Cross Fire Continues to Move as Expected
Incident: Cross Wildfire
Released: 7/16/2009
WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Cross Fire, 18 miles southeast of Williams, continues to move to the west and southwest and is currently 4,455 acres. Managers expect moderate fire behavior thru mid-day and then skies becoming mostly cloudy in the afternoon. There is a chance of thunderstorm activity in the afternoon.
The lightning-caused fire is being managed to achieve several objectives including providing for firefighter and public safety, reducing hazardous fuel accumulation, managing smoke production and returning fire to a fire-dependent ecosystem. To meet these objectives, management actions have been taken to prevent rapid fire spread toward the northern boundary, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect cultural resources.
Officials expect moderate fire activity to continue on the Cross Fire until considerable changes in the weather occur and the monsoon season arrives. While it is difficult to determine when this may happen, according to the general forecast, slight changes are beginning to take place. This week, there is an increased chance of afternoon showers.
Work continues to secure the northern boundary of the management area. Smoke is temporarily impacting Williams, Parks, Bellemont and areas of the Verde Valley when personnel initiate fire along roadways to strengthen containment lines and maintain fire spread within the defined management area. These are critical actions to take to redirect fire progression and prevent the fire from becoming established in a northeasterly direction. Furthermore, these management actions are helping to maintain low to moderate fire intensity and decreasing the likelihood of a rapid running head fire.
The main smoke impacts from the Cross Fire are occurring in the evening and early morning hours with improvement by mid-morning. To see real time data on air quality, please click on: http://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx
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.
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 Arizona State Forestry Fire 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-
