Firing operations continue on Ridge and Three Lakes fires

With light winds and double-digit humidities this weekend, fire managers on the Ridge and Three Lakes fires will be able to continue tactical firing operations. Crews will apply fire to strategic locations within the planning areas advance of the main fire. Doing so helps maintain the generally slower pace and lower intensity as the fire moves across the landscape. On the North Kaibab Ranger District, tactical firing operations along State Route 67 are creating a fire-treated boundary on the eastern edge of the Three Lakes Fire. Crews on the Tusayan Ranger District are working on the eastern and northwestern edges and in the interior of the Ridge Fire planning area.

To reduce risks to ground crews, fire managers on the Ridge Fire are using a drone to conduct reconnaissance and ignitions in areas where entry by foot or vehicle is unsafe or impossible due to high temperatures and hazardous terrain. Under the direction of on-the-ground personnel, the drone will deploy “dragon eggs”, potassium permanganate-filled plastic balls injected with glycol prior to release. These spheres drop from the drone and ignite 10 seconds later after hitting the ground.

Ridge Fire: 3,131 acres with slow growth within the planning area – Seventy-nine personnel are assigned to this fire.

Three Lakes Fire: 2,481 acres with slow growth within the planning area – Ninety-eight personnel are assigned to this fire. Some short-term smoke impacts to State Route 67 are possible. Fire managers are working closely with Arizona Department of Transportation to use pilot cars if necessary. Motorists should be prepared to slow down or briefly stop.

Hull Fire: 1,491 with no growth within the planning area – Twenty-five personnel are currently assigned to this fire.