Single Publication

Highlights: Wildcat Fire significantly increased from 5,000 to 12,100 acres due to weather conditions. Night shift successfully completed fire suppression efforts to the north and the east.

Operations: The fire is active on the southeast side of the fire perimeter. Fire crews are scouting and constructing fire lines to prevent the spread of the fire. Aviation operations continue to slow the growth of the fire using fire retardant and water.

Weather: Temperatures will gradually warm to above normal levels into the upper 80s to near 90s with relative humidity between 9-14%. South winds will gust during the afternoon and expected to climb up to 20 miles per hour before subsiding in the evening. Overnight temperatures will reach around 61 degrees Fahrenheit at the minimum with maximum humidity between 25-30%. Southwest winds will range from 6 to 11 miles per hour at night. 

Closures: A closure order is in effect for the protection of public health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Wildcat Fire on the Cave Creek Ranger District. The public is urged to stay away from the area so as not to impede fire suppression operations and for the safety of themselves and firefighters. Bartlett Lake Road is closed. The closure order is available on the Tonto's website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1176254.pdf

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 for public and firefighter safety. The public is urged to sign up for the Maricopa County Emergency Notification System to be quickly notified of possible emergency evacuations if necessary. To learn more about the Arizona Emergency Information Network visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. Drones and firefighting aircraft are a dangerous mix and could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly, we can’t.

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 southwest winds. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or 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 Desert Mountain Community and Tonto Hills Development; West of Bartlett Lake Reservoir on the Cave Creek Ranger District.

Start Date:  May 18, 2024

Size:  Approximately 12,100 acres

Percent Contained:  0%

Cause:  Under investigation.

Vegetation: The fire is burning grasses and desert shrub.

Resources: 1 large and 1 light helicopter, 7 fire crews, 10 fire engines, 1 water tender and 1 medic crew with more resources on route. 

Number of Personnel Assigned: 180

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