Cross Fire Update
Incident: Cross Wildfire
Released: 7/20/2009
Cross Fire Update
WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The Cross Fire, 18 miles southeast of Williams, had minimal growth Sunday and is now estimated at 7,425 acres. Light to moderate winds over the weekend helped clear smoke out of local and outlying communities. The Cross Fire is expected to continue spreading to the west toward Forest Road 354, where it will be held for now.
There are 141 resources assigned to the incident including the Grass Lake Wildland Fire Module, engines from the Coconino and the Kaibab National Forests as well as the Kaibab helitack crew, fuels crew, dozer and helicopter.
Monday, personnel will use aerial ignitions to introduce fire on both sides of Tule Canyon to prevent the fire from becoming established in the drainage and rapidly spreading upslope. These actions are necessary to provide a safer situation for firefighters on the ground and maintain desired low to moderate fire intensity.
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, actions have been taken to prevent rapid fire spread toward the north and east, enhance wildlife habitat, reduce the management area size and protect cultural resources.
The forecast is for the existing weather pattern over Northern Arizona to continue this week. There is a chance of afternoon thunderstorm activity each day.
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 visit www.inciweb.org/incident/1717/ or contact Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, (928-635-5653).
-USFS-
