The Platypus and Rhino wildfires have experienced an increase in fire activity with the weather drying out and hotter temperatures; both are burning in the Secret Mountain Wilderness area northwest of Sedona. Coconino National Forest spokesman George Jozens says the fires are combining. He says fire managers are conducting burnout operations to minimize fire progression to the north and also prevent fire spread to the east into Bear Sign Canyon. Residents in Flagstaff, Fort Tuthill, Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Winona and surrounding areas should expect an increase in smoke. Residents in low lying areas should expect heavier smoke during the nighttime and early morning hours. Combined the lightning caused fires have burned over 2,300-acres.
