Williams, Ariz., May 31, 2016—For Immediate Release. Fire officials on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are managing a new fire start called the Bert Fire. The Bert Fire, which was discovered May 29, was caused by lightning and has grown to approximately 50 acres. It is located near the junction of Forest Road 144 and Highway 180 approximately 10 miles southeast of the community of Valle.

The Bert Fire is burning in a pinion juniper fuel type and is being managed for multiple objectives such as reducing hazardous fuel accumulations, improving wildlife habitat, and restoring overall forest health. The goal is to allow the fire to burn as it would naturally as long as it can be safely managed while benefiting forest resources. Growth potential may be significant at times as weather conditions become warmer and drier over the next several days.

Smoke will be visible from the community of Valle and on highways 64 and 180. Motorists are asked to be aware of fire personnel and vehicles in the vicinity and use caution when driving through areas where smoke may be present at times. Fire managers will monitor smoke impacts closely and make every effort to minimize smoke impacts to the surrounding residential areas.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources: InciWeb http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4751/ ; Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Phone Line (928) 635-8311; Text Message – text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404.