Photo by Kathy Ritter
EDEN FIRE ALLOWED TO BURN NEAR CLINTS WELL
CLINTS WELL, Ariz., Sept. 4, 2019 – A lightning-caused wildfire about 4 miles northeast of Clints Well that began last week is currently being used to clean up forest fuels and burn across the landscape for restoration efforts.
The Eden Fire was reported by the Hutch Mountain lookout just after noon on August 29 and is currently 375 acres, producing light to moderate smoke.
Because of low humidity and low fuel moisture, the fire has continued to burn actively since its discovery. The fire was being monitored for several days before determining it would be allowed to burn and remove hazardous fuels left from years of previous fires and debris buildup.
The fuel buildup is currently burning on steep slopes in the Lost Eden Tank area in Ponderosa Pine and grass understory within heavy dead and down trees, as well as standing dead trees. Firefighters have used burnout operations for the last several days to establish fire control lines away from the main fire. These standoff tactics are used to maximize successful restoration and minimize the risk to firefighters and public.
Today, firefighters plan to continue reinforcing and constructing control lines where necessary, as well as conduct burnout operations throughout the next several operational periods.
Large amounts of smoke will be in the area over the next few weeks,as the fire continues to consume pockets of previously unburned forest fuels well within the established 19,885 acres fire boundary.
Firefighters, along with various resource specialists, will continue to evaluate risks to property and implement appropriate suppression measures.
The public should use caution when recreating or hunting near the fire area due to hazardous fire-weakened trees, burning stump holes and fire personnel working in the area.
Updates about the Eden Fire can be found on Inciweb. Follow the Coconino National Forest’s social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, to get timely updates on this fire, other incidents, and forest-wide activities.
EDEN FIRE OVERVIEW
Eden Fire Inciweb site: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6560/
Discovery date: August 29, 2019.
Cause: Lightning.
Containment: 0 percent.
Origin location: Approximately 4 miles northeast of Clints Well (Latitude/Longitude: 34° 37.950N, -111° 16.260W).
Current size: 375 acres.
Current resources: 3 engines, 2 crews, 2 Water tenders a dozer and overhead personnel. Total approx. personnel: 37.
Predicted smoke impacts: Expect increased smoke production over the next few days, with the most significant impacts in the Clint Wells area, including SunriseResort and Happy Jack Lodge. The communities within the Blue Ridge area and as far south as Payson will also be effected with smoke at times. Today’s wind shift could add smoke impacts to Strawberry, Pine, Payson and the Camp Verde. These communities may also experience smoke impacts in the evening and overnight as smoke drains into those lower elevations. Firefighter, public safety, and ecosystem health remain the top priorities for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area. Smoke may appear thicker at times due to burnout operations or as the wildfire consumes larger trees. This is normal.
Current closures: None currently, but a closure around the fire area is anticipated soon. Additionally, there may be times when ADOT personnel will be closing sections of Lake Mary Road and state Route 87 or using a pilot car when there is reduced visibility.
Recent and current operations: Wildland firefighting crews are conducting burnout operations to ensure it remains in the planning area. Current operations are taking place along Forest Road 211A.
Reported by US Forest Service