Hobble Fire at 49 acres

Hunters should be prepared to move camps

WILLIAMS - The Hobble Fire continues to grow 18 miles northeast of Williams and is 49 acres. Forest officials are managing the lightning-caused fire for resource objectives. The fire is burning within Game Management Unit 7W, a popular hunting area. It is moving to the south and west of the Hobble Mountains.

Under the current weather conditions, forest vegetation continues to dry and become more receptive to fire spread. This week, the fire has grown slowly; however, fire managers advise that this activity can increase in a relatively short period given the dry and warm weather pattern.

If you are planning to camp in Game Management Unit 7W, please be aware there will be personnel and equipment working in the fire vicinity. Smoke will be visible during the day and may linger in surrounding areas overnight. In addition, you may need to move your camp if fire activity increases in your direction.

The objectives fire managers are working to achieve on this incident include returning fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem, enhancing wildlife habitat, and protecting cultural resources and range improvements. Today, fire crews will be scouting the management area, taking measures to protect known wildlife habitat, and igniting along a short section of the 118 Road toward Indian Tank to reduce the potential for rapid fire spread in this area.

The weather forecast shows warm and dry conditions with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms for the next few days.

For additional information, please visit the Inciweb at www.inciweb.org/incident/2118.