Newt Update
Incident: Newt WFU Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 8/22/2008
Fire activity has increased on the Marteen Wildland Fire Use and the Newt Wildland Fire Use incidents on the Kaibab National Forest. Over the past week, a dry and warm weather pattern has contributed to increased fire behavior on both fires.
The Marteen Wildland Fire Use located 15 miles northeast of Williams has grown to 389 acres. Fire personnel observed activity mainly on the north and northwest sides of the fire as it continued to move through Spring Valley Wash. Fire behavior consisted of low surface fire with one foot flame lengths and smoldering logs and stumps.
The Newt Wildland Fire Use 15 miles southeast of Tusayan regained momentum also and has grown to 558 acres. Primarily, fire activity consisted of one foot flame lengths and isolated tree torching.
The current dry, warm weather pattern is expected to continue through the weekend. It is anticipated that fire activity will continue to increase under these conditions.
Some smoke was present in Valle Friday morning. Smoke may be visible occasionally along State Highway 64, I-40 and in outlying areas. Generally, smoke dispersal has been very good on both fires.
"We are pleased with the resource management results we are seeing on these wildland fire use incidents. While there has been little impact to recreation, we ask visitors to be aware of ongoing fire activity and to use caution while hiking, camping and traveling on the forest," said Martie Schramm, Williams District Ranger.
This year, the Kaibab National Forest is one of 30 sites participating in a pilot program testing proposed changes to the Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy. These modifications will allow fire managers a full range of management options on naturally ignited fires on federal lands.
An important proposed change in the policy is being able to manage a fire with more than one objective. Applying this proposed change to the Newt and Marteen WFUs gave managers authority and flexibility to switch management gears as needed and handle the fires based on positive land management practices, desired resource objectives and changing conditions as fire moved across the landscape.
For additional information, please contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, (928-635-5653).
-USFS-
