The Ridge Fire is a lightning-caused wildfire located approximately 7 miles southeast of the Town of Tusayan, Ariz., along Forest Road 302 near Skinner Tank. This lightning-caused wildfire is fulfilling its role in the ecosystem: burning naturally to reduce fuel loads and promote healthy landscapes. The Ridge Fire is moving slowly but steadily across the forest floor at a lower intensity, removing hazardous fuels and promoting healthy vegetation. Overall, the Ridge Fire is expected to grow in size given the longer-term weather forecast, available fuels and terrain. Smoke and flames are visible from various forest roads in the vicinity of the Ridge Fire including Highway 180 and State Route 64; and sadly from our driveway. The fire is creeping in.
Wildfires do not come with an end date. Fire managers will manage the Ridge Fire within a pre-determined perimeter as long as conditions allow crews to safely do so. Crews on scene are patrolling, collecting data on fire behavior and on-the-ground conditions, and preparing roads and other natural control features by clearing any brush and conducting burnout operations to create perimeters around the designated areas within which the fires may burn. Many other specialists are actively involved in the management of these incidents.
A meteorologist is providing current and forecast weather information, an air resource advisor is monitoring and modeling smoke production and dispersal, and wildlife biologists, botanists and archaeologists are helping to ensure that natural and cultural resources are protected. High pressures over Arizona will continue to bring very hot conditions into the weekend. Thunderstorm chances will be limited to the White Mountain area today and then move north and westward over the weekend. High temperatures will slowly lower late in the weekend and into next week.
Drones are being used by Forest workers to monitor, and maintain perimeters. At this time 75 personell are on the gound monitoring and maintaining perimeters. currently 10,210 acres of Ponderosa pine and meadows have burned. This fire really is not being fought at this time. It has nearly doubled in size int he past two weeks, Forest Managers are more attempting to control this natural burn.
Wildfires are an important part of the ecosystem of the Kaibab National Forest. They help to maintain the health of the forest by clearing out dead and diseased trees, and by creating new growth opportunities for plants and animals.
Here are some of the specific benefits of wildfires in the Kaibab National Forest:
They help to prevent the buildup of fuel. When dead and diseased trees are left to accumulate, they create a fire hazard. Wildfires can help to clear out this fuel, reducing the risk of larger, more destructive fires.
They help to promote new growth. Fires can create openings in the forest canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor. This can lead to the growth of new plants, including wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
They help to maintain the diversity of plant and animal life. Wildfires can create new habitats for plants and animals, and they can also help to remove invasive species.
They help to recycle nutrients. When trees burn, their nutrients are released back into the soil. This helps to fertilize the soil and promote new growth.
Of course, wildfires can also be destructive. They can damage property, displace people, and kill wildlife. However, when managed properly, wildfires can be a valuable tool for maintaining the health of the Kaibab National Forest.
Here are some of the ways that the Forest Service manages wildfires in the Kaibab National Forest:
They use prescribed burns to clear out fuel and reduce the risk of wildfires. Prescribed burns are controlled fires that are set under safe conditions. They help to mimic the natural fire regime of the forest and reduce the risk of larger, more destructive fires.
They use fire suppression to stop wildfires from spreading. Fire suppression is the use of firefighters and equipment to put out wildfires. It is used when there is a threat to life, property, or natural resources.
They use fire management to plan for and respond to wildfires. Fire management is the process of using science and experience to make decisions about wildfires. It includes planning for wildfires, responding to wildfires, and learning from wildfires.
The Forest Service is committed to managing wildfires in a way that protects the health of the Kaibab National Forest and the people who live and recreate there.
The Forest Service fire management is planning for and responding to the Ridge Wildfire in a number of ways, including:
Monitoring the fire. The Forest Service is using a variety of resources to monitor the Ridge Wildfire, including aircraft, ground crews, and remote sensing. This information is used to track the fire's progress and make decisions about how to respond.
Preparing for suppression. The Forest Service is pre-positioning firefighters and equipment in the area of the Ridge Wildfire. This will allow them to respond quickly if the fire threatens homes or other structures.
Communicating with the public. The Forest Service is communicating with the public about the Ridge Wildfire through a variety of channels, including social media, the news media, and the Forest Service website. This information is used to keep people informed about the fire's progress and to provide safety tips.
Working with partners. The Forest Service is working with other agencies, including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, to respond to the Ridge Wildfire. This collaboration allows for the sharing of resources and expertise.
The Forest Service is committed to protecting the public and the resources of the Kaibab National Forest during the Ridge Wildfire. They will continue to monitor the fire and respond as needed.
Here are some additional details about the Forest Service's fire management plan for the Ridge Wildfire:
The plan includes a number of different suppression strategies, depending on the size and intensity of the fire.
The plan also includes a number of contingency plans, in case the fire changes course or becomes more difficult to control.
The plan is being updated regularly, as new information becomes available.
The Forest Service is confident that their fire management plan will allow them to effectively respond to the Ridge Wildfire and protect the public and the resources of the Kaibab National Forest.
This is the view from our driveway; It's easy to see why we are becoming increasingly concerned.
