Betty Wildland Fire Use Growing Slowly
Incident: Betty Wildland Fire Used for Re
Released: 6/10/2008
Note: Additional information, maps and photos are available online at http://www.inciweb.org/.
FREDONIA, Az. - The Betty WFU Fire continues to burn slowly through the grasses and pine litter. It is moving north of FR 274 and south of Burnt Corral. Kaibab National Forest fire managers are monitoring the slow growth of the fire daily and plan to allow it to burn until is has reached its predetermined boundaries of no more than 200 acres.
WFU Fire Name: Betty WFU Fire
Time/Date Started: June 6, 2008; discovered by fire personnel
Location: North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest; the Betty WFU Fire is located south of Burnt Corral and west of FR 22.
Cause: Lightning (All WFU fires must be naturally ignited.)
Fuels: Ponderosa pine, aspen, pine litter, grass
Acreage Treated: 60 acres. Fire managers plan to keep the Betty WFU Fire within predetermined boundaries.
Resources Committed: Forest and district fire managers are monitoring the Betty WFU Fire daily. Three fire effects managers, 4 engines, 1 dozer, 1 water tender. Total personnel = approximately 40. Three helicopters are available for use.
Resource Benefits: Restoration of a fire-adapted ecosystem; reduction of accumulated fuels on the forest floor; recycling of nutrients into the soil; protection of the greater area from future high-intensity wildland fires.
Closures: No road/trail closures are in effect. FR 274 remains open. However, hazard signs are posted, and motorists should exercise caution.
Summary: The Betty WFU Fire continues to produce minimal amounts of smoke; however a plume can be seen from Fredonia. The fire is moving slowly at a low intensity due to late season precipitation. It will be limited in size to 200 acres or less in the geographic area south of Burnt Corral and west of FR 274.
Wildland Fire Use Fires: The objective of any WFU fire is to protect, maintain and enhance resources; and, as nearly as possible, allow fire to function in its natural ecological role within defined boundaries. Before a fire is put into WFU status, land managers evaluate several criteria. For example, archaeologists and wildlife biologists inspect the area to ensure wildlife habitats and archaeological sites will not be harmed as a result of the fire or management practices. Once a fire is put into WFU status, it is actively managed, meaning boundaries, weather and fuels conditions under which the fire will be allowed to burn are established.
-USFS-
