Cross Fire Moving West Within Planned Management Area
Incident: Cross Wildfire
Released: 7/18/2009
WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Cross Fire, continues to expand within the planned management area that officials have set for the incident, 18 miles southeast of Williams. The 6,049-acre fire is moving to the west at a slow to moderate pace.
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 north and east, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect cultural resources.
Due to management actions taken and progress made to date, excess resources will begin to be released from the assignment. Today, there are 161 personnel assigned to the incident including the Prescott and Flagstaff hotshots, the Arizona State Forestry Fire Crew, the Saguaro and Grass Lake Wildland Fire Modules, in addition to two water tenders, engines from the Coconino and the Kaibab National Forests, Kaibab helitack crew, fuels crew, dozer and helicopter.
While smoke from the Cross Fire can be widespread at times, it is also generally short-term in nature. "During the past few weeks, smoke impacts from the fire have been low to moderate in the Verde Valley, Williams, Bellemont, Parks and Flagstaff," said Joe Reinarz, Cross Fire Incident Commander. "We understand the inconvenience smoke creates for our community members and visitors. We also want the public to understand the importance of managing fire across the landscape when conditions are appropriate in order to reduce the occurrence of severe large fires in the future," Reinarz added.
As management of the incident continues, there may be temporary impacts in the evening and early morning hours in local and outlying communities. Smoke is usually lifting by mid-morning.
Saturday, fire crews will patrol and monitor containment lines as well as continue work on the southwest portion of the management area in advance of anticipated fire spread. Aerial ignitions will be utilized if necessary to prevent rapid upslope runs toward ridges within the fire perimeter.
There are no closures associated with the Cross Fire. However, forest visitors should use caution when traveling in the area and should watch for equipment and personnel.
For additional information on the Cross Fire, please contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, (928-635-5653). -USFS-
