SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Kaibab National Forest Information

["Banks, Jacqueline C -FS" <000001aecffecb35-dmarc-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Attached is today’s update on the Castle Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. An updated map showing the current fire perimeter as well as the planning area is attached. For additional information, please contact the Castle Fire Information Center at (928) 643-8152 or (928) 643-8158 or visit the Castle Fire Inciweb Page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/.

 

 

 

Current weather conditions may temporarily slow Castle Fire's growth

 

FREDONIA, Ariz., July 24, 2019 — The Castle Fire remains low to moderately active along the northeast perimeter of its predetermined planning area. Weather will influence today's activities, where firing operations may be temporarily halted if favorable burning conditions are not present.

 

Despite the current weather conditions, this wildfire can still play a vital role in functioning as a natural disturbance within the ecosystem by reducing excessive fuel (vegetation) accumulations that currently exist across the forest floor.

 

The lightning-caused wildfire was detected on July 12th and is approximately 860 acres and remains active within a well-defined planning area. 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.

 

Yesterday, slightly cooler weather coupled with increased humidity moderated fire behavior resulting in the fire's 10-acre growth. Firefighters continued prep work along the north and northeastern boundaries of the planning area. Strategic firefighting efforts include continuing to reinforce the eastern boundary of the planning area. The goal is to secure the entire perimeter before the fire advances towards the outer edges of the predetermined perimeter.

 

Fire managers expect the Castle Fire to remain active for several weeks, even with the possibility of precipitation over the next few days. If dry weather follows, the fire is expected to regain momentum and continue to gradually spread throughout the planning area of 19,368 acres. Its tempo will be dictated by the availability of fuels (vegetation), weather and topography.

 

As an added safety measure for both public and firefighters, a temporary Closure Order is now in effect for the Castle Fire area:   https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/

 

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure.

 

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, eight engines, a dozer, a chipper, two water tenders, four masticators, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel: approximately 168.  
• Current Size: About 860 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: Kaibab National Forest managers have implemented a temporary Closure Order for the Castle Fire area in order to provide for public and firefighter safety.  For specific information about the Closure Order, please visit:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
• Recent and Current Operations: Wildland fire crews plan to continue improving roads and other designated perimeters within which the fire can move. Current weather conditions may influence the use of firing operations, which may be conducted as needed in order 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: 1650-1_d3_CastleFire_2019_0724.pdf
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Attachment: PIO_8x11_Port_20190723_2018-sm.pdf
Description: PIO_8x11_Port_20190723_2018-sm.pdf