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Lightning caused wildfire southeast of Williams to burn in natural setting

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — A new lightning caused wildfire discovered last week on the southeast side of the Williams Ranger District is being allowed to burn naturally within a pre-determined management area to reduce fuel loads and promote healthier landscapes.

Because of the remote location and low to moderate fire behavior, the Thumb Flat fire is being allowed to move naturally for the benefits of reducing hazardous fuel accumulations, increasing protection of local private inholdings and restoring forest health, according to Kaibab National Forest.

The goal is to contain the fire within a road system and various control features surrounding an area of about 475 acres.

Thumb Flat fire is located approximately 18 miles southeast of the city of Williams near Colcord Canyon. It is currently 160 acres and is burning in a mixed fuel type that include ponderosa pine, pinon juniper, oak, and grasses. The fire will be allowed to burn as it would naturally as long as it can be safely managed while meeting objectives. Growth is expected to increase over the next two days with the fire spread reaching its full potential within the management area by Saturday. Forest road 12 will be burned out in order to confine the fire on the western edge.

Smoke may be visible from Williams, Prescott and from areas around Flagstaff, but will be short in duration. No smoke impacts are anticipated to developed areas in the surrounding communities.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles will be visible to the public. Motorists and visitors are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through the fire vicinity.

Information provided by Kaibab National Forest


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