Real Fire Burning in Coconino National Forest: Smoke Visible East of the Highway

(June 15, 2009 – 11:25 a.m.) The Real Fire continues to work across the landscape as crews manage it for both protection and resource benefits. It is burning with low intensity along the surface of the forest floor approximately 5 miles southeast of Munds Park, east of Interstate 17.
White smoke can be seen east of the highway.

Start date: May 30
Cause: Lightning
Acres: 800
Behavior: Low-intensity and creeping. Activity increases on sunnier, warmer days.
Closures: For public and firefighter safety, a portion of Forest Road 226 is temporary closed between Bar-M Canyon and Forest Road 127
Management resource objectives:
Re-introducing natural fire in the ecosystem
Reducing fuel accumulation and risk of severe fire behavior
Recycling nutrients back into the soil
Increasing vegetative productivity
Maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat and forage.

Additional information can be found on the website, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino or at the Peaks Ranger Station, 928-526-0866.

(Source: Coconino National Forest)