Size:  Approximately 17,453 acres                       
Containment:  15%                 
Cause:  Under Investigation   Location:  Santa Teresa Mountains, Graham County, Arizona                           
Start Date: June 10, 2021Incident Commander:  Dave Gesser                                                                 
Total Personnel:  440

Public Information: (928) 362-8820Media: (928) 362 2771Email: 2021.pinnacle@firenet.gov    
Evacuation Status Elevated To GOKo’ Ba Nagoni I’ (Fire Update)
A portion of perimeter west of the Aravaipa-Klondyke road was patrolled and monitored yesterday to address remaining pockets of heat. Crew efforts were successful resulting in that portion of the fire perimeter now being at 15% contained.
About 2:00 p.m. yesterday, a large column of smoke developed over the Pinnacle fire that could be seen for miles. Although it appeared ominous, it was burning on the interior of the fire lines and within the wilderness on the western side of the fire. The fire perimeter near Blackrock was less active and remained on the ridge south of the ranch. On the southwest side, firefighters continued working to defend constructed fire lines to keep the fire from moving westward towards Klondyke.
Due to outflow winds, fire activity increased on the southwest corner of the fire. Night operations crews will be continuing the day shift efforts by continuing to defend values as risk and identifying holding features with the best probability of success.
Currently assigned resources include 7 hand crews, 4 helicopters, 29 engines, 11 water tenders, and 4 dozers. Resource numbers are adjusted as operational needs are determined daily. 
Smoke: The Pinnacle fire is producing a great amount of smoke. For current air quality information go to: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EastCentralArizona
Evacuations: GO: All residences southeast of the fire north of the Aravaipa/Klondyke road, Black Rock road area, and the all residences in the Klondyke-Aravaipa corridor.
 For Ready, Set, Go information follow this link: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/ and https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.  
Closures: Both the Coronado National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management have closure orders in effect. For specific closure information visit the following agency links: 
 https://Coronadonationalforest/Facebook.com
  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7523/59894/
Restrictions: The Coronado National Forest has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions. For detailed information on restrictions see: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd915424.pdf  
For further information, please visit the following links:    Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov  
Facebook: Pinnacle Fire Facebook
Twitter: @PinnacleInfo21
Area residents continue to bring donations to the fire camp. While we are very appreciative, our firefighters are well supplied. We can’t take donations. Firefighters are, however, appreciative of the many supportive banners and signs we see posted around the community.                                                      Nawhi ni nlt eego anlsih (Take care of our Land)

Current status of the ENTIRE COMMUNITIES OF KLONDYKE and ARAVAIPA:  GO!
GO means evacuate NOW!
Ready Set Go:  https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go  #ReadySetGoAz 

United States Department of the Interior 
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Gila District Office
711 14th Avenue 
Safford, Arizona 85546June 16, 2021 

EMERGENCY FIRE CLOSURE

Public Lands in Gila County in the Vicinity of the Pinnacle Fire, Bureau of Land Management, Safford Field Office
 
The Pinnacle Fire began on June 10, 2021. Monday night, fire activity increased south of Black Rock Ranch and moved northward toward ranch property. By 11 p.m. the fire crossed a point that caused the Graham County Sheriff to issue a “Go” notification for evacuation of the Black Rock Ranch area. As Tuesday progressed, the fire continued to gradually move northward. Crews performed structure protection actions at Black Rock to protect structures and property from the gradually advancing fire.
 
At the southwestern segment of the fire perimeter, firefighters completed needed burn outs to slow the fire’s downhill movement towards Klondyke. Crews working the eastern and southeastern portion of the fire line observed minimal fire activity. In the Santa Teresa Wilderness, the fire continued to gradually move northwest through extremely rough, remote terrain.
 
Pursuant to 43 CFR 835.2-1 or 43 CFR 921.22 (a) and effective at 7:00 p.m. June 16, 2021, and until rescinded, public access is temporarily prohibited to public lands in Gila County within the Pinnacle Fire Operational Area as noted below.
 
Closure applies to public lands within the area bounded as follows:
-North Santa Teresa Wilderness and surrounding BLM lands,
-4 Mile Campground and surrounding areas,
-BLM parcels north of Klondyke between North Santa Teresa Wilderness and Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness,
-Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness and surrounding BLM lands,
-Copper Creek and BLM lands within the Copper Creek area.
 
Temporary Prohibited Acts: 
1. Entry to public lands by motorized use, pedestrian or equestrian use, and recreational use unless a specific exemption has been granted.
2. Entry to North Santa Teresa Wilderness, 4 Mile Campground, and Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.

A violation of this closure is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both.
 
Exempted:  Except in emergency conditions or permission by an agency authorized officer, there are no exceptions to this closure.
 
Roberta Lopez, Digitally signed by ROBERA LOPEZ; Date:  2021.06.16; 19:55:02 -07’00”
Field Manager Safford Field Office Bureau of Land Management, Gila District

Please view the MAP section of this website to view the CLOSURE MAP associated with this Bureau of Land Management Closure Order. 

UPDATE: As of 7:00 PM, June 16th, the Graham County Sheriff's Office has changed the community of Klondyke, along and south of Whiting Ranch Road - status to "GO."  GO means evacuate NOW!
Visit: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go #BeAlert #ReadySetGoAz

The Graham County Sheriff's Office placed the Community of Aravaipa into READY status this morning June 16, 2021.  For more information about READY, SET, GO! and what you can do to prepare for a wildfire, visit https://wildlandfire.az.gov/ 

Size:  Approximately 15,801 acres                      

Containment:  0%                  

Cause:  Under Investigation  

Location:  Santa Teresa Mountains, Graham County, Arizona                         

Start Date: June 10, 2021

Incident Commander:  Dave Gesser                                                                 

Total Personnel: 392
 

Public Information: (928) 362-8820                                                                                  

Media: (928) 362-2771                                                                                                   

Email: 2021.pinnacle@firenet.gov  

Ko’ Ba Nagoni I’ (Fire Update)

Monday night, fire activity increased south of the Black Rock Ranch and moved northward toward ranch property.  By 11 p.m. the fire crossed a point that caused the Graham County Sheriff to issue “GO” notification for evacuation of the Black Rock Ranch area. As Tuesday progressed, the fire continued to gradually move northward. Crews performed structure protection actions at Black Rock to protect structures and property from the gradually advancing fire.

At the southwestern segment of the fire perimeter, firefighters completed needed burn-outs to slow the fire’s downhill movement towards Klondyke. Crews working the eastern and southeastern portion of the fire line observed minimal fire activity.  In the Santa Teresa Wilderness, the fire continued to gradually move northwest through extremely rough, remote terrain.

Currently assigned resources include 6 hand crews, 4 helicopters, 13 engines, 9 water tenders, and 2 dozers. Additional resources will be added as a need develops.

Smoke: The Pinnacle fire is producing a great amount of smoke. For current air quality information go to: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EastCentralArizona

Evacuations: All residences southeast of the fire and north of the Aravaipa/Klondyke road and Black Rock are in GO status. Residences in the Klondyke area have been placed in READY status. Other Graham County residents are encouraged to visit the following links for Ready, Set, Go information: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/ and https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go. 

Closures: Coronado National Forest portion of the Santa Teresa Mountains. See: https://Coronadonationalforest/Facebook.com.

A Temporary Flight Restriction enacted by the Federal Aviation Administration for the surrounding area was expanded yesterday to reflect fire growth.

Restrictions: The Coronado National Forest has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions. For detailed information on restrictions see: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd915424.pdf 

For further information, please visit the following links:   

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov  

Facebook: Pinnacle Fire Facebook

Twitter: @PinnacleInfo21

Area residents continue to bring donations to the fire camp. While we are very appreciative, our firefighters are well-supplied. We can’t take donations. Firefighters are, however, appreciative of the many supportive banners and signs we see posted around the community.

Nawhi ni nlt eego anlsih (Take care of our Land)

Size:  Approximately 13,054 acres                      

Containment:  0%                  

Cause:  Under Investigation  

Location:  Santa Teresa Mountains, Graham County, Arizona                           

Start Date: June 10, 2021

Incident Commander:  Dave Gesser                                                              

Total Personnel: 264
 

Public Information: (928) 362-8820

Media: (928) 362-2771                                                                                                              

Email: 2021.pinnacle@firenet.gov  

Ko’ Ba Nagoni I’ (Fire Update)

Fire activity slowed yesterday as it moved downhill into more sparse vegetation and less terrain driven wind occurred.  The most active portions of the fire were on State Trust Lands on the southwest perimeter and inside the Santa Teresa Wilderness.  Firefighters used retardant and water drops to slow and channelize the fire’s spread away from values at risk while conducting a small burn-out operation on State Trust Land between constructed fire lines and the fire on the southwest section of the perimeter.

Structure protection work continued around evacuated structures to continue to improve their security.

Scouting and planning for operations on the northern portion of the fire along Black Rock Road continued as the fire progressively moved northward within the Santa Teresa Wilderness. Night shift crews last night continued to work through the night to improve constructed fire lines and prepare for burn out operations east of Klondyke.

Currently assigned resources include 6 hand crews, 4 helicopters, 13 engines, 9 water tenders, and 2 dozers. More resources have been ordered and continue to arrive.

Smoke: The Pinnacle fire is producing a great amount of smoke. For current air quality information go to: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EastCentralArizona

Evacuations: All residences southeast of the fire and north of the Aravaipa/Klondyke road and Black Rock are in GO status. Residences in the Klondyke area have been placed in READY status. Other Graham County residents are encouraged to visit the following links for Ready, Set, Go information: https://wildlandfire.az.gov/ and https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.  With the intensity of this year’s fire season, Graham County residents should familiarize with Arizona’s “Ready, Set, Go” program relating to evacuations.

Closures: Coronado National Forest portion of the Santa Teresa Mountains. See: https://Coronadonationalforest/Facebook.com. A Temporary Flight Restriction has been enacted for the surrounding area by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Restrictions: The Coronado National Forest has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions. For detailed information on restrictions see: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd915424.pdf 

For further information, please visit the following links:   

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov 
Facebook: Pinnacle Fire Facebook
Twitter: @PinnacleInfo21

Nawhi ni nlt eego anlsih (Take care of our Land)

Size:  Approximately 9,911 acres                       
Containment:  0%                   
Cause:  Under Investigation   
Location:  Santa Teresa Mountains, Graham County, Arizona                           
Start Date: June 10, 2021
Incident Commander:  Dave Gesser                                                               
Total Personnel:  334

Public Information: (928) 362-8820 
Media: (928) 362 2771 
Email: 2021.pinnacle@firenet.gov      

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’  (Fire Update)

With air temperatures reaching 110+ degrees in the Gila Valley and year-long intense drought, the Pinnacle Fire continued to grow Sunday.  Before noon, the fire’s progression on the SE corner of the fire’s perimeter had reached a point that triggered the Graham County Sheriff’s Office to order the evacuation of homes north of the Aravaipa-Klondyke road and east of the fire. The Aravaipa-Klondyke road has been closed to all travelers except residents. With fire lines in this area constructed in more favorable terrain with less fuels, fire managers focused efforts on structure protection.
 
At the SW segment of the fire, terrain winds pushed fire down canyon onto State Trust Lands. Fire fighters, aided by two bull dozers and air drops of water and retardant, focused on limiting its spread. Night crews last night continued that effort through the night.
Today firefighters will work the southern and eastern perimeter of the fire, continue structure protection actions, scout the Black Rock Road corridor for defensible terrain and natural barriers, and plan for additional northward movement of the fire.
 
Currently assigned resources include 6 hand crews, 3 helicopters, 13 engines, 9 water tenders, and 2 dozers. More resources have been ordered and continue to arrive. This fire is producing high quantities of smoke. An aerial resource advisor is engaged and has installed smoke monitors. Learn more at: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EastCentralArizona
 
Evacuations: All residences southeast of the fire and north of the Aravaipa/Klondyke road were placed in GO evacuation status as of 2 p.m. yesterday. Residences located in the Klondyke area have been placed in READY status.

With the intensity of this year’s fire season, Graham County residents should take the time to be familiar with Arizona’s “Ready, Set, Go” program relating to evacuations. https://wildlandfire.az.gov/ and https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.  

Closures: Coronado National Forest portion of the Santa Teresa Mountains. See: https://Coronadonationalforest/Facebook.com. A Temporary Flight Restriction has been enacted for the surrounding area by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Restrictions: The Coronado National Forest has implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions. For detailed information on restrictions see: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd915424.pdf  

For further information, please visit the following links:    

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov  
Facebook: Pinnacle Fire Facebook
Twitter: @PinnacleInfo21

Ko’ doo bena golde’ da (Don’t play with fire)

Order Number: # 03-05-04-21-026

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; U.S. FOREST SERVICE CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST; SAFFORD RANGER DISTRICT

AREA CLOSURE

PROHIBITIONS

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 Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, Graham County, Arizona.

1. Going into or being upon the restricted area for the protection of public health and safety.

36 C.F.R. § 261.53(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.

RESTRICTED AREA

The Restricted Area is the entire Santa Teresa Ecosystem Management Area (EMA) which encompasses 48,902 acres. Starting from the northwest corner of the EMA, all National Forest System (NFS) Lands within Township 5 S, Range 20 E; all part of sections 16-17, 20-24, 25- 29, 32-36, AND then moving east encompassing Township 5 S, Range 21 E; all or part of sections 19, 30 and 31, AND then moving south and encompassing the eastern boundary of the EMA and all NFS Lands within Township 6 N, Range 21 E Sections 6-11, 14-24 and 25-36 AND then turning west along the southern EMA boundary and encompassing NFS Lands within Township 7 S, Range 21 E, Sections 1 – 6 AND then continuing west and encompassing all NFS lands within Township 7 S, Range 20 E sections 1 and 2, AND then turning north back toward the northwest corner and encompassing Township 6 S, Range 20 E all or part of sections 1-4, 9-12, 13-16, 21-24, 25-28, 33-36 as depicted on the map attached hereto as Exhibit A.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to close the Restricted Area where the Pinnacle Fire is burning for the protection of public health and safety.

IMPLEMENTATION

1.  This Order will be effective on June 13, 2021 at 12:00 pm, and shall remain in effect until August 15, 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 Safford Ranger District located in Safford, Arizona, telephone number 928-428-4150, and at the Coronado National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Tucson, Arizona, telephone number 520-388-8300.

5.  This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.

Done at Safford, Arizona, this 13th day of June 2021.

Digitally signed by KERWIN DEWBERRY; Date: 2021.06.13; 12:21:53 -07'00'

Forest Supervisor Coronado National Forest

Pinnacle Fire update with Operations Section Chief Brad Johnson for June 13th. As Brad explains in the video, the fire perimeter on this map is not up to date as of this recording but Brad explains the current fire behavior and firefighter operations.  

View the full video at http://bit.ly/PinnacleFireOpsUpdate