Heavy smoke in the Sedona area on Tuesday, Sept. 26, was report­edly originating from the Cecil Fire according to fire managers with the Coconino National Forest.

The lightning-caused wildfire was first discovered on Monday, Sept. 18, at 4:10 p.m. As of Sept. 26, it had grown to 40 acres, burning east of Fry Park and Crater Sinks, north of Fry Canyon, about 1.7 miles west of State Route 89A and 2.5 miles north of the Oak Creek Canyon overlook.

“After careful planning, fire personnel have strategized how to manage this lightning-caused wildfire for the long-term health of the forest,” the Coconino National Forest announced on its Facebook page. “We have identified a foot­print and plan to conduct firing operations [on Tuesday, Sept. 26]. Our goal is to treat 2,100 acres of land with this lightning start. You can expect the fire to intention­ally grow throughout the next few days, and more smoke will remain visible throughout the area.

“By burning now, during ideal conditions, fire managers can decrease the risk of catastrophic wildfires during high wind events and droughts.”

The Cecil Fire is currently being managed by two fire engines, one engine crew, one hand crew and miscellaneous overhead aircraft. Firefighters have spent the past several days preparing lines for firing operations, which began Tuesday.