Newt Update
Incident: Newt WFU Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 8/2/2008
The Newt Wildland Fire Use (WFU) is located about 15 miles east of Tusayan and southeast of Grand Canyon Village. The fire is 300 acres and gradually moving southeast and northwest across the Coconino Rim.
The weather is an important factor in the duration of the Newt WFU. There is an increased chance of showers and thunderstorms for the next week. If the fire receives precipitation, activity will naturally decrease. At the fire's current size, it will take a considerable amount of precipitation to extinguish the fire. Managers expect the Newt WFU to continue burning slowly during moist weather conditions and more rapidly during hot, dry conditions as the season progresses.
Today, fire personnel will be working to re-open a mile of the Arizona Trail that has been closed because of fire activity. Until the segment is re-opened, visitors are advised to use caution in this area. Signs are posted for trail users indicating a detour onto Forest Road 310 to avoid heat and smoke from the fire.
Smoke from the fire may be visible along stretches of Highway 64. The Newt WFU is not impacting highway travel or access to Grand Canyon National Park.
The fire started July 19 and was initially managed under a confinement strategy. After a week of evaluation, observation and assessment, fire managers decided to shift the Newt Fire from confinement status to fire use management for resource benefits. This decision is authorized in a pilot program testing proposed modifications to the Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy, 2003. The Kaibab National Forest is one of 30 test sites participating in the pilot program this season.
Fire managers are pleased with the progress to date on the Newt WFU. Until the Newt Fire started, there was no fire activity in this area of the forest for more than 50 years. The absence of fire has resulted in dangerous fuel buildup. The Newt Wildland Fire Use is significantly reducing hazardous fuels and improving overall forest health.
For additional information, please contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, (928-635-5653).
