Cloud Cover & Higher Humidity Affect Cross Fire Activity
Incident: Cross Wildfire
Released: 7/13/2009
WILLIAMS, Ariz. - Activity slowed on the Cross Fire Sunday, due to cloud cover and higher humidity. The fire, 18 miles southeast of Williams, continues to move in a westerly direction and has grown to approximately 2,290 acres.
When the Cross Fire was detected July 1, officials decided the fire could be managed to achieve several objectives. The objectives managers have set for this incident include providing for firefighter and public safety, monitoring and managing smoke production, reducing hazardous fuel accumulation, protecting wildlife habitat and returning fire to a fire-dependent ecosystem. A management area has been identified where the Cross Fire will be allowed to progress under appropriate conditions. This area encompasses 12,000 to 15,000 acres.
Within this planned boundary, officials have identified management action points where specific actions will be taken to slow, redirect or enhance fire spread if necessary. To date, several action points have been reached and the appropriate measures have been taken to maintain fire growth within the planned management area.
On Monday, personnel will work on reinforcing the northern boundary of the management area. Because of prevailing southwest winds and steep rugged terrain, it is crucial to take measures now under favorable conditions to create a backing fire away from the northern boundary to prevent fire from making rapid upslope runs toward the boundary. This is a critial step in the long-term management of the incident and one that needs careful planning so that objectives for the incident continue to be met.
In the days ahead fire managers are considering implementing aerial ignitions along small segments of the northern boundary to reduce the risk to firefighters in this steep country with limited safety zones. These actions will create a buffer from Forest Road 147 to the 2008 Oak Fire perimeter. The actions will also produce more smoke than the past few days.
Smoke will be more noticeable along Interstate 40 and in the Verde Valley throughout the week if the planned management actions on the northern boundary are implemented.
Managers are working closely with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the National Weather Service to determine when it will be most appropriate to conduct these management ignitions. The forecast is for current conditions to persist with good smoke dispersal for the next few days.
There are no closures associated with the Cross Fire. However, forest visitors need to use caution when traveling in the area and watch for equipment and personnel. For additional information on the Cross Fire, contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, (928-635-5653). -USFS-
