Management of Wyrick and West Chev Fires transitions to Black Mesa Ranger District
Daily Update 6/29/2021
 
Wyrick
Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021
Acres: Wyrick: 7,592 acres
Cause: Lightning
Location: 2 miles north of Mogollon HS, Heber, AZ 
Containment: 96%
Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Timber and grass 
Total Personnel: 209
 
 
West Chev
Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021
Acres: 1,170 acres
Cause: Lightning
Location: 12.5 miles northwest of Heber, AZ
Containment:  85%
Fuels: Timber and grass
 
Announcement: This is the final Daily Update from Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 (SWIMT 5) covering the Wyrick and West Chev fires.  Management responsibility for the fires transitions back to the Black Mesa Ranger District at 6:00 PM tonight.  SWIMT 5 wants to express our appreciation to the affected communities for their friendliness and overwhelming support throughout this effort.
For fire information after today, please call the Black Mesa Ranger Station at 928-535-7300 during normal business hours.

Overview: With containment on both fires at greater than 80 percent, management of the Wyrick and West Chev Fires transitions back to the local unit today. There is a 40 percent chance of rain on the fires today with more rain predicted over the next few days. Firefighters will monitor and patrol the fires today and reinforcement containment lines.

Fire Update: 

Wyrick: Firefighters made good progress yesterday on the uncontained portions of the fire bringing overall containment up to 96 percent. This was a continuation of work done over the past few days with crews eliminating hotspots near containment lines. Light smoke could still be seen in internal areas. Infrared imagery from last night showed there are still areas of heat within the fire. So again today, firefighters will patrol and monitor the fire, looking for these areas of heat near the fire line. Efforts will be concentrated on the uncontained portions of the line in the northeast section of the fire.

West Chev: Yesterday, with an increase in relative humidity, the fire moved very slowly in Circle Bar draw. This is the only area where the fire is yet uncontained. As on the Wyrick fire, crews worked to extinguish hotspots and increase depth of containment lines. The fire will smolder today with only limited movement in Circle Bar Draw. Firefighters will again patrol the fire perimeter looking for hotspots which could threaten the line. In addition, they will be closely monitoring fire behavior in Circle Bar draw.

Weather: Moist air moved over the area yesterday and produced light rain showers. This afternoon, showers will develop over the Mogollon Rim and drift north over the fires. Chance of thundershowers today is 40 percent. Thunderstorms have the potential to cause gusty and erratic winds, which could blow ash into the air. Temperatures will be in the 70’s and 80’s with relative humidity percentages in the 30’s. This pattern will continue through the week.

Closures: A complete closure of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests remains in effect. Additional details can be found at Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - News & Events (usda.gov). Arizona State Trust Lands in all 15 counties are closed for recreational use. For current information on highways, please continue to watch Arizona Department of Transportation’s AZ511.gov website.

Smoke: Very little smoke is expected from the Wyrick and West Chev Fires today. There are several other fires burning in Arizona right now. Information on these fires and their expected impacts to air quality can be found on inciweb at:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov.  General smoke and air quality information for the state can be found on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website at: https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast.

Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. Additional values at risk include properties and infrastructure, as well as power and transmission lines, communication towers, campgrounds, critical range infrastructure, and cultural and natural resources. 

More Information:
Inciweb:
• West Chev: West Chev Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)
• Wyrick: Wyrick Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)
Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information: (20+) Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information | Facebook
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - Home (usda.gov)
Highway Closures: https://az511.gov/
Navajo County Emergency Management: https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Emergency-Management-and-Preparedness/Ready-Navajo-County-Notification-System/Ready-Navajo-County-Registration
Navajo County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavajoCountyEM/
Navajo County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.facebook.com/NCSO.AZ/posts/4060988313951038
Fire Restrictions in Arizona: WildlandFire.AZ.gov/fire-restrictions

 “We’re not finished with these fires until rain drives us off the line” – Art Gonzales Daily Update 6/28/2021
WyrickStart Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021Acres: Wyrick: 7,592 acresCause: LightningLocation: 2 miles north of Mogollon HS, Heber, AZ Containment: 79%Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Timber and grass Total Personnel: 329
 
West ChevStart Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021Acres: 1,170 acresCause: LightningLocation: 12.5 miles northwest of Heber, AZContainment:  85%Fuels: Timber and grass
Announcement: As of 6:00 AM this morning, all evacuation notices have been rescinded. The Wyrick and West Chev Fires no longer pose a threat to any communities. As a reminder, the ponderosa pine forests along the Mogollon Rim are subject to frequent fires as well as other natural hazards. Navajo County has adopted the “Ready, Set, Go”, educational program so residents are prepared for these emergencies when they happen. For additional information about the Ready, Set, Go program and how to sign up for alerts, please visit Navajo County Emergency Management Ready-Set-Go at: https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Emergency-Management-and-Preparedness/Ready-Set-GO.
Overview: As containment continues to increase on these two fires, firefighting resources are being demobilized and made available to other areas where needed. Accordingly, Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 and the Black Mesa Ranger District are developing a plan to transition management of both fires back to the Forest Service.
Fire Update: 
Wyrick: Yesterday crews worked to extinguish hotspots along containment lines and well into the interior of the fire. In some cases infrared imagery was used to detect and guide firefighters to these areas of heat. Repair work was completed on secondary containment lines built earlier in the suppression effort. Wind will start out today from the northeast. This is the third day in a row with wind from a different direction testing areas along containment lines. Today crews will continue to monitor lines and look for areas of heat. Depth of containment lines will continue to increase as firefighters move further into the interior of the burn looking for hotspots. Efforts will again be concentrated along the southern boundary of the fire between the 504 and 95 roads as well as the northeast corner of the fire. Although resources will concentrate in these areas, patrols will monitor the entire perimeter of the fire.
West Chev: Firefighters completed the containment line across Circle Bar draw yesterday tying existing roads and hand lines together resulting in a containment line around the entire West Chev Fire. Helicopters dropped water on areas of active fire behavior in the afternoon to slow progression of the fire toward that new containment line. Fire crews will monitor fire behavior and activity today. They will take action as necessary to hold and secure containment lines and ensure the fire advances evenly to the containment line constructed yesterday.Weather: Weather today will begin to transition from dry to moist as moisture moves into the area with northeast and easterly winds. Temperatures will continue to be seasonally warm with relative humidity increasing throughout the day. Afternoon thunderstorms will begin to develop late in the day over the Mogollon Rim with a 30 percent chance of showers over the fires. Moisture will continue to flow across the region throughout the week with increasing chances of showers.
Closures: A complete closure of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests remains in effect. Additional details can be found at Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - News & Events (usda.gov). Arizona State Trust Lands in all 15 counties are closed for recreational use. For current information on highways, please continue to watch Arizona Department of Transportation’s AZ511.gov website.
Smoke: Localized smoke impacts may exist in communities east of the fire if fire activity picks up, mainly in the afternoon. Expect smoke production from the east side of Wyrick this afternoon once conditions dry out from remaining fuels. While not a lot of smoke is expected from both fires today, this weekend is trending drier and hotter, so expect some smoke production. A predominant northerly wind today should transport any generated smoke to the south. If fire activity increases, expect smoke impacts to Forest Lakes. Overnight drainage winds may push smoke into Forest Lakes. The area may see influence from the Backbone and Rafael fires if winds shift from the west. The Daily Smoke Outlook can be found by visiting: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona
Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. Additional values at risk include properties and infrastructure, as well as power and transmission lines, communication towers, campgrounds, critical range infrastructure, and cultural and natural resources. 
More Information:Inciweb:• West Chev: West Chev Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)• Wyrick: Wyrick Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information: (20+) Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information | FacebookApache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - Home (usda.gov)Eastern Arizona Current Outlook: Smoke Forecast Outlooks (airfire.org)Highway Closures: https://az511.gov/Navajo County Emergency Management: https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Emergency-Management-and-Preparedness/Ready-Navajo-County-Notification-System/Ready-Navajo-County-RegistrationNavajo County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavajoCountyEM/Navajo County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.facebook.com/NCSO.AZ/posts/4060988313951038Fire Restrictions in Arizona: WildlandFire.AZ.gov/fire-restrictions

 Firefighters making slow, steady progress on Wyrick and West Chev firesDaily Update 6/27/2021
WyrickStart Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021Acres: Wyrick: 7,592 acresCause: LightningLocation: 2 miles north of Mogollon HS, Heber, AZ Containment: 76%Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Timber and grass Total Personnel: 325

West ChevStart Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021Acres: 1,170 acresCause: LightningLocation: 12.5 miles northwest of Heber, AZWest Chev:  62%Fuels: Timber and grass
Announcement: Fire related traffic will remain high in and around the communities of Heber – Overgaard. Motorists travelling on State Route 260 should be aware of and watch out for this extra traffic.
Overview: Although both fires currently show greater than 60 percent containment, potential remains for active fire behavior and movement.  Fuels are very dry and susceptible to igniting and burning.Smoke may be seen over the Wyrick Fire as fuels inside containment lines continue to burn. The West Chev fire will produce smoke as the fire burns up to containment lines.
Fire Update: 
Wyrick: Fire crews secured additional sections of fire line Saturday, increasing overall containment to 76 percent. Dry fuels continue to smolder with occasional flare-ups.  Firefighters are working to cool these hotspots near containment lines, as well as toward the interior of the fire, strengthening and expanding the depth of containment lines. Today these efforts will be concentrated on the south edge of the fire between the 504 and 95 roads. The fires edge here is uneven with unburned fuels remaining near the containment line. In addition, suppression repair work will be done on secondary containment lines. This includes placing water bars on lines to limit erosion and chipping slash created during line construction.
West Chev:  Saturday firefighters made good progress on the West Chev Fire. Although fuels are very dry due to prolonged drought, past fire management activities in the area have reduced existing fuel amounts. This results in moderate fire behavior with the fire remaining mostly on the ground. These more favorable conditions provide better options for fire managers. Today, firefighters will continue utilizing existing Forest Roads 169B and 180Z for containment. They plan to construct containment line across Circle Bar draw between these roads encircling the fire. Crews may, if needed burn existing fuel between these containment lines and the fire edge in order to secure the fires west side.
Weather: Weather conditions will be warm and dry again today similar to yesterday. Only a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms remains for the fire areas with associated outflow winds. Temperatures will be seasonable with highs in the 80’s and relative humidity in the teens. Wind will be northerly with occasional afternoon breezes.
Ready, Set, Go: There have been no changes to yesterday’s direction. Areas in SET: • Antelope Valley• Despain Ranch• Heber-and Overgaard• Chevelon Retreat• Areas north of State Route 260 and northwest of State Route 277Residents are asked to remain alert and keep apprised of current fire conditions.Please visit Navajo County Emergency Management for additional information about the Ready, Set, Go program and how to sign up for alerts.
Closures: A complete closure of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests remains in effect. Additional details can be found at Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - News & Events (usda.gov). Arizona State Trust Lands in all 15 counties are closed for recreational use. For current information on highways, please continue to watch Arizona Department of Transportation’s AZ511.gov website.
Smoke: Localized smoke impacts may exist in communities east of the fire if fire activity picks up, mainly in the afternoon. Expect smoke production from the east side of Wyrick this afternoon once conditions dry out from remaining fuels. While not a lot of smoke is expected from both fires today, this weekend is trending drier and hotter, so expect some smoke production. A predominant northerly wind today should transport any generated smoke to the south. If fire activity increases, expect smoke impacts to Forest Lakes. Overnight drainage winds may push smoke into Forest Lakes. The area may see influence from the Backbone and Rafael fires if winds shift from the west. The Daily Smoke Outlook can be found by visiting: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona
Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. Additional values at risk include properties and infrastructure, as well as power and transmission lines, communication towers, campgrounds, critical range infrastructure, and cultural and natural resources. More Information:Inciweb:• West Chev: West Chev Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)• Wyrick: Wyrick Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information: (20+) Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information | FacebookApache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - Home (usda.gov)Eastern Arizona Current Outlook: Smoke Forecast Outlooks (airfire.org)Highway Closures: https://az511.gov/Navajo County Emergency Management: https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Emergency-Management-and-Preparedness/Ready-Navajo-County-Notification-System/Ready-Navajo-County-RegistrationNavajo County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavajoCountyEM/Navajo County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.facebook.com/NCSO.AZ/posts/4060988313951038Fire Restrictions in Arizona: WildlandFire.AZ.gov/fire-restrictions
 

Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021Acres: Wyrick: 7,592 acresCause: LightningLocation: 2 miles north of Mogollon HS, Heber, AZ Containment: 42%Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Timber and grass 
Announcement: Forest Road 504 is open to residents and property owners. Drivers are asked to drive slowly and remain alert for increased fire-related traffic on this route.Overview: Imagery from an IR (infrared) flight overnight shows isolated pockets of heat on the two fires, and some increase in the size of the West Chev Fire. Fire behavior yesterday was moderate. Heat sources remain along portions of the perimeters of both fires but continue to decline. Drought stressed trees and brush can accelerate the return of active fire behavior quickly. Today, firefighters will aggressively attack any flare-ups close to containment lines. Helicopters and air tankers are available to support ground resources.
Fire Update: Wyrick: On Friday, hand crews and engines monitored, patrolled and improved containment lines around the fire perimeter, and mopped-up hotspots near containment lines. This work will continue today with firefighters mopping up farther into the fire where possible.
Weather: Weather conditions will be warm and dry again today, with increased atmospheric instability and a greater chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms and rain, which could lead to pushing embers in multiple directions. Morning winds are expected to be from the west and northwest. This afternoon they will be from the north. Today’s maximum temperature will be in the low 80s, with relative humidity ranging from 17 to 19%.
Ready, Set, Go: There have been no changes to yesterday’s direction. Areas in SET: • Antelope Valley• Despain Ranch• Heber-and Overgaard• Chevelon Retreat• Areas north of State Route 260 and northwest of State Route 277
  Residents are asked to remain alert and keep apprised of current fire conditions. Please visit Navajo County Emergency Management for additional information about the Ready, Set, Go program and how to sign up for alerts.
 Closures: A complete closure of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests remains in effect. Additional details can be found at Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - News & Events (usda.gov). Arizona State Trust Lands in all 15 counties are closed for recreational use. For current information on state routes, please continue to watch Arizona Department of Transportation’s AZ511.gov website.
 Smoke: Localized smoke impacts may exist in communities east of the fire if fire activity picks up, mainly in the afternoon. Expect smoke production from the east side of Wyrick this afternoon once conditions dry out, especially southern facing slopes in the fire perimeters. While not a lot of smoke is expected from both fires today, this weekend is trending drier and hotter, so expect some smoke production. A predominant southwest wind today should transport any generated smoke to the northeast. If fire activity increases, expect smoke impacts to Holbrooke, Snowflake, Concho, St. Johns, and Winslow. Overnight drainage winds may push smoke into Forest Lakes. The area may see influence from the Backbone and Rafael fires if winds shift as predicted, from the north. The Daily Smoke Outlook can be found by visiting: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona
Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. Additional values at risk include properties and infrastructure, as well as power and transmission lines, communication towers, campgrounds, critical range infrastructure, and cultural and natural resources. 
More Information:

Inciweb:

Firefighters work to increase containment as weather turns hotter and drier 

Wyrick Fire

Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021
Acres: Wyrick: 7,592 acres
Cause: Lightning
Location: 2 miles north of Mogollon HS, Heber, AZ
Containment: 24%
Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Timber and grass
Total Personnel: 316

West Chev

Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021
Acres: 774 acres
Cause: Lightning
Location: 12.5 miles northwest of Heber, AZ
West Chev:  28%
Fuels: Timber and grass
Total Personnel: 33 

Announcement: The Wyrick and West Chev fires will host a virtual community meeting, Friday, June 25, at 7:00 pm. Watch on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WyrickFire

Overview: Imagery from an overnight IR (infrared) flight showed widespread heat remaining in both fires. Today’s updated acreage totals are based on this IR imagery.

On Thursday, cloudy skies and light rain continued to temporarily moderate fire activity on the Wyrick and West Chev fires. This allowed firefighters to directly attack the edges of the Wyrick Fire. They constructed and improved a significant amount of additional fireline, which is reflected in increased containment percentage on both fires.

A warming and drying trend is developing over the area. Increased fire activity is expected through this weekend. Helicopters and air tankers are available to assist ground personnel if either fire shows significantly higher activity.

Fire Update:

Wyrick: Yesterday, hand crews and bulldozers constructed and improved containment lines throughout the fire perimeter. Today firefighters primarily will monitor, patrol, secure the fires edge and remove heat (“mop-up”) along the entire perimeter of the fire to prevent further fire growth.

West Chev: On Thursday, firefighters were able to begin constructing fireline. Today, personnel plan to burn remaining fuel between the fire’s edge and Forest Road 169B that goes to Chevelon Lake to better secure the fire. They also plan to prepare FR 180 for firing. Crews and engines will patrol and mop up hot spots that are close to fire’s edge.

Weather:  Friday, Saturday and Sunday will bring back the warmer and drier conditions typical of late June. Fire weather conditions will be elevated but not critical. Today winds will be mostly light with some afternoon breezes. Winds will generally be out of the west. There is a 10 to 20% chance of afternoon cloud development and thunderstorms – particularly in the north. Today’s maximum temperature will be in the mid-80s, with relative humidity dropping to about 15%.

Ready, Set, Go: The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office announced that residents in GO status were allowed to return to their homes on Thursday. Visit Navajo County Emergency Management for additional information about the Ready, Set, Go program and how to sign up for alerts.

Areas in SET:

• Antelope Valley
• Despain Ranch
• Heber-and Overgaard
• Chevelon Retreat

Areas north of State Route 260 and northwest of State Route 277

Residents that have been allowed to return to their homes Thursday morning are asked to remain alert and keep apprised of current fire conditions.

Closures: A complete closure of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests went into effect Thursday morning at 6:00 am. Additional details can be found at Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - News & Events (usda.gov). Forest Road 504 remains closed because of the fire crews and equipment working to secure the Wyrick Fire. At 8:00 am today, State Trust Land in all 15 counties are closed for recreational use. For current information on state routes, please continue to watch Arizona Department of Transportation’s AZ511.gov website.

Smoke: Localized smoke impacts may exist in communities east of the fire if fire activity picks up, mainly in the afternoon. Expect smoke production from the east side of Wyrick this afternoon once conditions dry out, especially southern facing slopes in the fire perimeters. While not a lot of smoke is expected from both fires today, this weekend is trending drier and hotter, so expect some smoke production. A predominant southwest wind today should transport any generated smoke to the Northeast. If fire activity increases, expect smoke impacts to Holbert, Snowflake, Concho, St. Johns, and Winslow. Overnight drainage winds may push smoke into Forest Lakes. The area may see influence from the Backbone and Rafael fires if winds shift as predicted, from the north. The Daily Smoke Outlook can be found by visiting  https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona

Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. Protect properties and infrastructure, as well as power and transmission lines, communication towers, campgrounds, critical range infrastructure, and cultural and natural resources.

More Information:

Inciweb:

• West Chev: West Chev Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)
• Wyrick: Wyrick Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)

Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information: (20+) Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information | Facebook

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - Home (usda.gov)

Eastern Arizona Current Outlook: Smoke Forecast Outlooks (airfire.org)

Highway Closures: https://az511.gov/

Navajo County Emergency Management: https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Emergency-Management-and-Preparedness/Ready-Navajo-County-Notification-System/Ready-Navajo-County-Registration

Navajo County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavajoCountyEM/

Navajo County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.facebook.com/NCSO.AZ/posts/4060988313951038

Fire Restrictions in Arizona: WildlandFire.AZ.gov/fire-restrictions

Fire Activity moderates, allowing firefighters to build fireline on Wyrick Fire

Wyrick Fire

Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021
Acres: Wyrick: 7,452 acres
Cause: Lightning
Location: 2 miles north of Mogollon HS, Heber, AZ
Containment: 15%
Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Timber and grass
Total Personnel: 288

Announcement: Communities that were asked to evacuate were allowed to return to their homes at 6:00 am this morning. Please stay diligent and be aware of current fire conditions.

Overview: Clouds and light rain showers provided a welcome relief, slowing fire growth on both the Wyrick and West Chev fires. This will give firefighters an opportunity to build fireline directly next to the fire, taking advantage of this temporary reprieve to gain containment on the Wyrick Fire.

Fire Update: On Wednesday, the West Chev Fire remained active. Helicopters were used to keep the fire from moving to the south in the timber that lines the steep canyons. Firefighters are assessing how to safely construct fireline to contain the West Chev Fire. Firefighters were able to make progress on the Wyrick Fire, slowly building line by hand and dozers to contain the fire. Today, firefighters will patrol and douse hot spots on the southeast corner of the fire and Crews will also continue to work toward the rim of Black Canyon on the eastern edge of the Wyrick Fire to prevent movement to the south and east.

Weather: Light showers on Wednesday provided a welcome relief, cautioning that one day of rain doesn’t erase the two-year rain deficit. There is a 20% chance of lightning, with the potential for gusty outflow winds. Winds will be out of the west/southwest today with gusts up to 25 mph. As the weather dries out and warms up the next few days, smoldering logs and trees will again begin to burn and winds could carry spots out in front of the main fire.

Ready, Set, Go: The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office announced that residents in GO status were allowed to return to their homes this morning. Visit Navajo County Emergency Management for additional information about the Ready, Set, Go program and how to sign up for alerts.

Areas in SET:

·         Antelope Valley

·         Despain Ranch

·         Heber-and Overgaard

·         Chevelon Retreat

·         Communities south and east of State Route 277

·         High Country Pines in Heber

·         Kendall Ranch / Camp Ponderosa

Areas in READY:

·         Chevelon Ranches

Closures: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests have announced a forest closure starting Thursday morning at 6:00 am. Additional details can be found at Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - News & Events (usda.gov). Forest Road 504 remains closed because fire crews are working to secure the Wyrick Fire. State Routes 260 and 377 have reopened heading into the Heber-Overgaard aera, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Continue to watch AZ511.gov for the latest updates.

Smoke: Localized smoke impacts may exist in communities east of the fire if fire activity picks up, mainly in the afternoon. Expect smoke production from the east side of Wyrick this afternoon once conditions dry out, especially southern facing slopes in the fire perimeters. While not a lot of smoke is expected from both fires today, this weekend is trending drier and hotter, so expect some smoke production. A predominant southwest wind today should transport any generated smoke to the Northeast. If fire activity increases, expect smoke impacts to Holbert, Snowflake, Concho, St. Johns, and Winslow. Overnight drainage winds may push smoke into Forest Lakes. Air quality today is moderate because of multiple fires in Arizona. The Daily Smoke Outlook can be found by visiting https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/EasternArizona

Values: Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The fire areas include power lines and radio towers, private property, and natural resources.

More Information:

Inciweb:

• West Chev: West Chev Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)
  
• Wyrick: Wyrick Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov)

Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information: (20+) Wyrick-West Chev Fire Information | Facebook

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - Home (usda.gov)

Eastern Arizona Current Outlook: Smoke Forecast Outlooks (airfire.org)

Highway Closures: https://az511.gov/

Navajo County Emergency Management: https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/Departments/Emergency-Management-and-Preparedness/Ready-Navajo-County-Notification-System/Ready-Navajo-County-Registration

Navajo County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavajoCountyEM/

Navajo County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.facebook.com/NCSO.AZ/posts/4060988313951038

The Wyrick and West Chev fires will host a virtual community meeting, Wednesday, June 23, at 7:00 pm. Watch on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WyrickFire/

 Clouds overhead, help firefighters on the ground

Daily Update 6/23/2021

Acres: Wyrick: 7,101 acres

West Chev: 288 acres

Cause of Both Fires: Lightning

Containment: 0%

Personnel: 158

Start Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021

Location:
Wyrick: 2 miles north of Tennyville HS, Heber, AZ

West Chev: 12.5 miles northwest of Heber, AZ

Fuels: Timber and grass

Announcement: The Wyrick Fire will host a virtual community meeting, Wednesday night, June 23, at 7:00 pm. Watch on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=wyrick-west%20chev%20fire%20information

Overview: Clouds overnight prevented an Infrared Flight, so there is no updated acreage. Recent record breaking heat, combined with extreme drought conditions have set the stage for extreme fire behavior. Crews are working day and night to keep the Wyrick Fire from moving any closer to Heber-Overgaard. More favorable weather conditions will allow firefighters the opportunity to make some progress before sunny skies return.

Fire Update: On Tuesday, air tankers dropped retardant while helicopters dropped water on the southeast corner of the Wyrick Fire to keep the fire from moving to the south. Firefighters also worked on the south side of the Wyrick Fire between the 504 and 95 roads to construct fireline. The Wyrick fire is currently holding on the west side of Black Canyon. Firefighters were in place to begin assessing how to safely construct fireline to contain the West Chev Fire. Clouds helped to slow growth on both the Wyrick and West Chev fires yesterday afternoon.

Weather: Increasing cloud cover on Wednesday and Thursday, along with higher humidity will give firefighters a short window to make progress building fireline around the Wyrick Fire. Drought stressed plants and dead branches on the ground will still carry fire if pushed by winds. Winds will be out of the southwest Tuesday night and Wednesday, pushing fire away from Heber-Overgaard, although thunderstorms and gusty winds could quickly change the direction the Wyrick Fire moves.

Ready, Set, Go: There are no changes to the evacuation status. Visit Navajo County Emergency Management for additional information about the Ready, Set, Go program and how to sign up for alerts.

Areas in GO:

  Full closure of Apache-Sitgreaves NFs to begin ThursdaySPRINGERVILLE, Ariz., June 22, 2021 – Due to extreme fire danger and historically dry conditions during a time when firefighting resources are stretched thin, the entire Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will close for public safety, beginning Thursday, June 24 at 6:00 a.m.A full forest closure means that the public is prohibited from entering any part of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at any time. Those with private inholdings will be allowed into their property.More than two dozen fires have started on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in the last few days. Two of these fires required additional assistance by incident management teams. Further, fire behavior has been extreme with crowning, torching and long-range spotting, threatening lives and property. While sporadic precipitation may fall in areas of the forest over the coming weeks, this closure will remain in effect until fire activity decreases, sufficient precipitation falls to reduce the risk of wildfire and hot, dry conditions are no longer forecast to continue.Forest Service personnel will attempt to reach as many people as possible to begin vacating campsites and informing individuals who are camping in the forest. Campers and visitors to the national forest should vacate their campsites before the closure begins and the public should cancel any plans for visiting the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests for the next several weeks. The violation of closures and fire restrictions carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months in prison, or both. Order No. 03-01-21-16 is available on the forest website. Stay up to date on Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests news by checking the A-S website and following @A_SNF on Facebook and Twitter.