Giant, swirling clouds of white smoke could be seen billowing up from the Mogollon Rim north of the city as firefighters torched select areas ahead of the fire to clear it of fuels and create a break.

Winds were finally calm enough Sunday for firefighters to safely execute the operation, which burned about 300 acres.

The burnout will reduce fuels at the top of the ridge, and reduce the chances the fire makes “any good runs north,” according to Connie Birkland,  Public Affairs Specialist at the Red Rock Ranger District.

So far, at least 40 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has burned more than 20 acres beneath the rim and north of Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness.

It will take another few days to contain the fire given the area’s steep rugged terrain and brushy fuels, Birkland reported. The fire, burning in Ponderosa Pine and mixed oak and manzanita brush, was 60 percent contained as of Friday.

The Mormon Lake Hot Shots and Fuels Crew was at the scene, along with one surveillance aircraft, two engines, one water tender and one bulldozer. 

A large,  Type 1 Helicopter with skycrane based out of Sedona Airport will continue to assist ground crews, though winds may keep the bright orange bird grounded, Birkland reported.

Southwest winds of 15 to 20 mph are expected today with possible gusts up to 40 mph.

Lightning caused the blaze, which was first reported Wednesday, April 22, shortly after 1 p.m., Birkland reported.

– Greg Ruland

Larson Newsapers