Newt Update
Incident: Newt WFU Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 8/23/2008
Fire Started: July 19, 2008
Location: 15 miles southeast of Tusayan on the Coconino Rim
Objectives: Managers are taking advantage of favorable conditions to re-establish fire as an important part of a healthy ecosystem. The fire is benefitting the landscape by reducing hazardous fuels, decreasing the size and intensity of future fires in the area and improving forest health.
Fuels: Ponderosa pine, grass and brush above the rim; pinyon/juniper, brush oak and patches of mixed-conifer in drainages below the rim.
Size: 642 acres
Resources committed: Total personnel = 7
Summary: Today, personnel will monitor fire progression and ensure the Arizona Trail is safe for public use.
Air Quality: Smoke is visible occasionally from State Highway 64 and 180. Smoke is dissipating well.
Fire Behavior: Generally, fire is creeping along the surface, flame lengths are less than 1 foot with some isolated torching. Fire is progressing mainly to the south.
Weather: The general weather forecast is mostly sunny, temperatures in the 80's, light southwest winds to 10 miles per hour with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Fire activity is expected to increase under current conditions.
Closures: There are no closures associated with the fire. Hikers, hunters and campers need to be aware of ongoing fire activity and use caution while traveling near the fire.
For additional information, please contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, (928-635-5653)
- USFS -
