The Cooper Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District has continued to spread naturally and is now at 50 acres in size. Throughout the past few days, fire managers have been encouraged by the reduction in existing forest ground litter and tree stand densities. Located within the existing Jacob Ryan Vegetation Management Project, the fire is helping to support existing resource objectives for the area such as improved forest health. Fuel reduction on the forest also decreases stand replacing crown fire potential. “The Cooper Fire is doing what fires have done here for thousands of years in the natural ecosystem” said District Ranger, Randall Walker. “Today, our protection goals also include forest visitors, wildlife habitat, personnel, and cultural resources”.
Initial fire growth was hampered by monsoonal rain patterns; however wetting rain events have become less frequent and several drying trends have promoted additional fire growth. Fire activity may decrease as monsoonal moisture conditions remain over the fire area.. The fire will be allowed to spread naturally under close supervision from fire crews, crews may ignite fuels to reduce the chance of unwanted fire spread or behavior. However, other management options may be used including ignitions along FS roads and other areas. Currently the fire is managed by an Incident Commander, four wildland fire engines, a ten person fire crew, and several pieces of heavy equipment.
Date/Time Reported: Friday July 15th, 2013
Location: 4 Miles Northwest of Jacob Lake
Cause: Lightning
Size: 50 Acres
Landscape/Fuels: Ponderosa Pine
Fire Behavior: Low intensity, 6-12 inch flame lengths
Planning Area: 968 acres
Smoke impacts should be minimal to the areas of Fredonia, Kanab, Page, House Rock Valley, and Jacob Lake. Smoke may settle in ‘low’ areas along Highway 89A. Fire officials urge drivers and visitors to use caution and watch for personnel working along roadways.
For Additional Information, please call Holly Krake, Fire Information Officer, 928-635-5653 or Edward Hiatt, North Zone Fire Management Officer, 928-643-8101.
