Williams, Ariz., June 9, 2017—For Immediate Release.  Fire activity increased on the Boundary Fire yesterday afternoon due to strong, gusty and erratic winds. The fire grew beyond the initial northern containment line toward a section of Highway 180. However, the fire remained within the overall planning area and fire activity reduced significantly when it reached a previous prescribed burn unit – the Horseshoe Prescribed Fire, which was conducted in October 2016. Fire crews were able to halt the progress to the north and will continue to strengthen containment lines today. In cooperation with the Arizona Department of Transportation, a section of Highway 180 was closed between mile post 236 and mile post 248 in anticipation of possible heavy smoke impacts overnight.

A 10-person type 2 crew successfully prepped the historic cabin and fire lookout tower on top of Kendrick Peak in advance of future fire activity. Structure protection efforts around private property, historic structures, archeological sites and other values at risk are ongoing in preparation for anticipated winds over the next few days. Given the increased complexity of the fire, a Type II incident management team has been ordered to help manage the wildfire and will arrive this afternoon.

For more information, details, and the specific objectives for the Boundary Fire, please visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5209/. Quick updates will also be provided via Twitter at @KaibabNF and @CoconinoNF. Please follow us if you would like to be updated as information is received.

Name: Boundary Fire

Reported: June 1

Cause: Lightning

Location: About 17 miles northwest of Flagstaff burning on Kendrick Mountain on the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest; latitude 35? 25’54.9” longitude 111? 49’ 53.0”

Size: 1,550 acres

Fuels: The wildfire is burning in heavy dead and down trees and forest debris left from the Pumpkin Fire of 2000.

Resources: Three Interagency Hotshot Crews, one Type 2 hand crew, seven engines, two water tenders, two dozers, and miscellaneous overhead, totaling 165 personnel.

Expected Actions: Fire suppression activities for today include ongoing improvement of containment lines in preparation for the strong winds forecast over the next several days. Indirect suppression tactics and safety precautions continue to shape operational plans allowing the fire to move across the landscape as naturally as possible. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect throughout the day indicating potential for increased fire behavior.

Closures: A closure order is now in effect for the fire area. The closure boundary begins at the junction of Forest Road (FR) 171 and FR 193 on the Coconino NF. The boundary extends west onto the Kaibab NF on FR 171 to FR 144. On FR 144 the closure area travels north to FR 736. The closure proceeds east along FR 736 to FR 91. The boundary follows FR 91 to the forest boundary. From the forest boundary on FR 91, the closure extends northeast on the Coconino NF along FR 9023C to FR 9005 and along FR 9005 to State Highway 180. The closure extends south along State Highway 180 to the junction of FR 193 and then proceeds west along FR 193 to the junction of FR 171. All roads and trails within the perimeter will be closed to the public. With the exception of FR 91 on the Kaibab NF and FRs 9005 and 9023C on the Coconino NF, which will be barricaded and signed as closed, travel will be allowed on the other perimeter roads.

Trails: The following trails in the closure area are closed: Pumpkin Trail, Kendrick Mountain Trail, Bull Basin Trail, and the 4th Connector Trail.

Smoke Impacts: Smoke will be visible from Flagstaff, Highway 180, Baderville, Parks, Williams, Interstate 40, and the Grand Canyon. Smoke is predicted to impact the communities of Cameron and Tuba City during the day, and Spring Valley, Pumpkin Center, Parks and Baderville during the evening hours.