Williams, Ariz., June 7, 2017—For Immediate Release. While the fire activity picked up on the mid-slope of Kendrick Mountain, fire managers spent yesterday preparing firelines for future ignition operations that are designed to provide resource benefits to the forest. The 450-acre Boundary Fire is currently burning on the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest but is expected to move onto the Kaibab National Forest side of the boundary line within the next several days. The prep work is slow and methodical, but fire managers are setting the stage for the measured reintroduction of fire that will benefit the forest by removing heavy fuel accumulations across Kendrick Mountain. Allowing fire to play its natural role within the ecosystem will provide for long term ecosystem health and integrity of the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness and adjacent forest and range lands. These benefits will assist in preserving critical wildlife habitat, archaeological sites, wilderness values, ecosystem diversity, range allotments, as well improving ecosystem resiliency. For more information, details and the specific objectives for the Boundary Fire, please visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5209/. Quick updates will also be provided via Twitter at @KaibabNF and @CoconinoNF. Please follow us if you would like to be updated as information is received.

 Name: Boundary Fire

Reported: June 1

Cause: Lightning

Location: About 17 miles northwest of Flagstaff burning on Kendrick Mountain on the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest; latitude 35? 25’54.9” longitude 111? 49’ 53.0”

Size: 450 acres

Fuels: The wildfire is burning in heavy dead and down trees and forest debris left from the Pumpkin Fire of 2000.

Resources: Flagstaff and Mormon Lake hotshot crews, a 10-person fuels crew, seven engines, one dozer, local fire prevention units and various support personnel; approximately 120 total fire personnel are currently assigned.

Expected Actions: Fire suppression activities for today include continuing prepping and improving control line on all sides of the fire. The purpose of the work is to protect identified values at risk, including private property and structures at Pumpkin Center, Boys Ranch, Mexican spotted owl Protected Activity Centers, and Pumpkin Center. Crews will begin structure protection at Kendrick Mountain Lookout and the historic 1911 cabin that is at the lookout. No ignitions are planned at this time, but there may be the need for firing operations to remove fuels near firelines to protect structures.

Closures: A closure order is currently being established for the fire area. Details regarding the closure area will be provided as soon as they are available.

Smoke Impacts: Smoke will be visible from Flagstaff, Baderville, Parks, Williams, Interstate 40, and the Grand Canyon. Smoke is predicted to impact the communities of Cameron and Tuba City during the day, and Spring Valley, Pumpkin Center, Parks and Baderville during the evening hours.

Additional information sources, including maps, will be provided as soon as they are available.