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Highlights:  The Wildcat Fire footprint remains the same size as Wednesday.  Fire crews are still assisting in 
maintaining fire suppression. Their efforts resulted in zero fire growth on Wednesday. 

Operations:  Fire crews are continuing to scout, patrol, and monitor the Wildcat Fire to prevent any further spreading. The public is cautioned to be aware of their surroundings in order to drive safely through the areas active with firefighters and emergency vehicles.

Weather: Warmer conditions and low relative humidity will persist for the next several days. Southwest winds  
are expected to gust up to 20 miles per hour in the afternoon. The winds are expected to lessen in the evening.

Closures and Restrictions: The Tonto National Forest is scheduled to begin Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Thursday morning at 8 a.m. The restrictions will be in effect for the protection of public health and safety. The restrictions and closure orders are available on the Tonto National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/?aid=87558

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the highest priority. Please avoid areas with crews conducting active fire suppression operations. The public is urged to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System. The system allows you to be quickly notified of possible emergency evacuations. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.

Smoke: Smoke from the Wildcat Fire 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 and people with heart disease 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: East of the Desert Mountain Community and Tonto Hills Development; West of Bartlett Lake Reservoir in the Cave Creek Ranger District.

Start Date: May 18, 2024

Size: Approximately 14,402 acres

Percent Contained: 56%

Cause: Under investigation.

Vegetation: The fire continues to burn grass and brush.

Resources: 2 crews, 7 fire engines, and 2 water tenders.

Number of Personnel Assigned: 109

Information Links and Contacts:

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

InciWeb  https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aztnf-wildcat-fire

Fire email 2024.wildcat@firenet.gov

Information Phone: (480) 608-2181