Wildfire stopped in Eastside prescribed burn near Flagstaff
Flagstaff, Ariz., June 24, 2017, For Immediate Release — Coconino National Forest firefighters responded to the Trail Fire
started near Fisher Point yesterday, June 23, at approximately 11 a.m.
The response included several engines, patrols and the Black Mesa hotshot crew which is prepositioned on the Coconino National Forest.
Firefighters were dispatched to a 6/10 acre fire burning on forest land. Firefighters were assisted with the quick containment of the fire by a prescribed fire, the Eastside Project,
from this spring. The containment was completed at 12:30 p.m.
“The prescribed burn was instrumental in keeping this wildfire from running into the forest,” said Rick Miller, Flagstaff Ranger District Fire Management Officer. “The effectiveness
of our treatment worked exactly as it is supposed to work. Fire treatment not only helped the health of the forest, but may have prevented a catastrophic fire.”
The Trail Fire was the result of an illegal campfire in Stage II restrictions which escaped.
“Because of the Eastside Prescribed burn, all of fuel was eliminated and fire activity was very low,” said Jason Kolb, Incident Commander. “The prescribed fire removed all the fuels
and made hand-fighting of this fire very effective.”
This response came just one day after the Forest implemented Stage II fire restrictions.
“The Coconino National
Forest implemented Stage II Fire Restrictions on Thursday (June 22), which applies to the entire Forest, including developed recreation sites and campgrounds,” said Brady Smith, Coconino Public Affairs Officer. “These restrictions will not be lifted until
July 22. The restrictions could be lifted sooner if the Forest receives significant precipitation across the entire Forest that lowers the fire danger.”
An explanation of the different stages of fire restrictions and what is typically prohibited during those stages can be found online at
www.tinyurl.com/firestagesexplained.
Violation of the restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both and requires a Federal Court appearance.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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George F. Jozens
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
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Forest Service
Coconino National Forest, Supervisors Office
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p: 928-527-3412
gjozens@xxxxxxxxx
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1924 S. Thompson St
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
www.fs.fed.us
  
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Caring for the land and serving people
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