SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Kaibab National Forest Fire Information

[Sandra J Moore <sjmoore@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hobble Fire Update

WILLIAMS, Ariz. – The 1,294-acre
Hobble Fire, 18 miles northeast of Williams, is growing slowly near the
Hobble Mountains on the Kaibab National Forest. Officials say they are
achieving many resource objectives through the management of the lightning-caused
Hobble Fire. Some of these objectives are reducing hazardous fuels, improving
wildlife habitat, protecting range improvements, and returning fire to
a fire-adapted ecosystem.  

Over the weekend, personnel monitored
a low intensity burn through the ponderosa pine.  They also observed
occasional torching during the warmest time of the day when the fire reaches
clusters of pinyon-juniper trees. The fire is moving south and west in
the Hobble Natural tank drainage and west of Sheep Hill.

 The fire is spreading within
a 45,000-acre management area established for the incident. Officials reduced
the management area boundary last week to exclude some land northwest of
the fire that is utilized for winter range. 

Within the 45,000-acre management
area, there are certain locations, called management action points, where
firefighters will take actions to prevent rapid fire spread. The fire has
reached several management action points. This has prompted managers to
order more resources for the incident. This week, fire crews will be prepared
to take actions to prevent the fire from becoming established at the base
of Buck Mountain and running upslope. 

Game Management Unit 7W is within
the Hobble Fire Management Area.  All roads are open and accessible.
 If you are traveling or camping in this area, please be aware of
potential hazards such rolling logs and rocks, increased fire activity,
dead standing trees, smoke, and smoldering stump holes. 

The forecast this week shows dry,
warm conditions and light winds. Managers expect moderate growth with this
forecast. Smoke may be noticeable from State Highway 64, Valle, and along
portions of Highway 180.    

For additional information, please
visit the Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2118/
or call Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, 928-635-5653. 


Punky Moore
Fire Information Officer
Kaibab National Forest
Williams/Tusayan Ranger District
928-635-5653
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