Kaibab National Forest

Unstable conditions caused by heavy rains following the Boundary Fire, which was active through much of June, have necessitated continuing the closure of the burned area on and around Kendrick Mountain on both the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests in order to ensure public safety.

The Pine Hollow wildfire received significant moisture yesterday, and as a result rain showers moderated fire behavior on the lightning-caused fire resulting in no growth in the last 24 hours. However, as the weekend approaches a drying trend is forecasted for the Kaibab Plateau, and with that trend fire managers anticipate smoke sightings to increase.

Fire personnel also responded to three new lightning-caused fires within the last 48 hours. There has been a total of 10 new lightning-caused starts on the North Zone within the last two weeks.

Although monsoonal precipitation continued today on the Kaibab Plateau, the lightning-caused Pine Hollow wildfire remained moderately active. Fire remained active in heavy fuels and stump holes while relatively low flame lengths creeped through light fuels in the open pine.

Precipitation has been widespread over the Kaibab Plateau resulting in very little growth on the Pine Hollow wildfire since Monday’s fire update. Expected actions for the next 24-hour period are to continue monitoring fire behavior as more monsoonal precipitation is forecasted over the next 96 hours.

Within the past week, North Zone fire personnel consisting of firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service have responded jointly to multiple lightning-caused wildfires located on both the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and adjacent North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.

Lightning-caused wildfires are a common occurrence during the monsoon season (typically late-June through late-July). Of the five fires sparked by monsoonal storms this week, two are being suppressed and three are being monitored. 

Due to significant widespread rain and decreasing fire danger, the entire Coconino and Kaibab National Forests in northern Arizona will begin lifting all campfire and smoking restrictions. The Kaibab National Forest will rescind restrictions today at 12 p.m. (Monday, July 17) and the Coconino National Forest will follow tomorrow morning (Tuesday July 18) at 8 a.m.

The closure area surrounding the Boundary Fire on the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has been reduced in size due to significantly decreased fire activity.