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Update 6/17, 3:30 p.m.
Crews on the Horse Tank Fire have been conducting burnout operations this afternoon to solidify the western boundaries. Smoke has significantly increased
and is very visible from Pine, Strawberry, Payson, Blue Ridge, and the Verde Valley. This is normal and expected.
Fire crews on both fires are making careful, calculated decisions about how they’re using these wildfires to restore the forest. Burnout operations
are used to maintain an overall low severity and dictate where the fire can move. Fluctuations in fire activity are also normal and expected. In the cooler hours of the day, fire will be subdued – nearly inactive. As the day becomes
warmer and drier, fire activity increases and is more efficient at consuming the hazardous fuels. These conditions and the tactics fire managers are using are ensuring that these fires are continuing to burn in a beneficial manner.
From: Pettit, Brienne - FS
U.S. Forest Service
News Release
Media Contact: Brienne Pettit
Horse Tank and Camillo Fires
Benefit Forest Flagstaff, Ariz., June 17, 2015, For Immediate Release — Fire Managers
continue to utilize the lightning-caused Horse Tank and Camillo Fires to restore the forest and reduce risk of severe fire. Over the next several days, expect smoke to increase as the fires continue to treat more of the landscape. Both fires are burning at
a low severity across the forest floor reducing fuel accumulations and promoting forest health. HORSE TANK FIRE OVERVIEW Today:
Ignitions will occur on the western boundary of the management area along FR 9387. Smoke: Visible from Highways 260 and 87, I-17, Payson, Pine, Strawberry,
and the Verde Valley. Light smoke was noticeable in the Blue Ridge area overnight. Today’s winds will push some smoke to the northwest toward the Verde Valley.
Closures: Forest Roads 9366R, 9384A, 9381 and a portion of 9361A.
Acres Treated: 1,000 acres (management area is approximately 5,000 acres) Location: Six miles north of Strawberry, south of Highway 260 near the
junction with Hwy 87 CAMILLO FIRE OVERVIEW Today: Crews continue conducting burnout operations a tactic to manage
how and where the fire moves through the forest. Crews are preparing for future ignitions along Forest Highway 3 from FR 125 south to FR 124, and are working closely with Forest Service specialists to protect historical sites in the area.
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Smoke:
The majority of smoke will disperse to the northeast. It is not expected to impact Flagstaff, but will be visible from town. Smoke may be noticeable on Lake Mary Road (Forest Highway 3) and in Mormon
Lake Village overnight. Closures: The immediate fire area will be closed. Visitors should abide
by on-the-ground closure signs, which will change as the active fire area moves. Forest Roads 125 and 124 (to Kinnikinick Lake) are open, but delays are possible because of fire personnel and equipment in the area. Acres Treated: 1,000 acres (management area is approximately 46,000 acres)
Location: 20 miles south of Flagstaff, just southeast of Mormon Lake.
Motorists should be cautious while traveling on Highway 260, State Route 87, and Lake Mary Road (Forest Highway 3). Smoke may reduce visibility and fire personnel will be working on and near the roads throughout
the day. No closures to these roads are anticipated, but delays are possible.
The Horse Tank and Camillo Fires are fulfilling their natural and crucial role in forest health and fuels reduction.
The forest needs frequent, low severity fire to restore wildlife habitat, promote healthy vegetation, reduce fuels and the risk of severe fire, and create safer conditions for residents, visitors, and firefighters.
Find online information on Inciweb at
www.inciweb.nwcg.gov. Follow the forest on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/coconinonf (@CoconinoNF). Photos will be available on the forest Flickr site at
www.flickr.com/coconinonationalforest. The public can also call the Coconino National Forest at 928-527-3600 during regular business hours.
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