WHITE MOUNTAIN ZONE
Incident Management Team
Ben Plumb – Incident Commander

Firefighters Battle Extreme Drought Conditions
Horton Fire: Saturday, June 26, 2021

Location of Origin: 5 miles northeast of Hannagan Meadow
Start Date: June 16, 2021        
Size: 8,957 combined acres       
Cause: Lightning
Percent Contained: 12
Personnel: 169                            
Fuels: Heavy dead/down logs
Resources Assigned: 4 Hand Crews, 8 Engines, 2 Helicopters, 4 Dozers, 1 Feller Buncher, 4 Masticators, and 4 Water Tenders.

Operations: Warm and drier weather triggered an increase in fire behavior yesterday as the four fires within the Horton Complex merged into one. The southern flanks of the fire experienced active spreading and spotting. To protect residents from imminent danger posed by the Horton fire, the Greenlee County Sheriff’s office utilized the Ready, Set, Go! program and placed Hannagan Meadow in GO status, evacuating the remaining people that were there. Other private in-holdings and residents near the fire remain in READY status. Burn out operations between the north side of the fire and control lines will continue if the weather permits. Today firefighting resources will concentrate on the southern edges as fire spread is likely to continue due to continuous fuels and low fuel moistures on unlined portions of the perimeter. Crews will prep control lines, monitor fire movement, burnout as necessary, and implement structure protection plans.

Closures: A Stage III Forest Closure is in effect to protect public health and safety due to extreme fire danger. US 191 is closed 2.75 miles south of Alpine to MM 175, north of Morenci.

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms, with a high near 70 degrees and light winds up to 9 mph. Increased moisture is expected to move into the region tomorrow, setting the stage for daily chances of wetting rain next week.

Values at risk: Firefighters will work to protect and mitigate risks to the Josh Ranch, Beaverhead Lodge, Sprucedale Ranch, Hannagan Meadow, historic Balke Cabin, and Navopache Electric power lines. Important wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species is adjacent to these fires and may be threatened in the future.

Safety: The public is encouraged to follow the Ready, Set, Go! program that educates residents about actions to follow when communities are threatened. Wildfire smoke may impact the communities of Alpine, Nutrioso, Springerville and Eagar. Smoke-sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

·         Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7547/

·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Horton-Fire-Information-102543715413662

·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireHorton

·         Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/asnf

·         ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077

·         Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

·         Arizona Department of Transportation: https://az511.gov/

WHITE MOUNTAIN ZONE

Incident Management Team

Ben Plumb – Incident Commander

Horton Complex Braces for Warm and Drier Conditions

Horton Complex: Friday, June 25, 2021

Location of Origin: 5 miles northeast of Hannagan Meadow

Start Date: June 16, 2021             

Size: 6,598 combined acres             

Cause: Lightning

Percent Contained: 12  

Personnel: 165     

Fuels: Heavy dead/down logs

Resources Assigned: 2 Hand Crews, 8 Engines, 2 Helicopters, 4 Dozers, 1 Feller Buncher, 4 Masticators, and 4 Water Tenders.

Operations: Fire behavior was moderated yesterday by high overnight humidity recovery and lower temperatures. Firefighters successfully conducted burn out operations along the north side of the fire and achieved good results. Crews will coordinate burn out operations, weather permitting, with aerial ignitions utilizing helicopters. A warm and drying trend is expected to return and could accelerate fire activity and increase perimeter growth. Firefighters will continue to scout for opportunities to achieve additional containment and are monitoring fire movement closely. 

Closures: A Stage III Forest Closure is in effect as of 0600 today to protect public health and safety due to extreme fire danger. US 191 is closed 2.75 miles south of Alpine to MM 175, north of Morenci.

Weather: A drying, and warming trend is expected today and into the weekend. Today’s forecast is calling for sunny skies, a high near 70 degrees, and light winds up to 15 mph.

Values at risk: Firefighters will work to protect and mitigate risks to the Josh Ranch, Beaverhead Lodge, Sprucedale Ranch, Hannagan Meadow, historic Balke Cabin, and Navopache Electric power lines. Important wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species is adjacent to these fires and may be threatened in the future.

Safety: The public is encouraged to follow Ready, Set, Go! a nationwide program adopted by the 15 Arizona Sheriffs. This initiative educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency and actions to follow when communities are threatened. Wildfire smoke may impact the communities of Alpine, Nutrioso, Springerville and Eagar. Smoke-sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7547/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Horton-Fire-Information-102543715413662

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireHorton

• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/asnf  

• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077

• Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

• Arizona Department of Transportation: https://az511.gov/

 A Stage III Forest Closure was put into effect at 0600 on June  24, 2021 to protect public health and safety due to extreme fire danger.

WHITE MOUNTAIN ZONE

Incident Management Team

Ben Plumb – Incident Commander

Storms Provide Minor Relief and Moderate Fire Activity

Horton Complex: Thursday, June 24, 2021

Location of Origin: 5 miles northeast of Hannagan Meadow

Start Date: June 16, 2021

Size: 4,508 combined acres    

Cause: Lightning

Percent Contained: 6

Personnel: 174    

Fuels: Heavy dead/down logs 

Resources Assigned: 2 Hand Crews, 8 Engines, 2 Helicopters, 4 Dozers, 1 Feller Buncher, 4 Masticators, and 4 Water Tenders.

Operations: The Horton Complex was most active on the western flanks yesterday where it reached to the bottom of Bear creek. The east side, where containment has been achieved, has moderated but fire managers will keep a close eye on this area as it has the potential for increased fire activity when forecasted conditions become drier. The four fires within the Horton Complex are expected to merge into one and are expected to actively back, flank and rollout into the Bear, Horton, Willow, Thomas, and Hannagan drainages. Cooler temperatures and isolated rains moderated fire activity yesterday, allowing firefighters to conduct firing operations to reinforce control lines. Crews will continue to look for opportunities to directly engage the fire, and only when it is safe to do so.

Closures: A Stage III Forest Closure is in effect as of 0600 today to protect public health and safety due to extreme fire danger. US 191 is closed at FS RD 403, south of Alpine, to MM 175, north of Morenci.

Weather: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms today will give way to a drier weather pattern this weekend. Today’s forecast is calling for a slight chance of rain showers, with winds up to 15mph and a high of 69 degrees.

Values at risk: Firefighters will work to protect and mitigate risks to the Josh Ranch, Beaverhead Lodge, Sprucedale Ranch, Hannagan Meadow, historic Balke Cabin, and Navopache Electric power lines. Important wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species is adjacent to these fires and may be threatened in the future.

Safety: The public is encouraged to follow Ready, Set, Go! a nationwide program adopted by the 15 Arizona Sheriffs. This initiative educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency and actions to follow when communities are threatened. Wildfire smoke may impact the communities of Alpine, Nutrioso, Springerville and Eagar. Smoke-sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7547/ 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Horton-Fire-Information-102543715413662 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireHorton 

• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/asnf 

• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077 

• Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

WHITE MOUNTAIN ZONE

Incident Management Team

Ben Plumb – Incident Commander

Firefighters Gain Partial Containment of Horton Complex

Horton Complex: Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Location of Origin: 5 miles northeast of Hannagan Meadow

Start Date: June 16, 2021

Size: 4,354 combined acres    

Cause: Lightning

Percent Contained: 6

Personnel: 167    

Fuels: Heavy dead/down logs

Resources Assigned: 2 Hand Crews, 9 Engines, 3 Helicopters, 4 Dozers, 1 Feller Buncher, 4 masticators, and 4 Water Tenders.

Operations: Fire activity on the western flanks was fueled by winds that pushed the Lost Lake and Willow Springs fires together yesterday. It is expected that all four fires may merge as they are less than a quarter mile apart from each other. Burnout operations in the Willow Creek drainage were successful, and containment lines along the east side of the fire are holding. The primary objectives are to protect adjacent structures, keep the fire south of Forest Road 26, east of Forest Road 24, west of highway 191, and to provide protection of nearby powerlines. Firefighters will continue to scout and prep control lines, monitor fire movement and burnout as necessary to strengthen holding features. Aviation resources will be utilized to minimize growth in critical areas of the fire.

Closures: A temporary emergency closure has been implemented around the fire’s perimeter to protect public health and safety during fire suppression activities.

Weather: Increased moisture is expected to move into the fire area today with the forecast calling for a 40% chance of wetting rains. The Horton Complex is expected to receive scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, winds up to 11mph and a daytime high of 71 degrees.

Values at risk: Firefighters will work to protect and mitigate risks to the Josh Ranch, Beaverhead Lodge, Sprucedale Ranch, Hannagan Meadow, historic Balke Cabin, and Navopache Electric power lines. Important wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species is adjacent to these fires and may be threatened in the future.

Safety: The public is encouraged to follow Ready, Set, Go! a nationwide program adopted by the 15 Arizona Sheriffs. This initiative educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency and actions to follow when communities are threatened. Wildfire smoke may impact the communities of Alpine, Nutrioso, Springerville and Eagar. Smoke-sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7547/ 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Horton-Fire-Information-102543715413662 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireHorton 

• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/asnf/news-events 

• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077 

• Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

White Mountain Zone
Incident Management Team
Ben Plumb – Incident Commander

“Set” Evacuation Level for Hannagan Meadow

Possibility of Thunderstorms without Precipitation

Horton Complex: Monday, June 21, 2021

Location of Origin: 5 miles northeast of Hannagan Meadow

Start Date: June 16, 2021      
Size: 2,721 combined acres

Cause: Lightning                                            
Percent Contained: 0 

Personnel: 124                     
Fuels: Heavy dead and down logs

Resources Assigned: 2 Hand Crews, 10 Engines, 3 Helicopters, 4 Dozers, 1 Feller Buncher, 3 masticators, and 5  Water Tenders.  

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters were able to construct fire lines and successfully complete some burnout operations when it was safe, and the weather permitted. Today, crews will continue control line prep work in the structure protection plan areas and continue mitigating the risks to the adjacent values. West and northwest winds remain strong and gusty throughout the day. These winds and the terrain continue to drive the fire to find fuels especially in the Willow Creek drainage. There is a possibility of increased fire activity mid to late morning. As a safety precaution, powerlines have been intermittently de-energized along highway 191 between Josh Ranch and Hannagan Meadow.

Closures: A temporary emergency closure has been implemented around the fire’s perimeter to protect public health and safety during fire suppression activities.

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for sunny skies with the possibility of thunderstorms possible and limited  precipitation. Temperatures are expected to reach the 80s with wind gusts from 7-11mph from the west/northwest direction.

Values at risk: Firefighters will work to protect and mitigate risks to the Josh Ranch, Beaverhead Lodge, Sprucedale Ranch, Hannagan Meadow, historic Balke Cabin, and Navopache Electric power lines. Important wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species is adjacent to these fires and may be threatened in the future.

Safety: The public is encouraged to follow Ready, Set, Go! a nationwide program adopted by the 15 Arizona Sheriffs. This initiative educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency and actions to follow when communities are threatened. Wildfire smoke may impact the communities of Alpine, Nutrioso, Springerville and Eagar. Smoke-sensitive  individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7547/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Horton-Fire-Information-102543715413662

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireHorton

• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/asnf/news-events

• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077

• Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go   



Horton Complex Fire Information  

928-421-2264 

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7547/ 

 

WHITE MOUNTAIN ZONE
Incident Management Team

Ben Plumb – Incident Commander

Drought Conditions Test Horton Complex

Horton Complex: Sunday, June 20, 2021

Location of Origin: 5 miles northeast of Hannagan Meadow

Start Date: June 16, 2021

Size: 1,490 combined acres

Cause: Lightning

Percent Contained: 0

Personnel: 112

Fuels: Heavy dead and down logs

Resources Assigned: 2 Hand Crews, 8 Engines, 2 Helicopters, 2 Dozers, 1 Feller Buncher, and 4 Water Tenders.  

Operations: Firefighters continue to scout for opportunities to construct fire lines and are monitoring fire movement closely. Burnout operations will be conducted as needed and only when safe to do so. Aviation resources will continue to be utilized to minimize growth in critical areas of the fire. To mitigate the risks to adjacent values, structure protection plans are in place and prep work in those areas will continue. Exceptional drought conditions have produced historically low fuel moistures, so the potential exists for extreme fire behavior. As a safety precaution, powerlines have been intermittently de-energized along highway 191 between Josh Ranch and Hannagan Meadow.

Closures: A temporary emergency closure has been implemented around the fire’s perimeter to protect public health and safety during fire suppression activities.

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for mostly cloudy skies with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach 78 degrees with wind gusts up to 26mph.

Values at risk: Firefighters will work to protect and mitigate risks to the Josh Ranch, Beaverhead Lodge, Sprucedale Ranch, Hannagan Meadow, historic Balke Cabin, and Navopache Electric power lines. Important wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species is adjacent to these fires and may be threatened in the future.

Safety: The public is encouraged to follow Ready, Set, Go! a nationwide program adopted by the 15 Arizona Sheriffs. This initiative educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency and actions to follow when communities are threatened. Wildfire smoke may impact the communities of Alpine, Nutrioso, Springerville and Eagar. Smoke-sensitive individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7547/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Horton-Fire-Information-102543715413662 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireHorton 

• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/asnf/news-events  

• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077 

• Ready, Set, Go: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go     

Horton Complex Fire Information  
928-421-2264 

WHITE MOUNTAIN ZONE

Incident Management Team

Ben Plumb – Incident Commander

Prep Work Continues on Horton Complex

Horton Complex: Saturday, June 19, 2021

Location of Origin: 5 miles northeast of Hannagan Meadow

Start Date: June 16, 2021             

Size: 1,390 combined acres

Cause: Lightning              

Percent Contained: 0

Personnel: 100 

Fuels: Heavy dead and down logs

Resources Assigned: 2 Hand Crews, 8 Engines, 2 Helicopters, 3 Dozers, 1 Feller Buncher, and 2  Water Tenders. Additional firefighting resources will be ordered as needed.

Operations: The Horton Complex is burning in rugged and remote terrain. Suppression strategies will prioritize firefighter safety. Primary objectives include conducting prep-work to protect adjacent structures, keeping the fire south of Forest Road 26, east of Forest Road 24, west of highway 191, and providing protection of nearby powerlines. Firefighters will scout and prep control lines, monitor fire movement and burnout as necessary to strengthen holding features. Aviation resources will be utilized to minimize growth in critical areas of the fire.

Closures: A temporary emergency closure was implemented today around the fire’s perimeter to protect public health and safety during fire suppression activities.

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for mostly cloudy skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach 86 degrees with winds up to 11mph. Wind gusts near thunderstorms may reach up to 35mph.

Values at risk: Firefighters will work to protect and mitigate risks to the Josh Ranch, Beaverhead Lodge, Sprucedale Ranch, Hannagan Meadow, historic Balke Cabin, and Navopache Electric power lines. Important wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species is adjacent to these fires and may be threatened in the future.

Safety: The public is encouraged to follow Ready, Set, Go! a nationwide program adopted by the 15 Arizona Sheriffs. This initiative educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency and actions to follow when communities are threatened. Wildfire smoke may impact the communities of Alpine, Nutrioso, Springerville and Eagar. Smoke-sensitive  individuals are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Official fire information can be found on these sites:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7547/  

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Horton-Fire-Information-102543715413662

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireHorton  

• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/asnf/news-events

• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077