Firefighters conducted burnout operations associated with the Saber Fire on Thursday to remove fuel near the Arizona Public Service (APS) high-voltage electrical power lines in the area and expect to conduct more ignitions to protect values at risk over the weekend.
Coconino National Forest
The current hot and dry weather that Northern Arizona is experiencing, coupled with the below average monsoonal moisture, is causing some areas of the Museum Fire to show increased fire activity and smoke.
The Saber Fire produced minimal smoke Tuesday as it grew to 75 acres while it continued to move slowly across the landscape within the 2009 Taylor Fire burn scar.
Fire managers are pleased with the observed fire effects. The Saber Fire is consuming and eliminating hazardous dead and down forest fuels left behind from the Taylor Fire. Hazardous fuels include snags, fallen trees and thick brush. Reduction of these excess fuels will reduce to the likelihood of severe wildfires moving through the area in the future.
The Saber Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire south of Turkey Butte lookout, is being allowed to burn and fulfill its natural role consuming forest fuels while firefighters keep it in check.
The Coconino National Forest is reducing the size of the closure for the Museum Fire today to allow for increased access and recreation on parts of Mount Elden.
With the initial assessment from the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team completed on this fire, the Flagstaff Ranger District has determined it is safe to reduce the size of the closure to allow more recreating around Mount Elden.
This will be the final update for the Museum Fire, unless there is a significant change in fire activity.
Containment of the 1,961-acre Museum Fire increased to 91 percent yesterday, with high humidity decreasing fire behavior within the perimeter. The cause is still under investigation.
Resources assigned to the fire include: 4 hotshot crews; 1 Type 2 hand crew; 2 helicopters; 5 engines; and, 1 dozer.
A local Type 3 organization assumed command of the Museum Fire at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2019. The organization, led by Incident Commander Preston Mercer, will continue to prioritize the safety of firefighters and the public, protecting values at risk including homes, communication sites, and recreation and cultural resources, while providing support with planning and evaluation of post-fire watershed impacts. The 1,961-acre Museum Fire is 82 percent contained and the cause is under investigation.
A local Type 3 organization led by Incident Commander Preston Mercer will assume command of the Museum Fire today at 6 PM. The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2, led by Incident Commander Rich Nieto, has made solid progress containing the fire and will continue mop-up, suppression repair, and cooling hot spots today.
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