kachina Village, Hwy 89A, Oak Creek Vista, as well as portions of the Sedona area. The immediate fire area is closed for public safety, but no road or trail closures are in place at this time. Visitors in the area should be cautious of fire crews and equipment.
Bar M Fire Size: Approximately 25 acres Location: 5 miles southwest of Mormon Lake near Forest Roads 240 and 91.
Behavior: Creeping, smoldering Smoke will be noticeable from Lake Mary Road, Munds Park, and Mormon Lake Village.
The immediate fire area is closed for public safety, but no road or trail closures are in place at this time. Visitors in the area should be cautious of fire crews and equipment.
-MORE- Pothole Fire Size: Approximately 115 acres Location: 22 miles north of Payson Behavior: Creeping, smoldering Smoke may be noticeable in the Camp Verde area during the evening and early morning hours.
The immediate fire area is closed for public safety, but no road or trail closures are in place at this time. Visitors in the area should be cautious of fire crews and equipment.
General Fire Size: Approximately 110 acres Location: 15 miles northeast of Payson, off Forest Roads 300 and 95 Smoke may affect local subdivisions in the Blue Ridge community. The immediate fire area is closed for public safety. The Fred Haught Trail and a portion of the Arizona Trail are temporarily rerouted.
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Attachment:
COC-NR-7-17-14-lightningfires.doc
Description: COC-NR-7-17-14-lightningfires.doc
