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The Black River Complex has decreased in complexity and will transition on August 15th at 0600 from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team to two Type 4 organizations. The Corduroy and Willow fires will be managed by Incident Commander Cody Chartier and trainee Steven Daly. The Boundary fire will be managed by Incident Commander Heath Barker and trainee Aaron Norman.

This will be the final update from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team unless conditions change.

CORDUROY FIRE

Start Date: July 12, 2023, Location: 20 Miles SW Alpine, Percent Contained: 92, Size: 1,027 acres, Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) Medium Logging Slash, Resources Assigned: 2 Engines, 2 Crews, 1 Dozer.

Operations: Fire suppression repair work will continue on the Corduroy fire in an effort to minimize adverse impacts resulting from fire suppression activities. Fire crews will monitor and patrol to mitigate any threats to containment lines.

BOUNDARY FIRE

Start Date: July 27, 2023, Location: 30 Miles SW of Alpine, Percent Contained: 78, Size: 929 acres, Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) Brush, Resources Assigned: 2 Engines.

Operations: Engine crews will patrol and monitor the Boundary fire with the objectives of keeping the fire to the north of the 2059B and east of the 2000D roads, and minimizing adverse effects to timber stands within the San Carlos boundary.

WILLOW FIRE

Start Date: July 27, 2023, Location: 12 Miles SW of Alpine, Percent Contained: 35, Size: 401 acres, Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Grass and Understory) Medium Logging Slash, Resources Assigned: 3 Crews, 3 Engines, 1 Dozer.

Operations: Broadcast seeding of high-elevation native grasses is being used to stabilize soil and will continue as part of ongoing fire suppression repair work. Fire crews will monitor and patrol to mitigate any threats to containment lines.

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for cloudy skies, a 70% chance of rain, a high of 66 degrees, and 8-13mph winds with gusts up to 20mph.

Values at risk: Sensitive species in surrounding areas, cattle and grazing areas, watersheds, riparian areas, impacts to Highway 191, Hannagan Lodge, and nearby electric powerlines.

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. For details, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices/?aid=81123

Smoke: Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from Hwy 191, especially at night.

Official fire information:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasf-black-river-complex
• Incident Email and Phone: 2023.blackrivercomplex@firenet.gov, 928-245-1585
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
• Apache-Sitgreaves website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf