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U.S. Forest Service
News Release
Media Contact: Brienne Pettit
Managed Fires Reduce the Risk of Severe Fire Flagstaff, Ariz., June 19, 2015, For Immediate Release —
The Horse Tank and Camillo Fires on the Coconino National Forest were started by lightning and are now managed by Forest and Fire Officials to reduce fuel accumulation and promote forest health.
The unseasonably wet spring and summer have led to higher fuel moistures which have made it possible to effectively and safely manage these wildfires.
Starting tomorrow, new closures will be in effect around the Camillo Fire for public and firefighter safety. CAMILLO FIRE OVERVIEW Today: Crews will continue conducting burnout operations; this tactic
allows fire managers to determine how and where the fire moves through the forest. Crews are preparing for future ignitions and are working closely with Forest Service specialists to protect heritage sites and wildlife habitat in the area.
Smoke:
The majority of smoke will disperse to the northeast. It is not expected to impact Flagstaff, but will be visible from town. Smoke will be noticeable on Forest Road 125, Lake Mary Road (Forest Highway
3), and in Mormon Lake Village overnight. Drive with caution. Closures: Lands, roads, and trails in the vicinity of Little Mormon Mountain
will be closed starting Saturday, June 20. This includes Forest Roads 92, 124, and a portion of 82. The area on the south side of FR 125 will be closed, but the area north of the road as well as FR 125 itself will remain open with Access to Kinnikinick Lake.
The Gooseberry Springs Trailhead and a portion of the Arizona Trail will also be closed. See the
full closure order and map on Inciweb. Delays are possible along FR 125 and FH 3 because of fire personnel and equipment in the area. Size: 3,900 acres (planning area is approximately 46,000 acres) Location: 20 miles south of Flagstaff, just southeast of Mormon Lake. HORSE TANK FIRE OVERVIEW Today:
Fire continues to
smolder and creep in interior pockets of unburned fuels producing less smoke. Smoke: Visible from Highways 260 and 87, I-17, Payson, Pine, Strawberry,
Blue Ridge and the Verde Valley. Closures: Forest Roads 9366R, 9384A, 9381, 609 and a portion of 9361A.
Size: 1,518 acres (planning area is approximately 5,000 acres) Location: Six miles north of Strawberry, south of Highway 260 near the
junction with Hwy 87
Motorists should be cautious while traveling in the vicinity of these fires, especially 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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Attachment:
COC-NR-6-19-15-LightningCausedFires.pdf
Description: COC-NR-6-19-15-LightningCausedFires.pdf
