Newt Update
Incident: Newt WFU Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 7/31/2008
The Newt Wildland Fire Use is located about 15 miles east of Tusayan and has grown to 150 acres. After a week of evaluation, observation and assessment, fire managers decided Monday to shift the Newt Fire from confinement status to fire use management for resource benefits.
The Kaibab National Forest is participating in a pilot program this season to test proposed modifications to the Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy, 2003. The proposed modifications allow fire managers the opportunity to apply the full range of management options on fires on federal lands, except for those fires caused by humans.
Under this pilot program, fire managers can monitor new fire starts. In due course, if it is determined that it is appropriate to allow the fire to burn for resource benefits, officials can decide to manage the incident with a wildland fire use strategy. The decision to manage the Newt Fire as wildland fire use was based on firefighter and public safety, current and predicted fire activity, weather, topography, fuels and cultural and natural resources to be protected.
Several fires started in mid-July and were monitored under the conditions of the pilot program. The fires are: Coco (16 acres), Ridge (2 acres), Tappan (3 acres), Rock (1 acre) and Newt (150 acres). The Newt Fire has shown the best potential for managing for resource benefits.
Since July 23, personnel assigned to the Newt Wildland Fire Use have observed fire activity, mapped the fire perimeter, assessed the potential for future growth and evaluated the resource objectives that were being met. These objectives include: reducing hazardous fuels, improving wildlife habitat and reducing the likelihood of future large, intense fires in this area. This information increasingly supported the decision to shift the fire into a fire use management strategy.
The Newt Wildland Fire Use has reached the Arizona Trail north of Russell Tank where the trail crosses Forest Road 310. Signs are posted for trail users indicating a detour onto Forest Road 310 to avoid heat and smoke from the fire. Today, fire personnel will be working ahead of the fire to reduce fire impacts along the trail and ensure visitor safety.
The forecast calls for warm and dry conditions to continue through the week. Fire activity is expected to moderately increase during this weather pattern.
For additional information, please contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, (928-635-5653).
