WILLIAMS, Ariz. – The Beale Fire started by lightning Monday, July 18 on the Kaibab National Forest. It is located 16 miles northeast of Williams and southwest of Kendrick Mountain. It has grown to 2 ½ acres.

After assessing its location, surrounding fuels, weather, and potential for growth, officials placed it in monitor status instead of containing and controlling it. Wednesday, a plan to manage the fire for resource objectives will be presented to approving officials.

The objectives managers hope to achieve with this incident include returning fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem, improving forest health, enhancing wildlife habitat, and protecting cultural resources.

Personnel assigned to the fire reported it is burning slowly through needle cast, grass and downed logs. Light smoke is visible from various areas throughout Spring Valley.

For additional information, please call Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, 928-635-5653.