TUSAYAN, Ariz. — Fire managers have decided to reduce the amount of firefighters needed to manage the Mason Fire, allowing it to burn until it reaches the edge of the management area.
Because of reduced fire activity, no further updates will be issued unless conditions change.
The 2,570-acre Mason Fire is located 7 miles southeast of the Town of Tusayan and 4 miles south of Grandview Lookout Tower.
“The crews will continue with the same tasks, but there are fewer of them needed to manage the fire at this point,” Incident Commander Quentin Johnson said in a press release.
The fire is transitioning out of the area dominated by ponderosa pine into a portion of the forest that is mainly a pinyon and juniper ecotone, according to Johnson, which will not burn as rapid or produce as much smoke.
The Mason Fire has been the most active of the four lightning-caused wildfires that were included in the Jar Complex. The fire has provided the community protection benefits in the area along with ecological and other resources.
The Mason Fire merged with the Old Fire on Sunday and will be managed as one fire now. Smoke production from the Jar Complex is expected to be lighter over the next few days due to increasing cloud cover and monsoonal activity.
Overnight and during the early morning hours, smoke has settled closer to Tusayan and south toward Red Butte. As the sun warms up the morning air, the smoke has been lifting and dissipating quickly.
During the early morning, motorists should continue to use extra caution on the forest roads in the area of the Mason Fire and when driving highways 64 and 180. The smoke may still be visible from Desert View, Cameron, Tusayan and highways 64 and 180.
Resources
Maps and updated information will continue to be available through the following sources:
- InciWeb
- Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Phone Line | 928-635-8311
- Text Message | text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404.
Related posts
- Mason Fire in Tusayan district grows, smoke blows
- Mason Fire in Jar Complex grows despite recent rains; caution on forest roads
- Storms helping Mt. Emma Fire, long-term plan in place
- New fire adds to Jar Complex on Tusayan Ranger District
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