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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 20, 2014
Media Contact:
Brienne Magee, 928-310-6035 UPDATE 3 (next update will be Monday morning)
Fire managers expect lightning-caused fires to grow, smoke to increase Flagstaff, Ariz. – With similar weather conditions in the forecast, fire managers expect the
Willard, Bar M, Pothole and General Fires to grow significantly again today. Though the acreages are increasing, fire severity remains constant, continuing to provide positive results and fulfill fire’s natural role in the forest’s ecosystem. Crews are actively managing each fire using specific tactics to ensure flames progress across the landscape in a beneficial manner, and within pre-determined boundaries. In particular, crews
are conducting burnout operations to reinforce perimeters, limit severity, and limit rate of spread as fire moves toward areas with denser fuels and steeper terrain.
Smoke will be noticeable – especially overnight in Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, and Camp Verde. Though the cool night air reduces fire behavior resulting in less smoke production overnight, the
cool air also pushes smoke into low-laying areas across the landscape. As the mornings begin to warm, smoke will lift and disperses upwards.
Smoke impacts to the community are a key factor in how crews manage fire.
Working closely with the Department of Environmental Quality, municipal fire departments, and neighboring forests to monitor smoke impacts continues to be a top priority.
Willard Fire Size: 1800 acres; Fire managers anticipate the fire growing an additional 800 acres by the end of the day Location: South of Flagstaff between I-17 and Oak Creek Canyon, near the Willard Springs Interchange.
Behavior:
Fire activity will mostly take place along the western edge of the planning area today, closest to Oak Creek Canyon. Because of this, heavy smoke is expected to be especially noticeable in the canyon and Sedona – especially overnight. Fire managers expect today
to be the last day of significant growth and burnout operations, so smoke should begin to decrease after tonight. The immediate fire area is closed for public safety, but no other 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: 170 acres
Behavior: Creeping, smoldering. Minimal growth. Location: 5 miles southwest of Mormon Lake near Forest Roads 240 and 91.
Smoke is noticeable from Lake Mary Road, and Mormon Lake Village.
The immediate fire area is closed for public safety, but no other road or trail closures are in place at this time. Visitors in the area should be cautious of fire crews and equipment.
Pothole Fire Size: 1,000 acres Location: 22 miles north of Payson Behavior: 1-2 foot flames moving across the forest floor. Some individual torching, which is natural and expected. Fire managers are conducting burnout operations to reinforce perimeters.
Smoke was very noticeable in the Camp Verde area last night and early this morning. Expect similar activity overnight and in the early mornings over the next several days. The immediate fire area and Forest Road 142F are closed for public safety.
General Fire Size: 650 Location: 15 miles northeast of Payson, off Forest Roads 300 and 95, south of FR 719. Behavior: 1-2 foot flame lengths Smoke: Subdivisions in the Blue Ridge community should anticipate an increase in smoke; it is expected to settle in the area overnight. 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-7-20-14-lightningfires-update3.doc
Description: COC-NR-7-20-14-lightningfires-update3.doc
