Kaibab National Forest

The Boulin Fire on the Kaibab National Forest grew another 400 acres yesterday within the planning area and has now reached 15% containment. Fire effects on the landscape are have been advantageous meeting the desired ecological benefits defined in the initial strategic decision process.

Crews successfully secured the Boulin Tank private land yesterday and have completed preparations to allow fire to move into the lower southwest half of the planning area over the next few days.

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

As expected, with strong gusty winds yesterday, the Castle Fire became more active moving it into pockets of unburned piñon-juniper and mixed conifer. The fire slowed once reaching confinement lines. Winds were blowing from the southwest pushing smoke eastward. The hot, dry and windy pattern will continue through the weekend.

The Boulin fire is moving steadily across the planning area as anticipated toward the southwest perimeter. Crews have completed preparations at the Boulin Tank private land and will implement actions to protect this inholding as the fire is expected to reach this point sometime today. 

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

As hot and dry weather lingers, the Castle Fire is moving through areas of unburned islands of dead and down vegetation that has accumulated over the years. The Castle Fire has been burning with mostly low to moderate fire intensity but holding well within confinement lines. This type of fire behavior will result in improving forest health and wildlife habitat in that area while providing a barrier for future wildfires.

Slightly warmer temperatures yesterday propelled the Boulin Fire on the Williams Ranger District to grow an additional 400 acres bringing the total size to 1155. Growth can be expected as weather conditions remain warm and dry.

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 1155 acres.

Operations have been successful in allowing the lightning caused Castle Fire to reduce accumulations of dead and down forest vegetation. This will contribute to a regeneration and renewal of this area, creating new habitat for wildlife while forming a buffer for larger fires that may occur in the future.

Drier weather conditions have led to additional growth on the Ikes Fire, which is now approximately 205 acres.  The lightning-caused wildfire is actively burning within a 7,785-acre planning area. The Ikes Fire is being utilized to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem while providing for point protection of identified sensitive natural and cultural resources. Resource objectives include reducing hazardous fuels, promoting forest regeneration, improving wildlife habitat, and restoring more open forest understory.

Aerial reconnaissance of the Castle Fire, late yesterday, showed the fire has spread across most of the 19,368 acres of the pre-determined planned area, exhibiting low to moderate fire behavior. Smoke will be visible from the Castle Fire as it continues to burn interior pockets of dead and down trees, along with debris from previous fires.

On Thursday, the Type 3 Team Incident Management Team with IC Brandon Allen will transition command of the Castle Fire to a smaller Type 4 Incident Management organization that will continue to oversee and monitor the Castle Fire.