Lightning-caused Sedona-area Miller Fire at 35 acres
The Miller Fire, located in the Secret Mountain Wilderness of the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District (GPS coordinates: 34°57'21.2"N 111°50'05.6"W), is now at roughly 35 acres.
A closure order has been issued for the area surrounding the fire, including Secret Mountain Loop Trails.
The Miller Fire is moving at a low rate of spread through brush, timber and rocky terrain southwest toward the south side of Secret Canyon and Maroon Mountain.
Current resources include one Hotshot crew, one hand crew, two engines, three helicopters and air attack.
Resources successfully established a control line on the eastern side of the fire in Secret Canyon Tuesday and spent Wednesday holding those lines while working to keep the fire south of Secret Canyon Creek.
Crews plan to continue working to directly suppress the fire at all accessible points and will evaluate inaccessible portions of the fire in order to respond when and if firefighting efforts can safely be carried out.
Rough and rocky terrain and steep cliff faces create challenges for on-the-ground fire suppression efforts. Predicted Friday wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour may impede aerial operations.
The fire was first reported on May 20, but due to weather conditions, aerial resources were not able to confirm the fire until Monday, May 22.
There are no structures threatened by the fire.
Smoke impacts may be felt to the north and northeast of the fire. Light smoke is expected to settle into the Sedona area overnight.
