Single Publication

Crews focus on holding the Horton Fire to it’s current size during high winds.
Daily Update: January 9, 2025

Acres: 8,337 Containment: 23% Start Date: December 14, 2024
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel: 486 Fuels: Timber, chaparral
Resources: 5 crews | 30 engines | 4 helicopters | 1 bulldozers | 4 water tenders
 

Highlights: With cold and wet conditions that decreased fire behavior, firefighters continued to patrol, mop up, and complete prep work along the fire perimeter. Firefighters also worked on addressing internal pockets of unburned fuels. Smoke and flames may be visible from these internal pockets, which are well within the interior of the fire. Due to the strengthened containment lines and decreased fire activity in the northwest edge of the fire, Gila County has lowered evacuation levels to READY for communities along the western containment line.
A public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 546 W Ashby Apple Dr., Payson, AZ 85541. This meeting will also be livestreamed on the Tonto National Forest Facebook page.
 

Operations: With today’s forecasted high winds, firefighters are focused on keeping the fire within its current footprint by strengthening and monitoring containment lines. Crews will continue to patrol the area, which includes work along the Horton Creek Trail and SR-260 corridor. Fire crews will also strengthen and assess containment lines in the Christopher Creek area, with the goal of reducing evacuation levels.

Weather: High winds and cold temperatures will continue and are expected to steadily rise. The incoming weather system will bring slightly higher temperatures, as well as strong northeasterly winds. Though humidity is currently high, windy conditions and rising temperatures can increase drier conditions and fire activity.

Smoke: Smoke continues to be visible in the area. Heavier concentrations can be seen in the morning and evening. For more information on local smoke impacts, visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/

TFR: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR 5/0461) is in place for the Horton Fire through January 31. More information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_5_0461.html

Evacuations, Road Closures and Forest Orders: As of January 8, 2025, Tonto Creek Estates, Tonto Christian Camp, Tonto Fish Hatchery, and Zane Grey Cabins have returned to READY evacuation status. Communities along the SR-206 corridor such as Christopher Creek, Hunter Creek, R-C Scout Camp, and Kohls Ranch, remain in SET. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area. Visit https://www.facebook.com/GCPHCS/ for more information on evacuation notifications. 

A Forest closure order is in effect to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire as well as protecting firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. More information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

Smoke continues to be seen along the SR-260 corridor, and lane closures may occur if needed, in the interest of safety. Travelers are encouraged to monitor roadway status and conditions via AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/