Crews hope forecasted rain will help calm wildfire burning north of Flagstaff

WILLIAMS, AZ - Crews are keeping a close eye on the Hobble Fire, which is burning 18 miles northeast of Williams. Officials say the lightning-caused fire has grown to 2,245 acres and is moving south and west of the Hobble Mountains.

Officials have designated a 58,000-acre area where they will keep a close eye on the fire and work to “protect wildlife habitat, return the fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem, and reduce hazardous fuel accumulation,” Fire Information Officer, Punky Moore says.

The forecast shows a “moist storm system” hovering over Northern Arizona until the middle of the week. So far, only light rain has been seen and fire crews are sure that some rain will slow fire activity; however, it will take “considerable precipitation” to knock the flames out completely.

The fire is burning within Game Management Unit 7W, a popular area for hunting and camping. If you are planning to camp in Game Management Unit 7W, please be aware there will be personnel and equipment working in the fire vicinity. Smoke will be visible during the day and may linger in surrounding areas overnight. In addition, you may need to move your camp if fire activity increases in your direction, Moore says.