Tag Archives: Kaibab National Forest

Head Kaibab National Forest fire official recognized for achievements

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Kaibab National Forest photo

WILLIAMS — The head fire official on the Kaibab National Forest was recently recognized for his achievements with two notable awards.

Arthur Gonzales, who has served as the forest’s fire staff officer since August 2011, was named the USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region’s Forest Fire Management Officer of the Year for 2015 as well as being recognized as the Outstanding Student in an advanced fire behavior course by the International Association of Wildland Fire.

“When I found out I was selected for these awards, I felt surprised, proud and very humbled,” Gonzales said. “I don’t do this job for recognition. I do it because I love the work and the benefits I see that it provides to not only me as a forest user but also to my family and my community.”

Gonzales was selected as the fire management officer of the year for his contributions in leading a progressive, balanced fire program on the Kaibab and for leading by example and working in a productive, interdisciplinary environment with other staff areas. He was honored by the cadre of the S-590 Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation course based on his demonstrated leadership and support of colleagues during the challenging class, which was held at the National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute in Tucson, Ariz., in March.

“Arthur is a great example of honesty, integrity and duty. He truly loves what he does and his passion shows,” said Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio. “He is innovative and forward thinking and is never satisfied with the status quo, but rather is always looking for a more efficient and better way to complete a task, accomplish a job, run the forest, or move the agency forward in some way.”

Under Gonzales’ leadership, the Kaibab National Forest doubled its 10-year average in prescribed fire accomplishments in 2015. More than 16,000 acres were treated, which was the most ever for the forest.

During the same year, there was a total of 21,551 acres burned by wildfires on the Kaibab. Of those acres burned in wildfires, a whopping 98 percent, or 21,111 acres, were from wildfires managed for natural and cultural resource objectives and benefits including grassland restoration, wildlife habitat improvement and overall enhancement of forest health. The Kaibab’s five-year average for acres from such fires was top in the Southwestern Region, with 24 percent of the region’s total coming from the forest.

“All the work we do is intended to benefit the ecosystem, and the communities we live in are part of that ecosystem,” Gonzales said. “I’m as big a user of our National Forests as anybody else out there, and I recognize that fire is essential to continuing to have this amazing place and the opportunities that stem from it.”

Since 2003, a total of 170,596 acres have been successfully managed to achieve natural and cultural resource objectives on the Kaibab National Forest including this year’s 5,983-acre Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District, which allowed fire to be used as a tool to begin important grassland restoration work in the area.

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have developed an understanding of how fire has shaped landscapes and how it has been critical in developing and providing the opportunities I so greatly enjoy in the outdoors,” Gonzales said. “With this understanding of the role of fire in ecosystems, I have dedicated myself to a career in fire management, with a particular focus in using fire to maintain and enhance landscapes so that everyone can experience all the opportunities that our public lands have to offer both now and into the future.”

Besides actual treatment on the ground, Gonzales’ leadership has proved innovative in myriad other ways. In late 2015, an informational video was released explaining the importance of wildland fire in the ecosystems of northern Arizona from the perspectives of various Kaibab National Forest natural and cultural resource specialists. That video, entitled “Keeping Fire on the Ground: Resource Specialist Perspectives on the Kaibab National Forest,” stemmed from Gonzales’ desire to highlight a part of the wildland fire world that most people never get to see. Gonzales took a truly unique approach to tell the story of wildland fire by highlighting some of the unsung heroes on his unit. He is using the video to help educate employees across the agency, raise awareness, and highlight the collective efforts necessary to build a successful wildland fire management program.

“Arthur is by far the finest fire management officer I have had the pleasure of working with in my nearly 30-year career,” Provencio said. “His depth of knowledge and experience in fire, combined with his strategic thinking and strong leadership among all resource areas within the agency, make him more than deserving of this recognition and the awards that he has received.”

Bert fire burning out

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WILLIAMS — For Immediate Release. The Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has decreased in activity over the last few days and is expected to continue to decline as the fire reaches pre-defined action perimeters.

Smoke an fire have diminished after the fire consumed the fuels of the approximately 5983 acres. Crews have effectively allowed fire to move across the landscape using techniques that were designed to successfully achieve management objectives. Much of the fire perimeter has now reached the identified boundaries previously set forth and managers are very pleased with the results.

Bert Fire experiences largest day of growth

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800-bert-160620-1046WILLIAMS — As expected, the Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest reached its largest day of growth yesterday with just over 700 acres of fire spread bringing the total burned area to 5445 acres.

The Bert Fire is located ten-miles southeast of Valle on highway 180 near Ebert Mountain.

The Northern Arizona Type 3 incident management team assumed management on Tuesday morning after a predicted increase in fire activity. Crews were ready for the change in fire behavior as near record high temperatures combined with low relative humidity prompted the anticipated growth. Containment lines held while several land management objectives continued to be met with positive results including key improvements to grassland restoration.

An increase in high lifting smoke was visible from far reaching areas surrounding the vicinity of the fire but overnight impacts remained minimal. Smoke may continue to be noticeable over the next several days until monsoonal precipitation eventually arrives.

Wildcat Fire 70% contained

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FREDONIA — The final report on the lightning-caused, 1,502-acre Wildcat Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest is 70 percent contained, with no additional fire growth anticipated.

The fire started June 13 south of Highway 89A in the vicinity of the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. A crew of 238 personnel have been monitoring the fire with a goal of full suppression. On Sunday, excessive temperatures caused two fire fighters to be treated for heat-realated illnesses.

There has been no growth on the Wildcat Fire for several days. Crews have successfully mopped up 100 feet in from the fire edge along 70 percent of the fire. In the wilderness, hand crews have extinguished hot spots while implementing Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics. Infrared photography shows little heat, and no spot fires have been found across the fire’s edge in days. Responsibility for management of the Wildcat Fire passed from Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 back to the Kaibab National Forest this morning. A smaller fire organization will patrol and mop up the fire until it is 100 percent contained.

As a reminder, both the North and South Canyon trails are temporarily closed in order to provide for public and firefighter safety. Public notifications will be released once the closure is rescinded. The North Canyon Trail closure starts at Forest Road 631 and extends to the intersection of the Arizona Trail on the west side, approximately three-quarters of a mile from FR 611. The South Canyon Trail closure starts at FR 211 and extends to the west side trailhead near the junction of FR 610 and FR 2599.

Bert fire in Valle increases in size

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VALLE — The Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest is showing a substantial increase in activity and is expected to grow considerably while warmer weather continues over northern Arizona. The lightning-caused Bert fire was discovered May 28 and it was decided to manage the fire to burn fuels and return the land to grass land.

The fire is approximately 3850-acres and burning ten-miles southeast of Valle on highway 180 near Ebert Mountain.

With the steady increase in temperatures and lower relative humidity over the area, fire officials are anticipating an increase in fire activity over the next few days. The current weather pattern is expected to be short term, however, with a chance of moisture predicted to return by the middle of next week. Fire behavior and smoke impacts will likely diminish as cooler weather arrives.

An increase in smoke production is expected and will be noticeable from interstate 40, Highways 180 and 64 and from several adjacent communities including Valle, Tusayan, Williams, Flagstaff, Parks, Spring Valley and Cameron. Smoke may impact these communities periodically depending on shifting wind direction and changing weather patterns. Predominant southwest winds are expected to transport smoke away from adjacent residential areas however some smoke may occasionally drift over the Coconino rim to the northeast.

Wildcat fire grows considerably

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FREDONIA — The lightning-caused Wildcat Fire discovered Monday became more active this afternoon and rapidly grew to an estimated 2,000-acres on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Yesterday it was at 72-acres and 50% contained.

The fire is located South of Highway 89A and southwest of the Forest Road 8910 and 211 junction within the vicinity of the South Canyon trailhead in Saddle Mountain Wilderness. The fire is currently burning in a northeast direction from the House Rock Buffalo Ranch.

The fire is currently burning in a wilderness area and there are no reports of danger to structures or evacuations.

Firefighters respond to Wildcat Fire in Saddle Mountain Wilderness

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FREDONIA — North Zone firefighters on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are currently responding to a new fire start called the Wildcat Fire, which was discovered earlier today. They intend to suppress the fire which is about 20-acres.

The fire is south of Highway 89A and southwest of the Forest Road 8910 and 211 junction within the vicinity of the South Canyon trailhead in Saddle Mountain Wilderness. Visitors can expect to see smoke as the wildfire is highly visible from Highway 89A.

The Wildcat Fire is primarily wind driven and currently moving north-northeast. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Fire restrictions to begin Wednesday on four National Forests

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FLAGSTAFF/WILLIAMS/PRESCOTT — Campfire and smoking restrictions will begin 8 a.m. Wednesday (June 15) on the Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in order to protect public health and reduce preventable human-caused fires.

Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds only, which are managed by concessionaires or have campground hosts. The restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in developed campgrounds. Using a device that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are clear of flammable materials. Fireworks are always prohibited on all National Forest lands. On the Prescott National Forest, Stage I restrictions will not allow shooting firearms due to the drier conditions. However, this activity will be allowed on the other National Forests.

The forests use fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of users during periods of dangerous fire conditions. Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be applied as conditions warrant. In-depth details and criteria for implementing fire restrictions can be found online at http://tinyurl.com/firerestrictionscriteria. Additionally, an explanation of the different stages of fire restrictions and what is typically prohibited during those stages can be found online at http://tinyurl.com/firestagesexplained.

Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the forests receive significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded.

Forest officials would also like to remind forest users that building and maintaining a campfire on the National Forest while under fire restrictions is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during fire season.

Know Before You Go!  The public can obtain additional fire information via the following:

Bert fire continues to restore forest

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Kaibab Forest Service photo

Kaibab Forest Service photo

VALLE — The Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest continues to increase in size daily and is expected to follow this pattern until annual monsoon precipitation arrives. The lightning-caused fire started May 28, 2016.

The fire, located ten-miles southeast of Valle near Ebert Mountain, has grown to almost 3400 acres. Smoke will continue to be visible from Highways 180 and 64 and from the community of Valle. Volume will fluctuate from day to day depending on weather and fire activity. Predominant winds are pushing most of the smoke away from Valle, but some will continue to drift into Valle and Flagstaff.

The Bert Fire is moving through pinyon juniper woodlands and is reducing tree stand density meeting the desired objectives to restore historic grasslands.

Kaibab National Forest photo

Kaibab National Forest photo

Thief compromises Bert Fire operations and public safety

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image013VALLE — On Tuesday morning a firefighter assigned to the Bert Fire on the Kaibab National Forest discovered the theft of essential emergency safety equipment taken from the scene of the Bert Fire southeast of Valle, Arizona.

Sometime during the night hours of Monday June 6, an electronic safety message sign that was placed on highway 180 was vandalized and multiple power batteries were stolen from inside of the unit. The sign board which displayed illuminated safety messages for travelers was rendered inoperable. The messages were designed to alert drivers of approaching hazardous conditions including smoke and fire personnel working in the area.

Officials would like to remind the public of the importance of safety when conduction fire operations that are near or within rural areas and adjacent to busy highway corridors. These types of careless actions can elevate danger and reduce the ability to provide for public safety of both firefighters and motorists. U.S. Forest Service law enforcement is currently working with the Coconino County Sheriff’s office and would encourage anyone with information related to this crime to contact the sheriff’s office at 928-774-4523 or USFS Law Enforcement at 928-635-5642.