Kaibab National Forest Managing The West Side Complex
Incident: West Side Complex Wildfire
Released: 7/22/2012
FREDONIA, Ariz. - Firefighters working with the Kaibab National Forest are suppressing eight fires on the west side of the Kaibab Plateau that lightning started during a thunderstorm around noon on Saturday. The fires are being managed collectively as the West Side Complex.
All fires are burning in mainly pinyon-juniper woodlands and cheatgrass. All fires are lightning-caused and all are being managed for suppression.
The fires received no rain Saturday evening, but fire managers report that increased cloud cover and atmospheric moisture have helped to slow fire activity.
The largest of the fires, the Tank Fire, is estimated at 1,100 acres. It is located in the vicinity of Little Spring Canyon, about one mile northwest of Little Springs Trick Tank. The Tank Fire is managed by a Type 3 Incident Commander.
The Elbow Fire, estimated at 200 acres, is also managed by a Type 3 Incident Commander. The Faver Fire, estimated at 100 acres, is approximately 90 percent contained and managed by a Type 4 Incident Commander.
The Burnt Fire, estimated at 15 acres, is approximately 90 percent contained and managed by a Type 4 Incident Commander. Four more fires are less than a quarter-acre each.
Resources on scene include 12 engines, 3 hot shot crews, one Type 2 hand crew, two helicopters, and one air attack, and more resources are en route.
Objectives for the complex include the protection of firefighter and public safety, and reducing the impacts to natural and cultural resources.
Follow the incident on http://www.inciweb.org/ or follow the Kaibab National Forest on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KaibabNF.
For more information, please contact Public Affairs Specialist Patrick Lair at (928) 643-8172.
