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Kaibab National Forest
For Immediate Release Contact: Jacqueline Banks, 928-635-8314 Aug. 3, 2014
McRae and Hammer Fires Near Tusayan
Continue Growing, Benefiting Forest WILLIAMS, Ariz. – The two fires being managed to achieve resource objectives southeast of Tusayan, Ariz., continued slow but steady
growth yesterday, benefiting forest resources and lessening the risk of future high-intensity fires. “We have been lucky that the rain received on other areas of the forest hasn’t been as heavy on our two resource-benefit fires,”
said Quentin Johnson, incident commander for the McRae Complex and fire management officer for the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. “Our goal is to allow the natural spread of these fires to reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat,
and meet other natural and cultural resource objectives.” The McRae Fire grew by 74 acres yesterday, reaching a total size of 5,071 acres. Some managed ignitions were conducted on the east
side of State Highway 64, but fire managers had to limit the amount burned due to smoke impacts to the highway. Smoke mitigation has been a priority for fire managers since the McRae Fire was started by lightning on July 4. Today, the McRae Fire is not expected
to grow much due to a steady drizzle of rain on the fire last night. The Hammer Fire was more active yesterday growing by 371 acres to a total size of 596 acres. The area received rain overnight,
so crews may be able to burn slash piles today that are located along Forest Road 310 within the predetermined boundary established for the Hammer Fire. Due to the precipitation last night, fire managers expect less growth on the Hammer Fire today.
On the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest, the Sitgreaves Complex remains dormant for the moment due to several
days of precipitation. The 4,150-acre fire is not expected to be active over the next few days. Some smoke is still visible on the Sitgreaves Complex, leading fire managers to believe that resurgence is possible when conditions dry out. In the meantime, crews
will continue monitoring the fire. Additional information on the fires is available at:
Jacqueline C. Banks Public Affairs Officer Kaibab National Forest Office: 928-635-8314 Cell: 928-606-7490 This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. |
Attachment:
1650-1_so_managed_fires_2014_0803.pdf
Description: 1650-1_so_managed_fires_2014_0803.pdf
