Tusayan, Ariz., July 09, 2016—For Immediate Release.  The two wildfires that are being managed to improve forest health on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are now being actively suppressed to ensure public and firefighter safety. Drier conditions combined with higher wind speeds prompted managers to adjust plans, however the fires continue to accomplish land management objectives that were originally identified.

AIRSTRIP FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: June 29, 2016.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: Just south of Tusayan Az. east of highway 64.

Current Size: Approximately 679 acres. 50% contained.

Incident Commander: Brandon Oberhardt ICT4

Resources:  2-Type 6 engines, 1-Type 3 engine. Total personnel assigned is 15.

The Airstrip Fire has shown no growth over night and is still holding within the designated planning area. Engine crews will continue to patrol and mop up along containment lines working toward full containment. Smoke will continue to be noticeable but will be light with minimal impacts to Tusayan.

SCOTT FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: June 28, 2016.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: 11 miles east of Tusayan in the Upper Basin and Coconino rim near forest roads 310 and 307

Current Size: Approximately 2485 acres. 25% contained.

Incident Commander: Gregory Juvan ICT3 / Brandon Allen ICT3-T

Resources:  2- IHC Hotshot crews, 2-Type 2 hand crews, 1-Fuels crew, 2-Type 3 engines, 4-Type 6 engines, 2-Tactical water tenders, and 2-Dozers. Total personnel assigned is 130.

The Scott Fire continues to be active growing approximately 110 acres yesterday bringing the total burned area to 2485 acres. Crews are assessing the terrain to establish a safe approach in order to begin constructing control lines as close as possible to the active fire edge. Additional resources have been brought in to hasten the direct attack approach. With higher winds predicted in the short term forecast, managers are striving to have control lines in place before the expected winds arrive.

A temporary flight restriction has been implemented over the area of the fire in order to allow fire aircraft to work safely without conflicts from touring aircraft in the high traffic corridor near Grand Canyon.
An area surrounding a 9 mile section of the Arizona Trail and has been closed by special order (Order Number: 07-16-07-F) for the purpose of ensuring public safety. Trail users are directed to follow an alternate detour route along forest road 310 adjacent to the closed section of trail. Members of the public are asked to avoid driving into areas where fire personnel are working to ensure firefighter and public safety.

Both fires will continue to produce some visible smoke that may be seen from the communities of Tusayan, Valle, Cameron, Tuba City, and from both rims of the Grand Canyon.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources: InciWeb http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4840/  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4839/ ; Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Phone Line (928) 635-8311; Text Message – text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404.