2014 Fire Season

[outdoor_lover]

And so it begins....The Secret Fire...Luckily this was addressed quickly...We are seriously going to be paying for our Dry Winter....

http://azdailysun.com/news/local/high-w ... 963f4.html

[The_Eagle]

Here's the full contents of the Email

Good afternoon.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Jackie

Jacqueline C. Banks
Public Affairs Officer
Kaibab National Forest
Office: 928-635-8314
Cell: 928-606-7490
jcbanks@fs.fed.us


Kaibab National Forest To Take Additional Precautions
To Prevent Human-Caused Fires

WILLIAMS, Ariz. – The Kaibab National Forest is taking additional steps to reduce the risk of preventable human-caused fires. As of Friday (June 6) at 8 a.m. the North Kaibab Ranger District will enter campfire and smoking restrictions, and the Williams Ranger District will close the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed to public entry.

Under the North Kaibab Ranger District’s campfire and smoking restrictions, which are also known as Stage 1 fire restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves will be allowed in developed campgrounds only. The restrictions will also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in developed campgrounds.

On the Williams Ranger District, which is already under Stage II fire restrictions, the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed will be closed to public entry. This includes hiking, horseback riding, driving, camping and all other recreational and industrial activities.

The Bill Williams Mountain Watershed closure area will be bounded to the east by 4th Street and County Road 73, to the south by Forest Service Road (FSR) 122, to the west by FSR 108, and to the north by Interstate 40.

Forest managers often close the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed to public entry during fire season. Bill Williams Mountain is the primary watershed for the City of Williams, and a major wildfire and subsequent flooding would be devastating to the city and surrounding communities.

The entire Williams and Tusayan ranger districts remain under Stage II fire restrictions, which prohibit campfires, even in developed campgrounds; prohibit discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt; and, limit many industrial activities.

For detailed information about fire restrictions and the closure of the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311.

For information about fire restrictions across Arizona, visit http://firerestrictions.us/az/ or call 1-877-864-6985

[azbackpackr]

Thank you! I wasn't aware they close it "often." But I just moved here.

[Nighthiker]

I believe the fire restriction's are confusing when campfires and charcoal grills are allowed only in developed campgrounds. Folks drive by these campgrounds on the way to their camping destination which may be dispersed and they end up having a campfire when they are not allowed. No campfires should mean No Campfires.

[rwstorm]

@Nighthiker
Absolutely agree. No campfires anywhere when restrictions in place or conditions warrant.

[chumley]

@Nighthiker
Do you find the Stage I restrictions to be confusing, or do you think other folks find them to be confusing?

I think its pretty straightforward for anybody who pays any attention at all. If you are in a fee-campground with a host and with existing metal fire-rings, you are permitted to have a fire. Nowhere else. All the signage posted on roads and highways across the forest simply say no campfires, even during Stage I restrictions.

I personally feel that Arizona should implement a mandatory permit system such as California has. It will force everybody to get educated on all of the details and give rangers the opportunity for a zero tolerance stance on violations. No warnings, just citations and fines.

[Nighthiker]

After 34 years as a fire fighter including time as a Fire Inspector, I have noted the current system is quite confusing to visitors and a much simpler policy of no campfires anywhere when restrictions are in place. When have several different land mangers and a consistent policy is needed by all.

[chumley]

If catering to the lowest common denominator is the best course of action (and unfortunately, often it is :roll: ) then I think the JimH suggestion of a simple statewide calendar based ban is the best option. Something to the effect of "Campfires Prohibited from April 1 to August 31".

I would hate to see that kind of dumbed-down system implemented, but it wouldn't ever confuse anybody. Oh who am I kidding? You can't fix stupid.

[azbackpackr]

No, but you can lock Stupid up for awhile and throw away the key! It may be expensive, but not as expensive as forest fire fighting on a massive scale! ;)

[Jim]

I favored a yearly ban on Forest Service Lands, but the BLM would also do well to opt in, and the state has to go along as well as they have numerous sections surrounded by Federal Land. It would automatically start April 1, 15, or 30, depending on when the data for starts by humans and intensity of the fires increases at an increasing rate, and then the ban persists until rescinded by the agencies, after sufficient rain has come. In most years that would be in mid to late July. The trouble there is all agencies have to determine what is the best date, otherwise it is almost as confusing. Some places wouldn't need it, though. The north Rim, really wouldn't. I don't know about the Hualapai Mountains, either. It is really the high visitation forests that need it. It then also has t be based on elevations and vegetation zones. Obviously, invasive dry and cured grasses on a windy 80 degree day at 3,000' are a risk in late March or earl April, but there is virtually no risk at 8,500' in the White Mountains around the same time.

[azbackpackr]

I favored a yearly ban on Forest Service Lands, but the BLM would also do well to opt in, and the state has to go along as well as they have numerous sections surrounded by Federal Land. It would automatically start April 1, 15, or 30, depending on when the data for starts by humans and intensity of the fires increases at an increasing rate, and then the ban persists until rescinded by the agencies, after sufficient rain has come. In most years that would be in mid to late July. The trouble there is all agencies have to determine what is the best date, otherwise it is almost as confusing. Some places wouldn't need it, though. The north Rim, really wouldn't. I don't know about the Hualapai Mountains, either. It is really the high visitation forests that need it. It then also has t be based on elevations and vegetation zones. Obviously, invasive dry and cured grasses on a windy 80 degree day at 3,000' are a risk in late March or earl April, but there is virtually no risk at 8,500' in the White Mountains around the same time.

Huge grass fires have occurred near Springerville in the springtime. I saw one in March 2007 that burned at least 5,000 acres in about an hour.

[The_Eagle]

The Kaibab and Coconino National Forests are lifting all fire restrictions as of 8 a.m. tomorrow.
The Kaibab National Forest is also lifting its closure of the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed.

Jacqueline C. Banks
Public Affairs Officer
Kaibab National Forest
Office: 928-635-8314
Cell: 928-606-7490
jcbanks@fs.fed.us

Coconino & Kaibab National Forests to lift fire restrictions

Flagstaff, Ariz. – Due to significant and widespread rain and rapidly decreasing fire danger, the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests in northern Arizona will lift all fire restrictions at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8.

Managers typically lift fire restrictions when at least a half inch of precipitation has been received over more than two-thirds of the forests. To date, many areas of both forests have received double that amount of precipitation, with an inch or more of rain being reported in many locations. Fire danger has decreased dramatically from “extreme” last week to “moderate” today.

Besides lifting all fire restrictions, the Kaibab National Forest will also reopen the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed on the Williams Ranger District tomorrow morning, which had been closed to public entry due to wildfire risk. The Coconino National Forest is evaluating conditions in Fossil Creek and will make a determination later this week about the appropriate time to reopen the area.

“With the onset of the monsoon season, the low number of human-caused fire starts, and the availability of many firefighting resources, we are comfortable that it is the appropriate time to lift fire restrictions,” said Holly Kleindienst, deputy fire staff officer for the Kaibab National Forest. “Fire restrictions were extremely effective this year in reducing the number of fires caused by people. We are thankful to our visitors for their help in preventing fires by complying with the restrictions that were in effect.”

The two forests initially implemented campfire and smoking restrictions on April 18. This was relatively early but was necessary due to a dry winter and impacts of long-term drought on the forests. Additional fire restrictions and area closures were implemented as the forests faced increasing levels of fire danger through the spring and summer.

While all fire restrictions will be lifted as of tomorrow, forest visitors are always expected to use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources. For information on preventing human-caused fires, visit http://wildlandfire.az.gov. People can also learn how to reduce the risk of damage from wildfire to homes and communities by visiting http://www.fireadapted.org. For additional information, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/coconino or http://www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab.

[azbackpackr]

Bill Williams Mountain?

[Jim]

I guess the fire season is almost at an end. Not very active. Only a handful of small to medium fires in the state and the beneficial nature of them may outweigh the negative.

[chumley]

@Jim_H
This might be one of the least active fire seasons I can remember. Given the lack of winter moisture I think we dodged a bullet.

[azbackpackr]

A fair amount of thinning has been going on around Williams. Huge piles of slash ready to burn. I'm assuming they'll do that when there's snow on the ground. I saw first hand why they worry so desperately about there being a fire on Bill Williams Mountain. We had quite a gully washer yesterday, and the town filled up with water. I was driving across town during the heaviest downpour and was surprised at all the deep water in the streets. If BW Mountain had a big crown fire the town would wash away in the following rains. Anyway, they're opening the mountain to hiking this morning, as we've discussed elsewhere. But I have to work...

[Jim]

A few years back the Kaibab posted that they were planning to do extensive thinning and burning on BW. I know some aspects of the mountain have been burned, mostly on the less important west side. Those were prescribed. I haven't been there in at least 3 years, now. Let us know if you see evidence of recent thinning around the mountain, especially on the east and northeast aspects which are the more critical watershed areas. I think the lake south of town is fed by run off mostly from the eastern side of BW. The best way to tour the mountain may be by the road to the summit, but that is not as enjoyable as the Benham.

[azbackpackr]

Yes, I have already seen a lot of evidence of thinning on east side. Saw it before they closed the mountain. When I have time, I'll hike Benham Trail.

[chumley]

Apache-Sitgreaves has also ended all it's restrictions and closures as of 7/8/14.
https://twitter.com/A_SNFs/statuses/486361690213068800
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/news ... PRD3807480

Still waiting on official word from Prescott, Coronado, and Tonto -- including Fossil Creek closure.

[PatrickL]

Cibola NF in NM rescinded their closures as well. If only the rain rolled through a week ago.

[The_Eagle]

FIRE ADVISORY
Kaibab National Forest

Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov

For Immediate Release Contact: Holly Krake, 928-635-5653
July 9, 2014


Lightning Ignited Fires to Benefit Kaibab National Forest

WILLIAMS, AZ – Natural lightning caused fires have started across the forest with the return of significant monsoon activity to northern Arizona. On both the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts, fire managers are taking advantage of good conditions to allow some of these natural fires to benefit the forest and surrounding communities.

“With recent deep moisture, we feel confident in a quick transition from extreme fire danger and the associated full suppression fire management strategies to managing natural fire to benefit our resources” says District Fire Management Officer, James Pettit. Resource benefit fires are managed for multiple objectives including reducing accumulated forest litter and fuels, maintaining fire in a fire-adapted ecosystem, increasing firefighter and public safety, and protecting cultural resources and wildlife habitat.

Williams Ranger District: Currently 1 acre in size, the Duck Fire is located approximately 3 miles northwest of Parks, AZ. To plan for fire growth, officials have identified a specific planning area of approximately 5,300 acres in which the fire could spread. Fire managers anticipate 1-2 acre growth potential each day over the next several days. Smoke may be visible from I-40.

Tusayan Ranger District: Currently 5 acres in size, the McRae Fire is located approximately 5 miles southeast of Tusayan, AZ. To plan for fire growth, officials have identified a specific planning area of approximately 11,000 acres in which the fire could spread. Fire managers anticipate 5-10 acre growth potential each day over the next several days. Crews may conduct 25 acres of perimeter road ignitions along the FSR 688 and FSR305 for firefighter and public safety. If managed ignitions occur, smoke may become highly visible from Highway 64.

While varying monsoonal precipitation and winds are likely to change fire behavior and growth over the next several days, general fire behavior is anticipated to be low intensity with 6-12 inch flame lengths. Reported fire behavior includes creeping, smoldering, and backing fire.

Get fire activity updates and maps 24 hours-a-day:
Fire Information Line: 928-635-8311
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov
Text Message: text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404