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Road Hollow prescribed burn successfully completed

FREDONIA, Ariz. - Forest and fire managers with the Kaibab National Forest are pleased with the successful completion of the Road Hollow Prescribed Burn on the North Kaibab Ranger District. Over two days, a total of 2,152 acres were treated with prescribed fire.

"Burn operations went as planned, and we are happy with the results we are seeing on the ground," said Ed Hiatt, North Zone fire management officer. "We owe a big thanks to all the fire personnel who assisted in making this burn a success."

In addition to Kaibab National Forest fire resources, other fire personnel who participated in the burn were from the Prescott National Forest, the Arizona Strip Bureau of Land Management, Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Buffalo National River.

A helicopter was used to aerially ignite much of the acreage. During aerial ignition, small containers - similar to ping-pong balls - are dropped from a helicopter onto the desired burn location. The balls ignite because of an internal chemical reaction created by the interaction of glycol and potassium permanganate.

No road or area closures were needed during the burn. However, road guards were stationed in the area to provide information and answer questions from the public. For the next few days, firefighters will patrol the burn perimeter. Smoke will likely continue to be visible for several days.

The Road Hollow Prescribed Burn is located south of Jacob Lake, four miles west of the Dry Park area and adjacent to Forest Road 22. Objectives of the burn included reducing hazardous fuels, decreasing fire risk and improving forest health.

While no prescribed burning is planned over the holiday weekend, Hiatt mentioned that he will be looking for opportunities to implement the Holy Hollow Prescribed Burn in the near future when weather conditions are appropriate. The Holy Hollow burn will be located about two miles west of the Road Hollow burn unit.

While fire managers are not always able to conduct prescribed burns in June and July, this year has provided opportunities due to unusual pulses of moisture. For additional information, please contact the North Kaibab Ranger District at (928) 643-7395.


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