Wildfire Update – Rock Butte Fires June 25, 2021 
The five fires being managed by the Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management team are the following from north to south: Rock Butte Fires:
 
 • Red Hat Fire - 49 acres – 100% containment
 • Limestone Fire - 33 acres – 100% containment
 • Spring Fire - 567 acres – 75% containment
 • Rock Butte Fire – 127 acres – 56% containment
 • Silent Fire - 27 acre – 100% containment

 Location: North of Paulden, AZ and west of HWY 89 
 
RESOURCES:126 Personnel
 • 5 Engines
 • 2 Crews
 • 1 Dozers
 • 2 Water tenders
 
   
Firefighters gaining in efforts to contain Rock Butte Fires 
Prescott, Ariz. [June 25, 2021] – Recent moisture has aided the Rock Butte firefighters in gaining ground in containment of the 5 fires.  The Limestone, Red Hat and Silent fires are 100% contained.  Crews were able to patrol and mop-up as needed the entire perimeters of both the Spring and Rock Butte fires which are more than 50% contained.  With unburned fuels in the interior of the Spring Fire, smoke will be visible as these fuels burn.  Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor all fires.
 
The fire personnel on this incident represent State, Federal, City, Volunteer, and private entities. Federal resources include Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service. Crews have come from Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana to fight the Rock Butte Fires. These folks are involved in all aspects of managing the fires and include hand crews, engine crews, dozer operators, water tenders, camp crews, and administrative and planning roles.  

WEATHER: A sunny forecast brings daytime temps ranging from 85-90 with warm dry conditions and 5-10 mph winds gusting to 16mph. There is a 10% chance of precipitation with a 16% relative humidity a very slight chance of showers for Friday afternoon.
 
 CLOSURES: Today the Prescott National Forest implements a Forest Closure. See the Prescott NF website for more information https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott . Also, today the Tonto National Forest will Implement a Stage 3 Forest Closure with some lakes, roads and recreation areas that will remain accessible. The Kaibab, Coconino, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests implemented full Forest Closures earlier this week.
  
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: For fire restriction information around Arizona, visit: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions
 
Fire Information Rock Butte Fires: 928-925-1111  Hours: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Email for Rock Butte Fires: 2021.RockButte@firenet.gov
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7556/ Prescott NF
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrescottNFPrescott NF
Twitter: twitter.com/PrescottNF 

 Wildfire Update – Rock Butte Fires June 24, 2021 
 The five fires being managed by the Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management team are the following from north to south - all acreages are approximate and current as of 6/23, 20:00: 

Rock Butte Fires:
• Red Hat Fire - 49 acres – 100% containment
• Limestone Fire - 33 acres – 100% containment
• Spring Fire - 567 acres – 42% containment
• Rock Butte Fire – 126 acres – 0% containment
• Silent Fire - 27 acre – 0% containment

Location: North of Paulden, AZ and west of HWY 89 
 
RESOURCES:110 Personnel
• 9 Engines
• 2 Crews
• 1 Dozer
• 1 Water tender
 
Fire Information phone number ONLY for Rock Butte Fires: 928-925-1111.

Weather changes bring good news for Fire Managers
 Prescott, Ariz. [June 24, 2021] – The moisture and higher relative humidity subdued fire behavior on all 5 fires. Crews were able to get 100% containment on the Red Hat and Limestone Fires, and 42% containment on the Spring Fire. Crews will continue to patrol and monitor both the Silent and Rock Butte Fires. Interior fuels on the Spring Fire continue to burn and smoke may be visible.
 
Yesterday’s storms brought some much-needed relief for crews on the Rock Butte Fires. With considerable rain and lightning on the fire area, crews were brought off the line for their safety. This gave them a chance to regroup physically and mentally. This reprieve gave the crews the opportunity to recharge their stamina for both this assignment as well as the next assignment.
 
Management of the Rafael Fire has been transitioned to a Dave Bale’s Southwest Area Type I Incident Management Team 2 which will be based in Flagstaff. 
NOTE NEW NUMBERs for the Rafael Fire:   Public Number - 928-421-4579   
                                                             Media Number - 928-421-4983
 
WEATHER: Cloudy throughout the day. Day time light winds gusting to 20 mph with a 40% chance of precipitation. Day time temps around 83, relative humidity 26% and showers and thunderstorms are expected midday with possible gusty erratic winds.

CLOSURES: The Kaibab , Coconino, and  Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests have implemented full Forest Closures.  Tomorrow the Prescott National Forest will implement a Forest Closure. Also, on Friday, the Tonto National Forest will Implement a Stage 3 Forest Closure with some lakes, roads and recreation areas that will remain accessible. 
 
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect on the Prescott NF. For fire restriction information around Arizona, visit: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.
 
Fire Information Rock Butte Fires: 928-925-1111  Hours: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. 
Email for Rock Butte Fires: 2021.RockButte@firenet.gov 
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7556/ 
Prescott NF Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrescottNF
Prescott NF Twitter: twitter.com/PrescottNF 

 June 23, 2021 The six fires being managed by the Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management team are the following [from north to south - all acreages are approximate and current as of 6/23, 20:00]: Rock Butte Fires:• Red Hat Fire - 49 acres – 85% containment• Limestone Fire - 33 acres – 67% containment• Spring Fire - 567 acres – 16% containment• Rock Butte Fire – 126 acres – 0% containment• Silent Fire - 27 acre – 0% containmentLocation: North of Paulden, AZ and west of HWY 89 
Rafael Fire – 24,191 acresLocation: 4 miles North of Perkinsville, AZ and near Sycamore CanyonPercent Containment: 0%Cause: Lightning  With fire management transitions we are establishing a new Fire Information phone number 928-925-1111.
Variety of Tools aid in Fire Management Tactics 
Prescott, Ariz. [June 23, 2021] – Fire personnel were engaged in a variety of ways on the Rafael Fire yesterday. Use of aircraft was effective in slowing the fire progression on the east and south side of the fire.  Both mechanical and hand prepping of control lines were strategically located to protect values at risk including fire lookouts, cultural resources, private property, and infrastructure. The fire crossed Tule Canyon up to Sycamore Point. It also moved to the east crossing Sycamore Canyon up on to Casner Mountain. The fire is moving north/northeast towards higher elevations and timber fuel types. Crews will continue to work on developing containment strategies and prepping potential control lines along roads and other features.  A change in the weather brings cooler overnight temperatures, increased relative humidity, and up to a 60% chance of precipitation. Along with these benefits, the thunderstorms also bring the possibility of more lightning and gusty winds. 
On the Rock Butte Fire, considerable progress was made on all five of the fires such that fire managers felt comfortable removing the “Ready” status for the residents of Paulden. Fire managers will continue to monitor how the change in the weather may affect these fires. 
EVACUATIONS: Rock Butte Fires Update: Removed “Ready” status for Paulden. For Rafael Fire, visit the Coconino County Emergency Management website for current status on communities in Coconino County.  
 WEATHER: Thunderstorms are expected with lower overnight temps, gusty winds, and possible lightning. Up to 60% chance of precipitation. Day time temps 81-85. Relative humidity 27-29%. 
CLOSURES: Starting today, the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests will be implementing full Forest Closures. The Apache-Sitgreaves will implement a full Forest Closure on Thursday. Prescott National Forest will implement a full Forest Closure on Friday. Also on Friday, the Tonto National Forest will Implement a Stage 3 Forest Closure with some lakes, roads and recreation areas that will remain accessible. 
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect on the Prescott NF. 
For fire restriction information around Arizona, visit: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions

 Wildfire Update – Rock Butte Fires & Rafael Fire

June 21, 2021

The six fires being managed by the Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management team are the following [from north to south - all acreages are approximate and current as of 6/20, 2000]:

Rock Butte Fires:

·       Red Hat Fire - 75 acres 

·       Limestone Fire - 43 acres

·       Spring Fire - 425 acres

·       Rock Butte Fire – 144 acres

·        Silent Fire - 45 acre

Location: North of Paulden, AZ and west of HWY 89

Rafael Fire – 20,000 acres

Location: 4 miles North of Perkinsville, AZ and east of HWY 89

Percent Containment: 0%

Cause: Lightning

High winds and dry conditions challenge firefighters

Type Three Incident Management Team assisting Prescott National Forest with the management of six fires

Prescott, Ariz. [June 21, 2021] – Firefighters were challenged by high winds and continued dry conditions throughout the day yesterday.  The Spring Fire, part of the Rock Butte Fires, was driven by winds and expanded to over 400 acres. Today fire crews will be working on developing future fire tactical options. The other four smaller fires under the Rock Butte Fires showed minimal to no new changes and will have crews on the ground through the day yesterday.

The Rafael Fire which started as 4 small fires after last week’s lightning storm, east of Highway 89 and north of Perkinsville, became one large fire after yesterday’s winds and extreme conditions. The Rafael Fire grew from 400 acres to over 18,000 acres yesterday afternoon engulfing the other adjacent smaller fires. The Rafael Fire now involves the Prescott, Kaibab, and Coconino National Forests and spans the Yavapai/Coconino County line.

Due to the complexity of the Rafael Fire, a Type 1 team has been ordered and will arrive later this week to take over management of the Rafael Fire. Meanwhile the Arizona Central West Zone Team will continue to work with all entities on these fires. The current Incident Management Team is also in contact and coordination with emergency management personnel from both Yavapai and Coconino counties.

EVACUATIONS: Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office have placed the community of Paulden, AZ in a “SET” Status.  The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office have issued a “GO!” notice for Sycamore Canyon and areas SOUTH of Forest Service Road 535 off Forest Service Road 231 and Garland Prairie is reminded to be in READY mode.

WEATHER: Hot very dry conditions through Monday with temperatures peaking in the afternoons around 100 and overnight to early morning temps in the 60’s, relative humidity is about 9%, winds out of the southwest at 10-15 MPH with gusting up to 25-30 mph. There is a 0% chance for precipitation to occur in the area.

CLOSURES: There is currently a closure order for the area surrounding the Rock Butte Fires west of Highway 89. Fire managers are working on developing a closure area for the Rafael Fire Area.

FIRE RESCTRICTIONS: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Prescott, Kaibab and Coconino NFs, and around Arizona, visit: WildlandFire.az.gov/fire-restrictions 

END

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREU.S. FOREST SERVICE PRESCOTT NATIONAL FORESTCHINO VALLEY RANGER DISTRICT  ROCK BUTTE LIGHTNING FIRES PUBLIC SAFETY CLOSUREPROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited within the area described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Chino Valley Ranger District, Prescott National Forest, Yavapai County, Arizona.1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
 
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.3. Residents, owners and lessees of private property within the Restricted Area are allowed ingress and egress only to and from their properties.
 
RESTRICTED AREA
The Restricted Area consists of all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundary starting at the intersection of State Route 89 and the National Forest (NF) boundary, proceeding west along the NF boundary for approximately 11 miles, then following the NF boundary south and east for approximately 13 miles to the junction with State Route 89, then following State Route 89 north for approximately 11 miles back to the point of beginning at its intersection with the NF boundary, as depicted in Exhibit A.
Note: State Route 89 remains open.

PURPOSE
To provide for public and fire fighter health and safety due to firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Rock Butte Lightning Fires on the Prescott National Forest.
 
IMPLEMENTATION
1.   This Order will be effective on June 21ˢᵗ, 2021, at 6:00 a.m. and shall remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. on July 20ᵗʰ, 2021, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
2.   A map identifying the Restricted Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A.
3.   Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581(b)(7)).
4.   Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Bradshaw and Chino Valley Ranger District Office located in Prescott, Arizona, telephone number 928 443-8000, and at the Prescott National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Chino Valley, telephone number 928 777-2200, and at http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott.
5.   This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.

Dated this 21ˢᵗ day of June 2021, at Prescott, Arizona.
/s/ Dale A. Deiter Forest Supervisor
Prescott National Forest 
 
 

 Strong winds from the west are pushing the Rock Butte's Spring Fire east toward Highway 89. Estimates at this time have the fire at approximately 500 acres. Firefighters have been working with Yavapai County and Arizona Department of Transportation in the event that the fire may impact the highway. 

Wildfire Update – Rock Butte Fires 
 June 20, 2021 – Daily Update

June 19, 2021
Region 3, Prescott National Forest
 Forest Service News Release
 Prescott National Forest
Fire Information (928) 928-1111 www.fs.usda.gov/prescott
 
Storm Sparks Eight Fires on North End of Prescott National ForestLocation:  Eight different fires across the north end of the Chino Valley Ranger District
Start Date: 6/17/2021-6/18/2021
Size:  Rock Butte -120 acres, Red Hat – 49 acres, Limestone – 33 acres, Silent – 26 acres, Rafael – 9 acres, Sandflat – 5 acres, Archibald - 3 acres, Horney – 1 acre
Percent Contained: Varies among fires
Cause: Lightning
Vegetation: Grass, Brush, and Pinyon juniper

Summary:  Fire managers’ main objective today is determining access routes for the various fires.  Yesterday they were able to put retardant on several of the fires. All of the fires were started by the lightning storm that passed through on Thursday. Due to the extreme drought conditions, all fires are being managed in a full suppression mode. Some of the fires are in remote locations and are being monitored via air until ground crews can gain access.
 
The Silent and Rock Butte Fires are just north of Paulden. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has issued a “READY" status for the area north of Paulden . Under a "READY" status, residents are asked to stay informed through local media and public safety officials. (https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiCountySheriff/ ).

Red Hat and Limestone Fires lie a few miles to the northwest of Paulden. The Rafael Fire lies about 2 miles north of Perkinsville; the Sand Flat, Archibald and Horney Fires lie 3-4 miles north of Perkinsville.
 
Resources:   1-Air Attack, 1-Type 3 Helicopter, 3-Engines, 2-Hotshot Crews, 1-Fire Crew
Weather:  Hot very dry conditions through Sunday with temperatures peaking in the afternoons around 100 and overnight to early morning temps in the 60’s, relative humidity ranging from 10-30%, winds out of the East at 5 MPH, shifting in the afternoon to the West up to 20 mph. There is a 0% chance for precipitation to occur in the area.
 
Closures: None at this time.
Remember:
 •     If You Fly, We Can’t
 •     Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect across the Prescott National Forest for information on the Prescott National Forest, check out the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

CLIFTON, Ariz., June 18, 2021 
Size: 350 acres                                                           
Containment: 0%           Incident Start Date: June 16, 2021                          
Cause: Lightning
Location: 12 miles west of Alma, NM
Resources Responding: 1 Type 3 helicopter for Recon missions

Fire Update: The Moore Fire is a lightning-caused fire with a confine suppression strategy. Point protection of range improvements and remote cabins (Stateline Cabin, Charlie Moore Cabin, Anderson Cabin, Horse Canyon Cabin) is complete. Current fire behavior includes smoldering, creeping,  single tree and isolated torching in Pinon Juniper with grass and brush and some Ponderosa Pine.

CLIFTON, Ariz., June 28, 2021 – The Bear Fire continues to move to the north and west on the Apache-Sitgreaves between Alpine and Clifton in Greenlee County. It is now estimated at 23,480 acres and 18% contained.