Single Publication

Crews Respond to New Lightning Fire Southwest of Cottonwood Ridge Fire 

Spoon Fire Quick Facts 

Acres: 4,531 

Cause: Lightning 

Containment: 0% 

Start Date: July 24, 2023 

Location: 2.5 miles east of Highway 60 between Globe and Show Low, 11 miles southwest of Cedar Creek 

Fuels: Piñyon- Juniper, Manzanita, Grass, Cedar 

Total personnel for all incidents: 250 

Overview: Crews continue to build and reinforce fireline and utilize aircraft to wet down hot spots on the Cottonwood Ridge, Spoon, Mustang Ridge and Snake Ridge fires.  

Spoon Fire Update: The fire was active on Friday, pushed toward the Salt River by outflow winds from thunderstorms that passed through the area. Crews worked to keep the fire from moving west toward Highway 60, supported by air tankers and helicopters. Fire managers are looking for roads and natural barriers to keep the fire from moving to the north and east, while starting to build fireline to the west side of the fire to protect Highway 60. 

Weather: Temperatures on Saturday will remain in the 90s on the Cottonwood Ridge Fire and could reach 100 near the Spoon Fire. Thunderstorms, which brings gusty winds, remain in the forecast, along with a chance of afternoon/evening rain. 

Evacuations: None. Residents and visitors should take time to become familiar with the Ready, Set, Go evacuation model. These steps help you to be READY in the event of an emergency by preparing now. Additionally, sign up for the Navajo County Alert System at https://tinyurl.com/y4vwrasw. 

Smoke: Highway 60 will be impacted by smoke as the Spoon Fire continues to progress. Larger columns of smoke are more likely in the afternoon/evening. Please use caution when traveling along smokey roadways. For information on smoke and air quality visit https://www.airnow.gov. 

Closures: Highway 60 remains open. The southwest portion of Fort Apache is closed, including all Salt River sites within the closure area. 

Fire Restrictions: There are several fire restrictions in place depending on location. 

• Fort Apache Agency: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions - No campfire, fireworks, outdoor smoking, debris burning or discharging of firearms. Power saws cannot be used between 10 am and 8 pm. All motorized travel is restricted to developed roads.     

• Show Low, Navajo County and Apache Sitgreaves National Forest: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions - No campfires (except in developed recreation sites), no smoking outdoors, no welding, no fireworks.