Single Publication

Firefighters work through snow and frigid temperatures to strengthen fire containment. 

Daily Update: January 10, 2025

Acres: 8,337 Containment: 55% 

Start Date: December 14, 2024
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: 460 Fuels: Timber, chaparral
Resources: 4 crews | 28 engines | 3 helicopters | 1 bulldozer | 4 water tenders

Highlights: Firefighters faced snow and frigid temperatures yesterday while working on strengthening containment of the fire perimeter. As areas are contained, excess equipment is being backhauled, and crews are monitoring and patrolling the area. Crews continue to address any remaining pockets of heat within the fire perimeter to keep the fire in the current footprint.

A public meeting is scheduled for today at 6 p.m., 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: In areas along containment lines such as Horton Creek Trail, SR-260, and the FR-284 road near Christopher Creek, crews are shifting attention to mop up and suppression repair. As the incident begins to scale down, crews will backhaul excess equipment and shift resources to other areas. Firefighters continue to work on areas where heavy fuels continue to hold heat and are monitoring for any escalation in fire behavior. With ongoing patrols throughout the area, firefighters remain prepared to address any emergent hotspots.

Weather: Calmer and drier weather is expected. Cold temperatures will persist with gusts throughout the day.

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 5/1983) is in place for the Horton Fire through January 31. More information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_5_1983.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