Williams, Ariz., June 5, 2016—For Immediate Release. Fire managers on the Kaibab National Forest continue to utilize the lightning-caused Bert Fire to enhance forest health, while actively protecting values in the area that include utility lines, highway corridors, private inholdings, archaeological sites and sensitive habitats.

Bert Fire Overview

Start Date: May 28, 2016.

Cause: Lightning.

Location: Ten miles southeast of Valle on highway 180 near Ebert Mountain.

Current Size: Approximately 1787 acres.

Incident Command Team: Quentin Johnson Type 3

Resources: 1-Type 1 crew, 1-Type 2 crew, 1-11 person Fuels crew, 2-Type 3 engines, 1-Type 6 engine, 1-dozer and 1- resource advisor. Total personnel assigned is 79.

Crews continue alleviating hazards in the burned areas to prepare for the eventual wind shift expected this afternoon. Winds are expected to turn from the northeast to the southwest and increase in speed on Monday. Smoke will move away from the developed areas around Flagstaff and be pushed to the northeast with improved ventilation.

As conditions remain dry, the fire continues to spread as expected where available fuels are receptive. The fire area is being monitored closely to ensure all lines hold fire within the pre-determined planning area.

To view recent spherical panoramas and photos of the Bert Fire and the area in which it is burning, visit http://bit.ly/BertFire2016.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources: InciWeb http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4751/; Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Phone Line (928) 635-8311; Text Message – text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404.