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Cross Fire continues to burn
Fire approaches 1,300 acres

WILLIAMS - The Cross Fire, 18 miles southeast of Williams on the Kaibab National Forest, has grown to 1,257 acres. It is currently moving west along Forest Roads 127 and 105 toward Forest Road 125.

When the Cross Fire was detected July 1, officials assessed the potential to manage the fire to meet multiple objectives. Managers considered the time of year, fuels, resource concerns and current and predicted weather before deciding it could be managed to meet both protection and resource objectives. A 15,000-acre area has been identified where the fire will be allowed to spread. The objectives managers have set for this incident include providing for firefighter and public safety, monitoring and managing smoke production, reducing hazardous fuel accumulation, protecting wildlife habitat and returning fire to a fire-dependent ecosystem.

Today, fire personnel will continue conducting management ignitions along containment lines on the 105 and 138 roads. These actions are used to influence the fire's growth in a westerly direction and maintain fire spread within the determined boundary. Managers continue to limit fire spread to the east and north to prevent fire spread into Tule and Cedar Canyons.

Smoke management is a high priority on this incident. In order to reduce smoke impacts, personnel conduct management ignitions in the morning allowing for good dispersal during the day. Smoke may be noticeable anywhere from along Interstate 40 between Williams and Flagstaff to communities south of the fire such as Prescott and the Verde Valley.

Resources assigned to the fire include the Kaibab fuels crew, three Kaibab engines, a Kaibab dozer, the Kaibab helitack crew, a Coconino National Forest engine, the Flagstaff Hotshots, and the Saguaro Wildland Fire Module.

There are no closures associated with the Cross Fire. However, 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).


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