Unit 9 Hunters Should Be Aware of Skinner Complex Fire

TUSAYAN, Ariz. – Archery elk hunters and other outdoor recreationists planning to visit Game Management Unit 9 are advised that two lightning-caused fires are burning on the Tusayan Ranger District in the Kaibab National Forest.

The Armstrong Fire and Skinner Fire, now collectively referred to as the Skinner Complex Fire, are being managed by Forest Service crews for resource objectives (e.g., returning fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem and improving wildlife habitat) and for protection of private property, cultural and range resources.

The Armstrong Fire is located 18 miles southeast of Tusayan and has burned 2,194 acres as of Sept. 2. It is being managed within a predetermined 9,300-acre boundary. The Skinner Fire is located eight miles southeast of Tusayan near Skinner Ridge and has burned six acres as of Sept. 2. It is being managed within an 8,000-acre designated boundary.

“Crews are meeting many resource and protection objectives with these fires. As a result, the possibility of a severe wildfire has been reduced on about 2,200 additional acres of the forest,” said Mark Nabel, the Forest Service resource advisor on the Skinner Complex Fire.

Although there are currently no restrictions with regard to road access or camping, hunters and other recreationists should be aware of smoke and the potential for fire activity to increase. If you are visiting this area, please use caution and watch for crews and personnel.

The archery-only elk hunt (Hunt No. 3142) is scheduled to run from Sept. 9-22.

For updated information, visit the Inciweb site at www.inciweb.org/incident/2559/.