Moderate Activity on Cross Fire
Incident: Cross Wildfire
Released: 7/15/2009
WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Cross Fire continues to move to the west and southwest, 18 miles southeast of Williams, and has grown to approximately 3,020 acres. 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.
For the past two evenings, personnel have initiated fire along the northeastern boundary to secure this segment of the management area. This was a critical step in the long-term management of the incident so that objectives for the incident continue to be met.
"It was crucial to secure the northeastern boundary of the planned management area to prevent the possibility of the fire gaining momentum and making rapid upslope runs toward the boundary," said Joe Reinarz, Cross Fire Incident Commander. "While evening operations created significant smoke, implementing the actions at night produced a lower intensity fire that resulted in a safer situation for crews on the ground and produced desired low to moderate fire effects," added Reinarz. Moderate to high smoke impacts have been reported from Parks, Bellemont and areas of the Verde Valley this week.
In the days ahead fire managers will continue to initiate fire along Forest Roads 129 and 147 to slow fire progression and prevent fire spread outside the planned management area. Officials are also implementing aerial ignitions along small segments of the northern boundary when necessary to reduce the risk to firefighters in this steep country with limited safety zones.
There are no closures associated with the Cross Fire. However, there may be temporary travel delays along Forest Road 147. Visitors should use caution when traveling in the area and should watch for equipment and personnel.
Although the forecast is for hot and dry conditions to persist, the chance for afternoon precipitation is increasing. Isolated rain showers occurred in and around the fire vicinity Tuesday. Good smoke dispersal is expected through the end of this week.
Resources assigned to the fire include the Kaibab fuels crew, three Kaibab engines, a Kaibab dozer, the Kaibab helitack crew, several Coconino National Forest engines, the Flagstaff Hotshots, the Prescott Hotshots, the Winslow Department of Corrections Crew and the Saguaro Wildland Fire Module.
For additional information on the Cross Fire, please contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, (928-635-5653).
-USFS-
