Beale Fire now 3042 Acres, Continues Spreading Within Management Area
OutdoorHub 08.14.11
WILLIAMS, Ariz. – Beale managers report the lightning-caused fire has grown to 3,042 acres, 16 miles northeast of Williams. It is being managed within a designated 8,000-acre area southwest of Kendrick Mountain on the Williams Ranger District.
Smoke was visible from Flagstaff and along portions of I-40 Thursday night and Friday morning due to operations on and around Government Mountain. Managers explain, “The Beale Fire has spread to the base of Government Mountain. In order to prevent rapid upslope runs, fire was initiated ontop of the mountain yesterday so a backing fire can come down the mountain slowly to the main fire.” The dense conditions on the mountain are producing large amounts of smoke. Similar smoke production is expected to continue over the next couple days and then will start to diminish.
Today’s operations include working along Forest Road 793 to secure the southern boundary of the management area. Aerial ignitions may also be used ontop of Government Mountain to maintain a steady backing fire off the mountain.
Resources working on the incident include five engines, one water tender, two crews, one dozer, and one helicopter for a total of about 58 personnel.
There are no closures associated with the Beale Fire; however, forest visitors are advised to avoid camping in or near the management area for the incident. In addition, there are potential hazards in the fire area including burning stumps, hidden stump holes and fire weakened trees. Please do not attempt to suppress active fire within the management area. Maps are posted at several locations around the management area for reference.
For additional information, please call Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, 928-635-5653 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2417
