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NEWS RELEASE
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest For Immediate Release July 22, 2014
Media Contact:
Brienne Magee, 928-527-8290 or 928-310-6035 UPDATE 6 Smoke from Willard, Pothole, and General Fires to decrease; Fire and smoke to increase on Bar M Fire Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Willard, Pothole, and General Fires are no longer growing. Fire will continue to run its course within the
perimeters, but the smoke they produce will decrease over the next several days. Crews are still conducting burnout operations on the Bar M Fire, and expect size and smoke to increase; behavior remains moderate
and beneficial to the landscape. The majority of smoke is moving to the east and settling overnight in Mormon Lake Basin. Some may drift down canyon toward the Verde Valley, but humidity is rising as we approach the weekend which will reduce fire behavior
– thus smoke production - overnight.
Burnouts are used to manage where and how the fire progresses, and by doing so in earnest over a shorter amount of time crews reduce the overall duration of heavy smoke – days instead of weeks.
Crews on the Bar M fire are currently focusing firing operations in the southwestern portion of the planning area, solidifying the perimeter. Fire managers are already seeing positive results. Flames have helped to raise crown heights (removing low-laying branches) and consume heavy fuels from the forest floor. This will help reduce
the severity of future fires in the area, creating a safer space for the public and firefighters. In addition, nutrients that were stored in the vegetation were released back into the soils, which will allow healthy forbs and grasses to appear.
Bar M Fire Size: Approximately 500 acres.
Behavior: 1-2 foot flame lengths across the forest floor. Some isolated torching, which is natural and expected.
Location: 5 miles southwest of Mormon Lake near Forest Roads 240 and 91.
The public should expect an increase of smoke tonight in the Mormon Lake area. It may also drift down-canyon toward the Verde Valley
The immediate fire area is closed for public safety, including a portion of Forest Roads 127 and 126.
Willard Fire Final Size: Approximately 2000 acres – no growth, increased number is due to more accurate mapping. Fire crews and equipment remain on scene to monitor fire activity as pockets within the interior
continue to burn. Location: South of Flagstaff between I-17 and Oak Creek Canyon, near the Willard Springs Interchange.
The immediate area is closed for public safety, but no other road or trail closures are in place at this time. Visitors should be cautious of fire crews and equipment.
Pothole Fire Final Size: 2,200 acres – no further growth to occur. Fire is burning within the perimeters that crews solidified over the last several days. Location: 22 miles north of Payson Behavior: 1-2 foot flames moving across the forest floor. Some isolated torching, which is natural and expected.
Forest Road 142F, as well as the Tramway and Maxwell Trails leading into the West Clear Creek Wilderness are temporarily closed for public safety.
General Fire Final Size: 2,089 acres - no further growth to occur. Fire is burning within the perimeters that crews solidified over the last several days. Location: 15 miles northeast of Payson, off Forest Roads 300 and 95, south of FR 719. 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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