SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Kaibab National Forest Information

["Bone, Dyan L -FS" <000001ffccf3f8c0-dmarc-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Attached is today’s Castle Fire update.

 For additional information, please contact the Castle Fire Information Center at (928) 643-8152 or (928) 643-8158 or visit us on the Castle Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

 

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Burnout operations successful on Castle Fire

 

FREDONIA, Ariz., July 21, 2019 — The Castle Fire, which started on July 12, is approximately 400 acres. Growth yesterday was primarily along the northeastern portion of the fire perimeter.

 

The Castle Fire is located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon. The lightning-caused fire is being allowed to fulfill its natural role in a fire-dependent ecosystem within a predetermined planning area of 19,368 acres. 

 

The fire is burning in an area with a significant amount of dead and down trees as well as substantial encroachment by mixed conifer species. Allowing the wildfire to naturally burn through this area will help ensure the ecosystem will be healthier and more resilient in the future.

 

Yesterday, wildland fire crews conducted burnout operations along Forest Road 760 to secure the northeastern flank of the planning area. Fire behavior was active, consuming heavy dense fuels on the forest floor. This helps remove fuels that could feed future severe wildfires and promotes aspen regeneration.

 

Today, crews plan to continue preparation work along the eastern edge of the planning area. Burnout operations will also occur along Forest Road 760 as conditions allow.

 

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure. Smoke impacts have been minimal to date. However, burnout operations frequently causes a temporary increase in the amount of smoke produced. There will be light to moderate smoke impacts on Highway 67 over the next few days.

 

Fire managers anticipate that the Castle Fire will continue burning over at least the next several weeks. Weather conditions are predicted to remain largely warm and dry, which should aid in the wildfire's continued gradual growth.

 

CASTLE FIRE OVERVIEW

• Discovery Date: July 12, 2019.
• Cause: Lightning.
• Location: Approximately 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
• Current Resources: Four crews, five engines, a dozer, a chipper, two water tenders, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel: approximately 127.  
• Current Size: About 400 acres within a 19,368-acre planning area.
• Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to be visible from both the north and south rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Jacob Lake, Highway 67, Highway 89A, and Fredonia. 
• Current Closures: None.
• Recent and Current Operations: Wildland fire crews plan to continue improving roads and other designated perimeters within which the fire can move. Burnout operations may be conducted as needed to strengthen control lines.

 

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

·         Castle Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

·         Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 

·         Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF 

·         Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF 

·         Flickr: http://bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos

 

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Attachment: CastleFire_7-21-19.pdf
Description: CastleFire_7-21-19.pdf