February Fire Burns 200+ Acres

PHOENIX - Fire crews are continuing to battle the February Fire, which has consumed more than 200 acres on the Tonto and Coconino national forests since its ignition Monday evening. The fire, which is burning in juniper and ponderosa pine forest in the rugged terrain on the Mogollon Rim, is currently not posing any threats to homes or other private property. A total of five firefighter crews, nine engines and three helicopters have been ordered and will be working to contain the fire over the next several days. Firefighters are using burnout operations to box the February Fire into containment. The Mogollon Rim Road, the Highline Trail and the boundaries from two older fires, the Weber and Packrat, are shaping the box firefighters keep the February Fire in. Road and trail closures will go into effect for the Mogollon Rim Road from Forest Road 147 to Forest Road 141 on the Coconino National Forest. The Coconino will also close Forest Road 308 from Forest Road 147 to Forest Road 300. On the Tonto National Forest, the Highline Trail will be closed from Washington Park to Weber Creek. The fire was first reported late Monday and though the cause is currently unknown, a lack of lightning in the area means the fire was probably human caused. An investigation will be conducted by Forest Service law enforcement officials in an attempt to determine the exact cause.