Hobble Fire Growing Slowly Near Hobble Mountains on Kaibab National Forest

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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.



Author:Kaibab National Forest Press Release