Summary
Activity on the Newt WFU has slowed due to consistent cloud cover. The fire will be monitored by the lookouts until activity resumes. The Newt WFU is 15 miles east of Tusayan and has grown to 727 acres. The fire was ignited by lightning on July 19 and is being managed for resource benefits on the Coconino Rim.
One of the primary resource benefits from the Newt WFU is re-establishing fire in a part of the forest that has been without this natural disturbance for too long. The absence of fire activity in large areas across the forest has resulted in heavy, dangerous fuel accumulation. Managing natural fire such as the Newt under favorable low intensity conditions decreases the potential for future severe fires and promotes a healthy ecosystem.
As hunting season begins, hunters and campers need to be aware of ongoing fire activity and be careful when hiking and traveling through the area.
There are advantages to managing fire this time of the season. Fire personnel are observing low fire activity and excellent smoke dispersal. Smoke impacts from the fire have been minimal.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildland Fire Used For Re |
|---|---|
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | Saturday July 19th, 2008 aprox 03:30 PM |
| Location | 15 miles southeast of Grand Canyon Village |
| Incident Commander | Dave Mills |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 3 |
|---|---|
| Size | 727 acres |
| Fuels Involved | Ponderosa pine, grass and brush above the rim, primarily pinyon/juniper, brush, oak and mixed-conifer in drainages below the rim. |
| Fire Behavior | Creeping and smoldering. Primary activity is in the ponderosa pine. |
| Significant Events | Consistent cloud cover has stalled fire growth. |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Monitor fire progress and ensure AZ trail is safe for public use. |
|---|---|
| Growth Potential | Medium |
| Terrain Difficulty | High |
| Remarks | Not available |
Weather
| Current Wind Conditions | 5 mph SW |
|---|---|
| Current Temperature | 80 degrees |
| Current Humidity | 17 % |
