Coronado National Forest officials are managing a lightning-caused wildfire in the Galiuro Mountains near Safford. Spokeswoman Heidi Schewel said the Oak Fire is about 10 percent contained after charring nearly 900 acres. Schewel said the fire is being closely monitored by firefighters.
“They have identified an area that they want it to burn within,” Schewel said. “If it were to make a move outside of that area, say for instance, toward state land or other land that was off the forest, they would take suppression action.”
Schewel said they’re allowing the fire to burn to improve wildlife habitat, improve wildlife forage and reduce the fuel level and, as a result, future fire danger.