VALLE — The Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest is showing a substantial increase in activity and is expected to grow considerably while warmer weather continues over northern Arizona. The lightning-caused Bert fire was discovered May 28 and it was decided to manage the fire to burn fuels and return the land to grass land.

The fire is approximately 3850-acres and burning ten-miles southeast of Valle on highway 180 near Ebert Mountain.

With the steady increase in temperatures and lower relative humidity over the area, fire officials are anticipating an increase in fire activity over the next few days. The current weather pattern is expected to be short term, however, with a chance of moisture predicted to return by the middle of next week. Fire behavior and smoke impacts will likely diminish as cooler weather arrives.

An increase in smoke production is expected and will be noticeable from interstate 40, Highways 180 and 64 and from several adjacent communities including Valle, Tusayan, Williams, Flagstaff, Parks, Spring Valley and Cameron. Smoke may impact these communities periodically depending on shifting wind direction and changing weather patterns. Predominant southwest winds are expected to transport smoke away from adjacent residential areas however some smoke may occasionally drift over the Coconino rim to the northeast.