Single Publication

Highlights: Wildcat Fire increased slightly from 14,072 to 14,402 acres. Fire crews continue fire suppression operations which has resulted in limited fire growth.

Operations: The fire continues to be active on the southeast side of the fire perimeter due to weather conditions. Fire crews are continuing to scout and construct fire lines to prevent fire spread. 

Weather: Low relative humidity and warmer conditions will persist for the next several days. South winds are 
expected to gust between 15 and 20 miles per hour. The winds are expected to decrease in the evening.

Closures: The Tonto National Forest is scheduled to begin Emergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Thursday morning at 8 a.m.  A closure order is in effect for the protection of public health and safety due to firefighting operations.  Bartlett Lake Road remains closed. The public is urged to stay away from the area. This is for the safety of the public and firefighters. The closure order is 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 the area while crews conduct 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. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area 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 and 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: 36%

Cause: Under investigation.

Vegetation: The fire is burning grass and brush.

Resources: 3 crews, 8 fire engines, and 2 water tenders.

Number of Personnel Assigned: 197

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