Weir Fire and Ranger Complex Fire Updates

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Two lightning-caused fires on the Coconino National Forest are being managed for resource benefits, including:

• Re-introducing natural fire into the ecosystem.
  
• Reducing heavy fuel loading to diminish catastrophic wildfire danger.
  
• Maintaining and enhancing healthy wildlife habitat.
  
• And recycling valuable nutrients back into the soil.
  

The Weir Fire, burning about one mile north of Stoneman Lake and five miles east of I-17, is now estimated at 500 acres.  Fire activity is spreading north to the Lee Butte, Fain Mountain and Gash Mountain, so visitors and hunters are advised to avoid those areas. Smoke is visible from Interstate 17, Flagstaff, Mormon Lake and the Verde Valley.  

About 30 fire personnel are working the fire, including five engines. No structures or developed recreation areas are threatened.  

The Weir Fire was ignited by lightning August 16 and is burning within the Rattlesnake Quiet Area and Game Management Unit 6A which is currently open for an archery-elk hunt. Several forest roads are temporarily closed, including FR 239 and 665.


The Ranger Complex includes the Ranger Fire and Bravo Fires, which ignited in mid-July between Highway 87 and Blue Ridge/C.C. Cragin Reservoir.  The complex has grown to 2500 acres. Little additional growth is expected but smoke may impact the subdivisions at Blue Ridge and along State Highway 87. An engine is monitoring the fire daily. No private land or developed recreation sites are threatened.

Fire managers will ignite about 200 acres a day this week on the East Clear Creek prescribed fire project adjacent to Ranger Fire, although managing the lightning-caused fire activity takes precedence.


Author:US Forest Service Press Release