The Locust Fire burning near Rainbow Rim Trail on the North Kaibab Ranger District has seen some growth on the east and northwest sides over the last seven days and is currently at 85 acres. The lightning-caused fire is located 39 miles south-southeast of Fredonia, Arizona and northeast of Locust Point.
Forest officials are managing the fire for multiple resource objectives.
The objectives fire managers are working to achieve on this incident include returning fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem, reducing accumulated fuels on the forest floor; recycling of nutrients into the soil; enhancing wildlife habitat and protecting the area from future high-intensity wildland fires. To help accomplish these objectives, fire crews are removing vegetation, also known as prepping, around designated perimeter roads known as Management Action Points where actions will be taken to slow, redirect, or prevent fire spread, to accomplish stated objectives.
Crews continue to prep fuels along the planning area boundary Forest Service Road (FSR) 214 on the north, FSR 206 on the east, FSR 293 on the south and FSR 250 on the west, in preparation of possible black line operations as well as monitor the current fire behavior. Over the coming days, fire crews will manage the fire within a 3,283-acre boundary.
A Type 3 Team took over the fire Saturday, and the Incident Commander is James Pettit, Williams Ranger District Fire Management Officer, Kaibab National Forest. Currently, there are approximately 115 firefighters working on the fire.
The weather forecast shows hot and dry conditions will continue into early next week. Fire activity will likely increase as fuels continue to dry in the fire area and smoke may be visible from Arizona Highway 67 and Highway 89A. No road closures are in effect. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution when in the area.