Heavy smoke blanketed much of the Flagstaff and Sedona areas Wednesday as crews conducted a second day of firing operations on a lightning-caused wildfire.
The Cecil Fire is burning on about 500 acres southwest of Flagstaff and could grow to 2,100 acres by the end of the week as officials manage the blaze for ecological benefit.
They say it’ll continue to produce significant smoke because of accumulated fuels that’ll affect Flagstaff, Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon and Highway 89A.
Crews don’t plan ignitions past Thursday morning because of increased wind in the forecast and they’ll spend the weekend securing lines around the fire’s perimeter.
The work is designed to lessen wildfire danger to local communities and no structures are currently at risk.
Meanwhile, a wildfire near Blue Ridge that’s been smoldering for nearly two weeks is producing smoke that could impact the area as crews planned to treat 300 acres Wednesday.