VALLE — The Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest continues to increase in size daily and is expected to follow this pattern until annual monsoon precipitation arrives. The lightning-caused fire started May 28, 2016.

The fire, located ten-miles southeast of Valle near Ebert Mountain, has grown to almost 3400 acres. Smoke will continue to be visible from Highways 180 and 64 and from the community of Valle. Volume will fluctuate from day to day depending on weather and fire activity. Predominant winds are pushing most of the smoke away from Valle, but some will continue to drift into Valle and Flagstaff.

The Bert Fire is moving through pinyon juniper woodlands and is reducing tree stand density meeting the desired objectives to restore historic grasslands.