Single Publication

Fredonia, Ariz., June 24, 2023 – As warm and dry weather conditions move into the area, crews continue working to address preparation needs around the Three Lakes Fire area.

Moderate winds, increasing temperatures, and single digit humidity levels are limiting the potential for conducting tactical firing operations around the planning area perimeter, giving crews time to continue improving protections on designated forest roads, around cultural sites, and along State Route 67.

The Three Lakes Fire is approximately 480 acres and burning with a low-to-moderate rate of spread through the mixed ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen forest and grassy meadows. Green grasses have held fire activity to a slow spread to the northeast, consuming pine needle duff and dead-and-down woody debris and stumps on the forest floor.

The forecast through the weekend and into next week calls for steadily increasing temperatures, low humidity levels, and light and variable winds. Weather will continue to play a vital role in how this fire is managed, with tactical firing operations planned only when conditions exist to safely do so.
Smoke may be visible from various forest roads in and around the vicinity of Jacob Lake, including State Routes 67 and 89A, and Forest Roads 212, 217, 260, and 462. Smoke impacts may be anticipated for the Jacob Lake area, State Routes 67 and 89A, and House Rock Valley.

Fire personnel and vehicles will be visible to the public in the vicinity the fire, including the Jacob Lake area and State Route 67. Motorists and visitors are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through any fire vicinity. There are currently no closures in place but are anticipated as the fire grows.

The Kaibab National Forest is one of many fire-adapted ecosystems. It is dependent on fire to play a natural role in maintaining vibrant forest health. Decades of fire suppression have caused an abundance of fuels to build up, which can leave the forest vulnerable and susceptible to more dangerous high-severity wildfires. Managing naturally caused wildfires across the landscape is a very effective tool in restoring the forest to a healthier condition. These efforts align with the Forest Service's 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape as well as other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.

Additional information can be found on the on InciWeb, Kaibab NF website, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the Fire Information Hotline at 928-635-8311 or local ranger stations.