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U.S. Forest Service
News Release
Media Contact: Bob Blasi
Changing weather influences growth patterns on Sunflower and Ike fires
Williams, Ariz., July 27, 2016—For Immediate Release.
The two fires being allowed to spread in a natural setting on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are growing slowly but steadily as weather conditions and precipitation levels fluctuate daily.
“The varying weather trends we are experiencing at this time on the Sunflower and Ike fires are influencing a combination of fire severity and intensities which result in a wide range of natural effects to forest vegetation” said Williams
District Ranger Danelle D. Harrison. “Although the rate of fire spread is presently low, an increase in fire behavior can occur quickly within a day or two as weather dries out. This will create a desired mosaic pattern which will largely improve forest health
meeting our objectives.” Fire managers expect that both fires will continue growing following this current trend and will likely burn for an extended period of time with weather being the predominant factor influencing duration.
Crews are actively taking actions to protect structures, private inholdings, sensitive archeological sites, range fences, power lines, and wildlife habitats before the fire approaches these values at risk. Tasks include removing burnable
material away from these locations and constructing fire break control lines to secure sensitive features within the planning area. A Forest Area Closure Order (#07-16-09-F) remains in effect in the vicinity of the fire that includes the following areas:
North of Forest Roads (FR) 110 and 109, East of FR 747 and Big Spring Wash, then South of FR 139 and West of FR 109. Smoke will be noticeable at times and may periodically impact nearby communities that include Williams, Parks, Bellemont, Sherwood Forest, Pittman Valley, Chino Valley, Paulden, Prescott, Camp Verde, Flagstaff and Sedona. Monitoring smoke
production will remain a top priority for fire managers who will adjust actions to alleviate impacts to effected communities.
Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources: InciWeb
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4884/
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4885/ ; Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Phone Line (928) 635-8311; Text Message – text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404.
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Attachment:
1650_Sunflower_ Ike_ Wildfires_2016_07-27-16-.pdf
Description: 1650_Sunflower_ Ike_ Wildfires_2016_07-27-16-.pdf
