Lincoln National Forest managing lightning-caused wildfire on Smokey Bear Ranger District

Incident Start Date: August 3                              Cause:  Lightning

Size: 10-15 acres                                                     Incident Type: Wildfire  

Vegetation Type:  Pinyon/Juniper                       Fire Strategy: Confine/Contain

Fire Update: Crews from the Smokey Bear Ranger District are on-scene at a wildfire on the north side of West Mountain, near Forest Service Road 616.

The lightning-strike fire originated on forest land, and is approximately 10-15 acres in size as of this report.

Responders are currently scouting the area to assess holding features and natural holding features that can be utilized in a confine/contain strategy that will allow the fire to burn naturally and be utilized to manage overall forest health.

Management of naturally-ignited wildfires can protect critical infrastructure, improve watersheds and wildlife habitat, as well as help protect culturally-sensitive areas from future high-severity wildfires.

Smoke Conditions: Smoke is currently visible from HWY 246.

Closures and Restrictions: None at this time.