Two blazes smoking up Rim Country

Two lightning caused fires burning on the Coconino are considered helpful to the forest and are being allowed to burn.  They are:

Pothole Fire
 
Size: 1,300 acres. No additional growth expected, forward progress has been stopped
 
Location: 22 miles north of Payson

Behavior: 1-2 foot flames moving across the forest floor. Some isolated torching, which is natural and expected. Fire managers are conducting burnout operations to reinforce perimeters.

Forest Road 142F, as well as the Tramway and Maxwell Trails leading into the West Clear Creek Wilderness are temporarily closed for public safety.
 
General Fire
 
Size: 800 acres
 
Location: 15 miles northeast of Payson, off Forest Roads 300 and 95, south of FR 719.
 
Behavior: 1-2 foot flame lengths
 
Smoke: Subdivisions in the Blue Ridge community should anticipate an increase in smoke; it is expected to settle in the area overnight.
 
The immediate fire area is closed for public safety. The Fred Haught Trail and a portion of the Arizona Trail are temporarily rerouted.