Marteen Fire exceeds 4,400 acres

Area fire is expected to remain

Fire personnel on the Kaibab National Forest continue to manage the Marteen Wildland Fire Use for resource benefits 15 miles northeast of Williams. It is spreading at a steady pace along the Coxcomb Ridge System and is 4,452 acres.

The Marteen Wildland Fire Use started by lightning Aug. 7 and grew to 700 acres before going dormant under monsoon rains. Fire personnel observed renewed fire activity Oct. 15.

The fire arrived at a management action point Oct. 27 when it bumped Forest Road 712. On Oct. 28, personnel took actions to reinforce a fire line southeast of the fire along the boundary between the Kaibab National Forest and private property.

Fire managers expect the fire to remain active within the boundaries of the planned management area as long as the weather stays dry and warm. The existing weather conditions are predicted to continue for several days with temperatures in the 70s, low humidity and light winds.