Williams, Ariz., August 21, 2019—For Immediate Release. Among the many benefits of allowing fire to move naturally on the landscape, the protection of cultural and historic sites remains one of the top priority objectives when managing wildfires. The Boulin Fire is no exception, and Kaibab National Forest archeologists were quick to engage taking actions to protect these sites which included two historic cabins located within the footprint of this fire.
“We know these cabins are vulnerable to deterioration being well over a century old” said Archeologist, Neil Weintraub. “Fire, like many forces of nature that can be destructive, can also be very helpful to use for their protection. With people in place, we can allow low intensity fire to consume accumulations of burnable debris that build up around these sensitive sites, removing the threat, and ultimately preserving our local history for the public to enjoy for generations to come”.
BOULIN FIRE OVERVIEW
Start Date: August 5, 2019.
Cause: Lightning.
Location: East of Spring Valley near The Beale Wagon Trail and forest roads 141, 713, and 730.
Current Size: 3784 acres.
Containment: 50%
Incident Commander: Nick Behrends ICT4 / Tyler Richwine ICT4T.
Resources: One-Type 2 Hand crew, one- Fuels crew, two-Type 6 Engines, two-Type 3 Engines, one-Patrol unit, one-Dozer, and eight- Miscellaneous overhead. Total personnel assigned is 50.
Current Status: The Boulin Fire is now 50% contained and nearing completion.Managers are expecting the fire to reach its full potential for growth at 4200 acres within the next two operational periods.
Heavy equipment traffic and residual smoke remain present at the fire site. Drivers in the area are reminded to be aware that personnel will be on scene for several days ensuring containment lines hold and to begin mop up and rehabilitation work.
Smoke: Smoke will continue to be visible from communities surrounding this incident however a rapid decrease in production and volume can now be expected as the fire reaches its full potential with no further growth anticipated.
For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness
Additional information about the Boulin Fire, and the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:
· InciWeb inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6511/
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
· Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Fire Information Recorded Phone line: 928-635-8311
Firefighters Protecting Historic Cabin Foundation
| Bob Blasi Fire Information Officer • USDA Forest Service • Kaibab National Forest – Williams / Tusayan Ranger Districts p: 928-635-5653 c: 928-606-7491 f: 928-635-5690 bob.blasi@usda.gov 742 S Clover Rd Williams, AZ 86046 www.fs.fed.us Caring for the land and serving people |