Coconino National Forest fire managers are managing a wildfire on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District to benefit natural resources.
The Egypt Fire, located in the West Clear Creek Wilderness approximately eight miles west of Clints Well, began July 15 from lightning and is approximately 450 acres with a low rate of spread.
Natural burning is helps clean out forest ground litter and reduce existing fuel loads. Fire spread is being managed daily under close supervision by fire personnel who plan to confine the fire within a 6,000-acre area. An additional 5,000 acres of buffer area has been included in the plan for firefighter and public safety.
“The fire is burning in an area where fuel reduction is needed,” stated Mogollon Rim District Ranger Linda Wadleigh. “By maintaining fire in a fire-adapted ecosystem we are reducing fuel loads, and decreasing the risk of more severe fires in the future.”
Smoke from the Egypt Fire can be seen throughout the West Clear Creek Canyon area and at times, in the Camp Verde area. Fire officials urge drivers, recreationists, and hunters to use caution when visiting and traveling through the area.
The Forest Service is also asking visitors to pay close attention to the area closures, which includes the Tramway and Maxwell trails that lead into the West Clear Creek Wilderness.
EGYPT FIRE DETAILS
Date/Time Reported: Friday, July 15, 2013
Location: Inside/outside West Clear Creek Wilderness area, approx. 8 miles west of Clints Well, AZ
Cause: Lightning
Size: 450 Acres
Landscape/Fuels: Ponderosa pine, pinyon-juniper, mixed conifer
Fire Behavior: Low intensity, 6-inch to 1-foot flame heights
Planning area: 11,000 acres