Firing operations may resume following early week rains HAPPY JACK — Fire managers are pausing firing operations on the Still Fire for the next several days due to predicted rain and humidity but are hoping to resume those operations later this week when weather conditions allow. The Still Fire is a lightning-caused wildfire located 4 miles northeast of the Highway 87 and Lake Mary Road junction on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD). During the pause on firing operations, crews will continue to hold existing line while also preparing the fire area – including areas along Highway 87 – for firing operations. Smoke impact will dwindle significantly over the coming days, but may remain noticeable along Highway 87, in the Blue Ridge communities and in the Little Springs area. While fire managers anticipate that north and northeast winds – forecast during proposed Thursday and Friday firing operations – will direct smoke away from Highway 87 and local communities, heavy smoke impact may resume along with firing operations. Driving conditions in the fire area may remain hazardous, and possible intermittent closures may be implemented along area roads, including Highway 87, for public safety. Fire managers anticipate Forest Road (FR) 95 will remain open at this time, although FR 751 may close should aerial operations resume. Motorists are reminded to check the Arizona Department of Transportationwebsite for information regarding state road closures and to check the Coconino National Forest website for forest road information. Recreationists are asked to refer to the fire area closure order and to abide by all posted signage and barriers. Containment for the 9,101-acre Still Fire is at 47 percent, with containment lines in place along the west and east portions of the fire perimeter. The Still Fire is being managed to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health as guided by Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Current resources assigned to the Type 3 Still Fire include one Hotshot crew, one hand crew, six engines, one dozer, one helicopter and miscellaneous overhead. Forest visitors are asked to remain cognizant of firefighting operations. There are no structures threatened by the Still Fire, which was first reported Sept. 14. Area residents and MRRD visitors can visit InciWeb for updates regarding the Still Fire. Information about smoke and smoke impact is available at fire.airnow.gov.
For additional information please contact the Still Fire public information team at 2023.still@firenet.gov. |