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

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:  Low relative humidity and warmer conditions will continue for the next few days. A dry weather system entering the area today will produce erratic and gusty southwesterly winds gusting from 25 to 30 miles per hour in the afternoon.  

Closures and Restrictions:  The previous closure order that was in effect for the Cave Creek Ranger District due to the Wildcat Fire has been superseded by a new modified Closure Order which began Thursday, May 23. The order allows public access to Rio Verde Drive, Bartlett Dam Road, Needle Rock Road, North Lake Road, Horseshoe Dam Road, and Cave Creek Road/Seven Springs Road.  Fire crews will still be working to contain the Wildcat Fire, and the public is cautioned to drive safely through the area and be aware of their surroundings. The Cave Creek Ranger Station will now be open to the public. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  The Tonto National Forest began Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions yesterday.  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. 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. 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: 64%

Cause: Human-caused.

Vegetation: The fire continues to burn grass and brush.

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

Number of Personnel Assigned: 110

Information Links and Contacts:

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

InciWeb Aztnf Wildcat Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

Fire email 2024.wildcat@firenet.gov

Information Phone: (480) 608-2181