Incident Name: Skinner Fire

Updated:  8/8/13

 

TUSAYAThis Photo Shows The Fire Spreading Through The Forest On The Morning Of August 5, Just South Of Forest Road 302.N, AZ – At 985 acres on the evening of August 8, 2013, the Skinner Fire has continued to actively burn in the 1,463 acre planning area. Fire activity was moderate to high today with isolated group tree torching in the Ponderosa Pine/Oak brush vegetation. A large smoke column was visible East of Tusayan for a short duration, mid-day.

This Photo Shows Several Downed Logs Burning In An Oak Thicket On Friday August 2.

The lightning caused Skinner Fire remains predominantly low intensity with 6-12 inch flame lengths in pine litter. However, varying monsoonal patterns changed fire behavior earlier in the week to include some moderate intensity with individual tree torching reported. Fire managers are actively working in the area to ensure continued resource and protection benefits as the fire progresses.

This Photo Shows A View Of The Smoke Column From The Red Butte Lookout, Looking North.

No smoke impacts are anticipated for the Tusayan area, south rim of the Grand Canyon, and surrounding communities. A smoke column may still be visible along Highway 64 near Tusayan.

This Photo Shows The Skinner Fire As Seen From The Park Service Airplane.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Friday July 26th, 2013 approx. 08:00 PM
Location 6 miles southeast of Tusayan, AZ
Incident Commander Josh Miller

Current Situation

Total Personnel 5
Size 985 acres
Fuels Involved Ponderosa Pine
Fire Behavior Moderate to high with isolated tree torching
Significant Events The lightning caused Skinner Fire remains predominantly low intensity with 6-12 inch flame lengths in pine litter. However, varying monsoonal patterns changed fire behavior earlier in the week to include some moderate intensity with individual tree torching reported. Fire managers are actively working in the area to ensure continued resource and protection benefits as the fire progresses.

Outlook

Planned Actions Monsoonal precipitation is anticipated over the next 2-3 days which may decrease fire growth to 10 acres or less of new growth each day. Rain today acted as a damper on new growth, but drying trends forecasted for later in the week may shift fire behavior and fire management options.
Growth Potential Moderate
Terrain Difficulty Low
Remarks Resource Benefit Fire

Current Weather

Wind Conditions 5 mph SW
Temperature 78 degrees
Humidity 40%

 

This Photo Shows Forest Road 302 Heading East, With A Portion Of The Skinner Fire Moving Towards The Road In The Pine Needles.

 

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Aerial View Of Burnout Operations

Incident Name:  Cooper Fire

Updated:  8/8/13

Aerial View Of Burnout Operations

FREDONIA, AZ – The Cooper Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District increased to 739 acres as fire managers conducted a low intensity burnout operation along the perimeter and Highway 89A. The fire continues to fill in the 968 acre planning area developed by fire managers for resource benefits. Throughout the past few days, fire managers have been encouraged by the reduction in existing forest ground litter and tree stand densities. Fire activity was moderate to high today with isolated tree torching.

 

A short drying trLow Intensity Fire Behaviorend and a high pressure weather pattern are expected over the fire Friday and through the weekend and may result in increased smoke and reduced visibility. Fire crews may ignite fuels in specific areas in order to reduce the chance of unwanted fire spread or behavior in the direction of containment lines. The fire will be confined to a 958-acre planning area.

Smoke can be seen along Highway 89A northwest of Jacob Lake and south along Highway 67. Fire officials urge drivers and visitors to use caution when traveling through the area and to watch for fire personnel working along the road. Smoke impacts should be minimal in Fredonia, Kanab, Page and House Rock Valley.

Low Intensity Fire Behavior

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Monday July 15th, 2013 approx. 12:00 AM
Location 3 miles northwest of Jacob Lake

Current Situation

Size 739 acres
Fuels Involved Ponderosa Pine
Fire Behavior Moderate to high with isolated tree torching

Outlook

Remarks Resource Benefit Fire

Current Weather

Wind Conditions 6 mph
Humidity 15%

Cooper Fire Planning Area Map

UNIT INFORMATION

USFS Shield

Kaibab National Forest
U.S. Forest Service
800 South 6th Street
Williams, AZ 86046

INCIDENT CONTACTS

Connie Birkland
Phone: 928-635-8227

Fire Photos & Content Courtesy of Inciweb.org

 

2013  The NW Fire Blog