Tank Fire Determined As Lightning-Caused

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The Tank Fire, 16 miles southeast of Tusayan, was detected on July 24 and determined to be lightning-caused. The Tank Fire is located one mile east of the previously reported Wash Fire, also on the Tusayan Ranger District. Due to their close proximity, the fires were combined under one organization called the Wash Complex. Both of these fires have shown little activity during the past month of monsoon moisture.

Now, as drier conditions have returned, renewed activity has been observed on the Tank Fire. The Tank Fire has grown slowly to four acres and the Wash Fire has remained at the last reported size of 200 acres.

Fire managers have identified an approximate 3,700-acre area where the fires will be managed for resource objectives. Some of the objectives for the complex are: maintaining fire as a natural disturbance in the ecosystem, reducing hazardous fuels, protecting fire sensitive sites and range improvements, and increasing plant diversity.

The projected movement of the Tank Fire is toward the north and east. On Tuesday, about 22 personnel will be assigned to the incident, working ahead of the fire along the 2752 Road. Firefighters will use drip torches to ignite vegetation from the road back toward the fire. These actions will allow the fire to continue its progression within the desired management area while reducing the potential for rapid fire spread.

The forecast shows very good ventilation predicted for Tuesday. These conditions will help with favorable smoke dispersal during the day. Managers expect some smoke impacts in the outlying area.  

For additional information, please visit the Inciweb at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2034/ or call Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, 928-635-5653.



Author:Kaibab National Forest Press Release