Arizona Forest Using Fire To Achieve Resource Objectives

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With the onset of the monsoons, Kaibab National Forest fire managers are evaluating conditions and looking at opportunities to use wildland fire to achieve multiple resource objectives. Recent precipitation, higher humidity and increased fuel moisture has changed the forest noticeably from that of just a few weeks ago and the fire danger has decreased significantly.

Over the coming months, if conditions are appropriate, managers may decide to use lightning-caused fire and prescribed fire, including broadcast burning and pile burning, to improve forest health, reduce hazardous fuels, protect cultural resources, and enhance wildlife habitat.

Some people may question why fire would be managed across the landscape of the Kaibab National Forest when so many acres have already burned in Arizona this year.  One of the important goals of the fire management program is to return fire to its proper role in a fire-adapted ecosystem. Many areas of the forest have had fire excluded for too long which has lowered the forest's defense against insects, disease, and high intensity fire. However, every time fire can be managed safely across the landscape, another protective layer is added to the forest that can help prevent future intense wildfires.

If there is smoke in the air, it may mean wildland fire is being used to achieve multiple resource objectives on the Kaibab National Forest. Concerted efforts will be made to keep the public informed about fire activity and smoke.

For more information, please call Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, 928-635-5653.



Author:Kaibab National Forest News Release