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Highlights: The Adams Fire was determined to be human-caused and is currently under investigation by USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement. The public is encouraged to contact law enforcement with any information regarding regarding the most recent wildfires, contact the Tonto National Forest Law Enforcement Office at 602-225-5237 or email at SM.FS.TontoWebmail@usda.gov. In many cases, human-caused fires could originate from target shooting, fireworks, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use or other vehicle fire, escaped campfire, accidentally or intentionally set. Human-caused fires outnumber natural starts by 3 to 1 on the Tonto, with several already this season such as the Spring Fire, related to target shooting, and Wildcat Fire, related to OHV use. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Tonto, Coconino, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, as well as other jurisdictions. Fire Restrictions Map for Arizona and New Mexico: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.

Operations: Yesterday, fire crews identified lingering heat and mopped up the interior of the fire on the north and west sides. Crews also repaired fences and trails that were used for accessing the fire during initial attack. Firefighters will continue strengthening and mopping up control lines around the west side this weekend. Fire crews working on the Adams Fire are prepared to support the Tonto National Forest with any new wildfire starts if necessary. 

Weather: Temperatures will be slightly lower today, with highs of 104 degrees. Fuel moisture is critically low, and fuels are very receptive to fire. Winds will be calm in the morning and from the west in the afternoon. 

Closures: Closure orders are in effect in the Tonto National Forest surrounding the Adams Fire. View the current closure order and Stage 1 fire restrictions here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/?aid=87846

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid the area while crews conduct fire suppression operations. Citizens are urged to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System. The system allows you to be quickly notified of emergency evacuations. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

Smoke: Smoke from the Adams Fire has decreased; however, it may be visible in the surrounding areas for many days. Smoke will drift to the north and east due to prevailing winds. Individuals who are sensitive to smoke or have conditions aggravated by smoke are encouraged to take precautionary measures. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Location: 1 mile east of Fort McDowell, AZ 

Start Date: June 2, 2024

Size: Approximately 5,029 acres

Percent Contained: 91%

Cause: Human

Vegetation: The fire is smoldering grass and brush.

Resources: 2 Type-1 Handcrews, 1 Type-2 Handcrew, 2 Helicopters, 11 Engines, and 2 Water Tenders.

Number of Personnel Assigned: 168

View wildfire statistics at Tonto National Forest’s fire dashboard.

Tonto National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/fire

InciWeb: Adams Fire  Fire email: 2024.adams@firenet.gov   Information Phone: 928-275-8205

Social Media: Instagram @tontonationalforest, X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest