ARIZONA BURNING AGAIN! Pack Rat and Trick Fires

Southwest Area Wildland Fire Operations ^ | Aug. 27, 2002 | Fire Management Team

[madfly]

Last Update: 8:30 a.m. (MDT); August 27, 2002

Six fires reported for yesterday.  Three fires reported by the State of Arizona, two fires on Santa Fe NF, and one fire on Fort Apache Reservation.  One new large fire (i.e. fires >100 acres), LAKES FIRE on Santa Fe NF.  

ARIZONA
PACK RAT FIRE, located along the Mogollon Rim, 15 miles north of Payson, AZ, is now over 1,210 acres.  Burning in mixed conifer and chaparral on Coconino and Tonto National Forest's, the fire became very active yesterday with increased torching, spotting, and upslope runs.  A number of spot fires were found across the line to the north.  Crews, engines, and helicopter assistance were successful in suppressing these spots.  Progress was made along the eastern flank as crews were able to insert line to protect homes in the area.  Burnout operations and continuation of line construction will continue through today.  Potential exists for addition fire runs today in canyons to the east and north.  A Southwest Area Type 1 Team (Humphrey, Incident Commander) has taken over management of the incident.  The PACK RAT FIRE is expected to be contained by September 7. General location Map

PACK RAT FIRE PHOTOS
Photos by Margo Whitt Pack Rat Information Officer, August 21, 2002

TRICK FIRE, on Kaibab National Forest, is now 3,795 acres.  Located approximately 17 miles southeast of Williams, AZ, within the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area, the TRICK FIRE is burning in steep, difficult terrain with limited water sources.  Active fire behavior yesterday morning and through the day with uphill runs on southern slopes.  Above the rim, lighter fire intensity is being experience.  Crews have built line off the rim into Tule Tank Wash.  Scouting, continuation of line construction in Tule Tank Wash, helicopter water drops, and beginning mop up in several areas planned for today.  A Great Basin Type 2 Team (Broyles, Incident Commander) is managing the incident.  No estimate on containment reported.  General Location Map | News Release 8/26

TRICK FIRE PHOTOS
Photos by Jacqueline C. Denk Fire Information Officer, Williams/Tusayan Ranger Districts,  Kaibab National Forest

NEW MEXICO
LAKES FIRE is a new fire reported yesterday on the Santa Fe National Forest.  The fire originated south of Fenton Lake in the Jemez Ranger District.  Within hours, the fire grew significantly moving to the northeast.  By evening, this active ground fire with some significant torching and crowning, had grown to over 3,000 acres.  Crossing State Road 126, evacuations became imminent for residents in the Thompson Ridge residential area.  Other areas evacuated included Fenton Lake State Park and Seven Springs.  Evacuation centers have been set up at Cuba High School and Senior Center at Canon, south of Pueblo of Jemez.  Evacuees may also call the Red Cross at 505-265-8514 for assistance and direction.  Four summer homes have been confirmed destroyed.  One of these homes was under construction.  State Road 12 from Highway 4 to Highway 550 at Cuba, NM, has been closed.  Smoke is visible in Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Espanola, and Taos. General location map of area.

Santa Fe National Forest is also working the LABOR FIRE, a 75-acre fire located one-half mile south of Cerro Pelado.  The fire is moving in a northeast direction threatening an electronic site on Cerro Pelado.  

Gila National Forest continues to monitor two large fires managed as "fire use," fires that were ignited by lightning, are burning in remote areas and pose no threat to life or property, and help reduce the buildup of hazardous forest fuels (vegetation).  They include ADOBE FIRE USE and CREEK FIRE USE.  A third fire, CUB FIRE, is being managed as a confined wildfire.  Two additional "fire use" fires have been reported and being monitored also, the CASTLE FIRE USE and WATER FIRE USE. 

[Lil'freeper]

Such a shame about Sycamore Canyon. Hiked there many times, they probably won't be able to save it - it's a wilderness area. No roads= no hope.

[madfly]

This is 2 days old, but gives some details and insight.

USDA Forest Service News Releases

For Immediate Release August 25, 2002 8:00 PM

Mogollon Rim Ranger District, 928-477-2255

Pack Rat Fire Grows on Mogollon Rim

Flagstaff, AZ – Last night, the Pack Rat Fire, burning on the Mogollon Rim, exhibited increased fire activity as the fire spread past containment lines. The fire is burning ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest in steep terrain on the border of the Coconino and Tonto National Forests. Smoke from the fire was visible in Payson and Flagstaff.

Origin: Started by lightning on August 15, 2002
Location: 8 Miles East of Pine on the Mogollon Rim
Size: estimated 900 Acres, 20% contained
Estimated Time/Date of Containment: Unknown
Current Threats: Sensitive wildlife habitat, watershed values. Kehl Springs Campground (closed)
Control Problems: Steep, rocky and inaccessible terrain.
Resources Committed: 3 engines, 2 helicopters, 1 dozer, 1 air attack aircraft, 6 water tenders, 3 air tankers, 4 20-person crews

Approximately 160 personnel total were working the fire earlier today, with additional resources arriving. One of the two Southwest Area Incident Command Teams is ordered and will arrive tomorrow to take over command of this fire. As the size of the fire grows, so does the need for firefighters and support personnel.

Remarks: During unusually low humidity last night, fire activity increased in Chase Canyon, below the rim, then burned back onto the rim and across Rim Road 300. Due to the spread of the fire, earlier today forest patrols contacted campers throughout an expanded area north of the Mogollon Rim to advise them to leave the area. The vicinity of the Pack Rat Fire along the Rim is closed to public entry. For additional information about the fire, call the Mogollon Rim Ranger Station 928-477-2255.

Reminder: Fire danger levels on the Coconino and Tonto National Forests are high to very high. Please use caution with fire in the forest.

---

[Grampa Dave]

It takes one to know one, and you know that is a compliment to you and your Sawgrass Rebellion hard work.

It seems like in life, 1 to 2 % get the ball rolling to do something, then another 5 to 20% in total keep the ball rolling and the hard and often dirty work to keep it rolling.

The rest like to talk about it or avoid even talking about it when it comes to specific actions.

Between the Sawgrass Rebellion and F.I.R.E. we can carry the fight to the envirals instead standing back and let them control the fight.

[Grampa Dave]

Great pictures that really tell the realities of the various approaches to the forests.

[Admin Moderator]

Removed #25 per your request. Thanks, AM

[madfly]

Fire & Aviation Newsroom

---

8/27/02	Current Situation Initial attack activity was heavy in the Northwest Area, and light elsewhere. Nationally, 227 new fires were reported and two of these became large fires. One each in the Rocky Mountain and Southwest Areas. Four large fires were contained yesterday, the Cherry and Bobcat Fires in Southern California, Garder Fire in Utah, and the Comet Complex Fires in Virginia. A RED FLAG WARNING has been posted in Southwestern Oregon for gusty northeast winds and poor overnight relative humidity recovery . A RED FLAG WARNING has been posted in the Northern Sacramento Valley and surrounding foothills, and the Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests for gusty north to northeast winds. Low relative humidity and poor overnight relative humidity recovery. For more information on weather in your area... For more information on large wildland fires see the Morning Report.
8/27/02	Biscuit Fire - Northwest Area This fire is approximately 26 miles Southwest of Grants Pass, Oregon. Crews are making great progress,the fire is now 90 percent contained and 500,023 acres in size with an estimated full containment date of August 31. There is approximately 10 miles of line remaining to be built and that is expected to be completed in the next couple of days. Many thanks goes out to the 3,918 personnel on this fire representing various state, federal, local, private agencies and organizations. See the picture at right from the people of the area. For more information on the Biscuit Fire...
8/27/02	McNally Fire - Southern California Area This fire is nine miles north of Kernville, California. The fire has grown to 150,420 acres and is 93 percent contained with an estimated full containment date of August 29. Jordan Hotsprings resort and residents of Monache Meadows have been evacuated. Twenty-three residences and seven commercial properties remain threatened; structure protection is in place. For more information on the McNally fire...
8/26/02	Initial attack activity was moderate in the Northwest and Northern Rockies Areas, and light elsewhere. Nationally, 143 fires were reported and five of these became large fires. Two in the Eastern Great Basin Area and one each in the Southern California, Rocky Mountain and Northern California Areas. Three large fires were contained, in the Eastern Great Basin the Keigly fire in Utah, Northern Rockies Area the Sheep Creek fire, in Northern California Area, the Alhambra fire. For full report on wildland large fires see the Morning Report.
8/26/02	Biscuit Fire - Northwest Area Firefighters are making great progress on the Biscuit Fire. As of last night, the Fire was 90% contained and 494,814 acres in size with an estimated full containment date of August 31, 2002. For more information on Biscuit Fire...
8/26/02	Trick Fire - Southwest Area This fire is 26 miles southwest of Flagstaff Arizona. The Trick Fire, which was sparked by a lightning strike Tuesday in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness of the Kaibab National Forest, has burned 2,200 acres and is 30 percent contained. For more information on the Trick Fire...

[Grampa Dave]

This ties in with the Red Flag warning I received yesterday afternoon and posted on the Oregon Still Burning site:

A RED FLAG WARNING has been posted in Southwestern Oregon for gusty northeast winds and poor overnight relative humidity recovery .

A RED FLAG WARNING has been posted in the Northern Sacramento Valley and surrounding foothills, and the Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests for gusty north to northeast winds. Low relative humidity and poor overnight relative humidity recovery. ============================================================

If this results in a Brookings/Gold Beach/Curry County Banana Belt weather situation, this could be very serious with NE winds blowing over the still burning Kalmiopsis Wilderness down to the Brookings/Chetco River and Pistol River valley areas.

[cake_crumb]

States Currently Reporting Active Large Fires

• Arizona (2) - 5,005 acres
• California (1) - 150,420 acres
• Colorado (5) - 60,603 acres
• Idaho (3) - 7,248 acres
• New Mexico (1) - 3,000 acres
• Oregon (4) - 577,513 acres
• Utah (1) - 600 acres
• Washington (1) - 802 acres
• Wyoming (2) - 12,186 acres

Source: National Interagency Fire Center

[cake_crumb]

Great pics, thanks.

[AAABEST]

The rest like to talk about it or avoid even talking about it when it comes to specific actions.

Those are the middle people that everyone is always looking to convince. The 1-2 percenters you speak of are cursed with the "I care" gene and have the intelligence and will to create movement.

The will to act for "the rest" doesn't kick in until they feel directly affected or they feel that by acting it will somehow benefit them.

This is why we're in the process of bringing some big name entertainment to the Sawgrass event. Ideally we shouldn't have to, but it helps attract the attention of "the rest".

[B4Ranch]

If we had the roads out West that the East does none of these fire would get very big. Having a fire burn up on a mountain that doesn't have one road a jeep could follow makes things difficult. Imagine a fire in New York city, with no fire hydrants and where the fire trucks couldn't get within 5 miles of the fire. How many homes would be lost?

[Carry_Okie]

This is why we're in the process of bringing some big name entertainment to the Sawgrass event. Ideally we shouldn't have to, but it helps attract the attention of "the rest".

As long as it's cheap. There are those who have blown tens of thousands on such a plan and ended up with their houses as security.

[madfly]

GRAND CANYON FORESTS FOUNDATION

• Makes restoration recommendations to Forest Service.
  
• After formal selection of restoration projects, Foundation determines work needed to carry out agreed upon restoration efforts.
  
• Brings financial and human resources to carry out restoration activities.
  
• Decides on operations of the Foundation.
  

Board of Directors:

Jim Babbitt
Geoff Barnard (Grand Canyon Trust)
Don Arganbright (Chair, NAU School of Forestry)
Program Coordinator: Brian Cottam
Intern: Tischa Munoz

---

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE

• Develops range of potential restoration prescriptions; considers Foundation recommendations for activities on National Forest Lands along with other public input.
• Manages the NEPA process through Interdisciplinary Team on the Peaks and Mormon Lake Ranger Districts (Coconino National Forest); manages public involvement.
• Brings financial and human resources to carry out restoration projects.
• Administers all contracts for activities on National Forest Land.
• Partnership activities are coordinated through a liason (John Gerritsma, Coconino NF), and District Project Coordinator (Tammy Randall Parker, Peaks Ranger District).

---

PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT TEAM

• Keeps day-to-day activities going; meets weekly (open to public).
• Interface between Forest Service and Partnership, and between Foundation and Partnership.

Primary Members:

Paul Summerfelt (City of Flagstaff Fire Dep.)Grand Canyon Forests Foundation
(Click here for the teflon stuff)
Familiar names, Familiar story.

Doc Smith (NAU)
John Gerritsma (USFS)
Taylor Mckinnon (Grand Canyon Trust)
Keith pajkos (Arizona State Land Department)
Brian Cottam

Now go see the Corporations/ GreenDotOrgz at the link above>

[madfly]

Yikes. It's really a Beast. I pray for rain.

[madfly]

Darn Here's the link for the Coconino Forest Partnership greenie group's Organizational List.

Grand Canyon Forests Foundation
(Click here for the teflon stuff)
Familiar names, Familiar story.

SORRY
please check it out!!!!!!!!!!

[cake_crumb]

Thanks for your dedication, and please let me know when the F.I.R.E. section is up and running.

Reading through a DELUGE of AP stories for August, and the fact that the idiots STILL think that environazis are "conservationists", and those who advocate thinning are "logging interests" are getting on my nerves again.

Environazis are "preservationists": they want no touching of the forest, no interaction and no roads for any reason.

"Consertvationists" are into timber management, and not neccessarily "logging interests", though many former forestry guys gravitate into the logging industry at some point or other, due to the fact that all responsible loggers are timber managers.

Getting ready to BEAT the correct terminology into the idiots.

[madfly]

see link to above post.

[Grampa Dave]

Arizona is doomed with those Watermelon Green Jihadists in charge of the forests. What a sickening roster of Druid Greens who hate America/Americans and are against harvesting a single board foot from any national forest.

[cake_crumb]

MaCain has allowed the forests in his state to come to a truely sorry state is the greenies are managing the forests...CO's pics above are proof.