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Northern Arizona wildfire smoke expected to decrease this week

Sedona, the Verde Valley, Flagstaff and other nearby communities have been impacted by the smoke.
Credit: Marie Collart/Special to 12 News
Wildfire smoke over the Sedona area Sept. 17, 2018.

SEDONA, Ariz. (AP) - Smoke from a wildfire that's shrouded parts of northern Arizona is expected to lessen this week.

The lightning-caused wildfire has been burning in a rugged area near Sedona since late July, keeping it out of reach for firefighters.

A spokesman for the Coconino National Forest, George Jozens, says it reached a point recently where it could be suppressed.

He says the last of the burnout operations that have been producing heavy smoke are planned Monday night. The nighttime operations allow the smoke to rise and disperse rather than settle in Sedona during the daytime.

Sedona, the Verde Valley, Flagstaff and other nearby communities have been impacted by the smoke.

Health officials say people should stay inside to avoid small particles that can make breathing difficult and cause illness.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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