Cross Fire Continues to Grow at a Steady Pace
Incident: Cross Wildfire
Released: 7/14/2009
WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Cross Fire, 18 miles southeast of Williams, continues to move as expected to the west and north and has grown to approximately 2,598 acres. Smoke is visible along Interstate 40 and may be present in Parks, Bellemont and areas of the Verde Valley throughout this week.
The lightning-caused fire is being managed to achieve several objectives including providing for firefighter and public safety, reducing hazardous fuel accumulation, 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.
Officials knew when the fire was detected July 1, that management of the incident may be long- term in nature. The weather plays an important role in the potential duration of the incident and smoke production levels. "We are working closely with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the National Weather Service to determine the best conditions to implement management actions in order to maintain fire spread within the planned management area and continue to achieve incident objectives," said Martie Schramm, Williams District Ranger. "We are doing everything we can to minimize smoke impacts and appreciate the publics' patience during the management of the Cross Fire," added Schramm.
Monday evening, personnel continued to work on reinforcing the northern boundary of the management area. Today, personnel will hold and monitor the fireline that has been established on the northern boundary. In the days ahead, conditions permitting, fire managers will consider 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.
Smoke will be more noticeable during these management actions thoughout this week. The forecast is for current hot and dry conditions to persist with good smoke dispersal for the next few days. According to the fire behavior anaylyst for the Cross Fire, there is no clear indication of the onset of the monsoon season yet.
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, please contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, (928-635-5653).
-USFS-
