ST. GEORGE — Fires on the Kaibab National Forest held within fire lines through two days of Red Flag conditions, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Forest Service.
During these two days, temperatures near 80 degrees Fahrenheit, single-digit humidity, and sustained winds over 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph created conditions conducive to rapid wildfire spread.
However, all three fires stayed within the planned area perimeters, a testament to prior forest thinning projects, previous applications of fire on the landscape and the skill and vigilance of fire managers and crews on-scene who, knowing these conditions were coming, have been making strategic decisions about where and when to conduct tactical firing operations and establish fire lines.
Slightly cooler temperatures, decreased winds and higher humidity levels are forecast to return later this week, which could give crews on the Ridge and Three Lakes fires the opportunity to resume tactical firing operations and continue managing the lightning-caused fires for forest health within their planned areas.
As activity on the Hull Fire decreases, crews will shift the focus on repairing and rehabilitating handlines dug to protect areas within the planned area, such as the historic Hull Cabin, while continuing to patrol and hold perimeters.
Wednesday’s status
- Hull Fire: 1,491 with no growth within the planning area – 25 personnel are currently assigned to this fire.
- Ridge Fire: 2,603 acres with slow growth within the planning area — 75 personnel are assigned to this fire.
- Three Lakes Fire: 1,037 acres with slow growth within the planning area – 90 personnel are assigned to this fire.
More details on each fire can be found on InciWeb.
Managing naturally caused wildfires across the landscape is a very effective tool in restoring the forest to a healthier condition, and these efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape as well as other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.
Additional information can be found on the Kaibab National Forest website, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the Fire Information Hotline at 928-635-8311 or local ranger stations.