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U.S. Forest Service
News Release
Media Contact: Brady Smith
Lightning-caused fire cleans forest south of Munds Park Flagstaff, Ariz., July 8, 2015, For Immediate Release —
A lightning-caused fire approximately three miles south of Munds Park is being managed for resource benefits as it consumes dead logs, branches, and accumulated leaves
and pine needles. The Fox fire is currently only four acres and burning at a low to moderate intensity, producing minimal
smoke. However, it will be managed by the Forest Service, allowing the fire to fulfill its natural role in the ecosystem and could burn upwards of just over 1,000 acres throughout the next week.
“Fire is a natural part of this landscape,” said Don Muise, Coconino National Forest fire staff officer. “It reduces the likelihood of severe fire behavior, creating safer conditions
for surrounding communities and firefighters. Managing the Fox fire under the current conditions can help us fight any fires in the future that may be in this area.”
Fire managers are planning burnout operations for this coming weekend, depending on weather conditions, which will make smoke visible to those in the surrounding area, such as
Flagstaff, Munds Park, Foxboro Ranch Estates, the Village of Oak Creek and motorists along Interstate 17.
Since the fire’s proposed management boundary includes a section of Schnebly Hill Road, motorists using that road should be aware that smoke may impact their visibility and they
may be delayed due to fire personnel working in the area and along the road.
Smoke from the operations is expected to travel in a northeast direction and could impact areas such as Munds Park and Foxboro Ranch Estates during the day. At night, the smoke
may drain and impact areas such as the Village of Oak Creek and Foxboro Ranch Estates.
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Attachment:
Fox Fire Map.pdf
Description: Fox Fire Map.pdf
Attachment:
COC-NR-7-8-15-FoxFire.docx
Description: COC-NR-7-8-15-FoxFire.docx
