Weather Causes Arizona's Hobble Fire to Grow

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WILLIAMS, Arizona

Windy conditions over the weekend contributed to the growth of the Hobble Fire, 18 miles northeast of Williams. After today's operations, managers mapped the fire at 947 acres. The projected movement for the fire is mostly north and east around the Hobble Mountains.  

Officials have designated a 58,000-acre area where the fire will be managed for resource objectives over the coming weeks. Some of the objectives fire managers are working to achieve are protecting wildlife habitat, returning fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem, and reducing hazardous fuel accumulation.

Today, crews applied fire south along Rd. 118 and east along Forest Road 790 to maintain low to moderate fire spread within the defined boundary. Crews also initiated fire on the top of Sheep Hill to reduce the potential for the fire to run up the sides of the hill with high intensity. Firefighters completed these actions before a predicted change in the weather Tuesday. The forecast shows a moist system moving over the fire area tomorrow with a chance of thunderstorms.

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 that the Hobble Fire will likely continue for several weeks. Fire activity will vary depending upon the weather, type and amount of vegetation, and terrain. There will be personnel and equipment in the fire vicinity. Smoke will be visible during the day and may linger in surrounding areas overnight. Forest visitors may need to move camp if fire activity increases.  


Author:US Forest Service Press Release