Community News

Forest Restoration Objectives Accomplished / Boulin Fire Update: 08/22/2019

August 22, 2019

 News release

Williams, Ariz., August 22, 2019—For Immediate Release. The lightning caused Boulin Fire on the Kaibab National Forest presented another beneficial opportunity to allow natural fire on the landscape to further accelerate forest restoration efforts while meeting a number of objectives.

Ideal fire effects have been observed across much of the planning area. Fuels reduction occurred with heavy fuel loads being consumed off the surfaces, as well as ladder fuels being reduced off the lower portions of healthy tree stands. There was no damage to private property, heritage sites or range improvements, and the return of nutrients into the soils should enhance wildlife habitat considerably.

 

BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW

Start Date: August 5, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.

Current Size: 4039 acres.

Containment: 60%

Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.

Resources: One- Fuels crew, one-Type 3 Engine, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and four-Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 20.

Current Status: The Boulin fire has reached its maximum growth potential at 4039 acres. Crews will begin working the affected areas by seeking out and mitigating any dangers that may exist to ensure public safety. The work will include dropping fire weakened snags near roadways and dispersed campsites, mopping up hot stump holes, and preparing for any soil erosion or run off that may occur.

A "Burn Area Risk Assessment" will be forthcoming to evaluate the potential needs for rehabilitation and to identify any other existing hazards.

The Boulin Fire is now 60% contained and has reached full potential for spread.

Smoke: A significant reduction in smoke will occur daily now as the Boulin fire has reached its maximum size with no further growth anticipated. Some smoke may linger as fuels within the interior continue to consume however ventilation will be rapid throughout the day with much lighter impacts overnight.
For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

·        InciWeb inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6511/

·        Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF

·        Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF

·        Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 

·        Fire Information Recorded Phone line: 928-635-8311

  

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