Marteen Fire Update
Incident: Marteen Prescribed Fire
Released: 11/7/2008
Marteen Wildland Fire Use Fire Grew Today, Put Up Smoke
WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Marteen Wildland Fire Use Fire, which has been burning through ponderosa pine, pinyon/juniper and grass about 15 miles northeast of Williams just north of Sitgreaves Mountain, picked up in activity today and produced smoke that made its way into the community of Williams.
Winds from the northeast, which pushed smoke from the fire toward Williams, and poor ventilation conditions, which kept the smoke trapped near the ground, led to the smoky conditions in town. Fire managers said they expect the smoke to dissipate tomorrow as ventilation conditions improve.
The Marteen fire grew to 10,704 acres today by moving across Laws and Wildcat hills, both of which are located on the fire's western edge. The Marteen fire continues to meet resource managers' goals of reducing fuel buildup on the forest floor, decreasing the risk of future high-intensity wildland fires, increasing plant diversity, and allowing fire to play a more natural role within a fire-adapted ecosystem.
The lightning-caused fire started Aug. 7 and grew to 700 acres before going dormant during monsoon rains. Renewed fire activity began Oct. 15.
For addition information, please contact Jackie Banks at (928) 635-8314.
