Fire managers with the Coconino National Forest are making use of four lightning-caused fires by allowing these fires to fulfill their natural role and consume forest debris. Currently burning are the Chimney, Bristow, Seep, and Deer fires. The 40 acre Chimney Fire is burning 3 miles northwest of Munds Park, along Forest Roads 253B and 253F. The 3 acre Bristow Fire burning 6 miles southeast of Munds Park and east of I-17.The Seep Fire, approximately 3 miles north of Kendrick Park, east of state Route 180 along Forest Roads 523 and 9001E, is currently 6 acres. And the 34 acre Deer Fire, approximately 8 miles southwest of C.C. Cragin Reservoir and 3 miles northeast of Kehl Springs Campground. Forest officials say these fires are expected to grow exponentially in size. These fires, as with any wildfire, do not have planned end dates, but firefighters determine a specific planning area within which the fire may run its natural course. Additionally, monsoon weather and precipitation may extinguish any of these wildfires at any time.
