A quick update from Brad Johnson, Operations Section Chief. Aircraft was grounded today due to a drone flying illegally within the restricted area, but firefighters and air tankers still made progress on the most active southwest side. Additional structure protection prep and assessments are ongoing across the fire as more resources are arriving for the night shift.

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

Size:  Approximately 4,668 acres                       
Containment:  0%                   
Cause:  Under Investigation   
Location:  Santa Teresa Mountains, Graham County, Arizona                           
Start Date: June 10, 2021
Incident Commander:  Dave Gesser                                                               
Total Personnel: 240
 
Public Information: (928)362-8820
Email: 2021.pinnacle@firenet.gov                          

By mid-afternoon yesterday fire weather conditions were extreme with single digit humidity and temperatures over 100 degrees resulting in active fire behavior. The Pinnacle Fire moved south, north, and east yesterday. Fire managers used retardant and bulldozers to halt fire movement southward onto State Trust Lands while hand crews concurrently worked directly on adjacent portions of the fire. By Saturday evening the fire had crossed management action points triggering the Graham County Sheriff’s office to evacuate one residence on the southeast flank of the fire.
  
During a critical operation Saturday afternoon, a privately-owned drone was observed inside the FAA established Temporary Flight Restricted area around the fire. The result was that flight operations had to be stopped until the drone was clear of the area. Such incursions are unlawful by Federal law. Worse, fire fighters have enough life-threatening hazards to deal with in the absence of losing critical air support. If apprehended and convicted, the drone’s pilot faces federal civil and criminal fines that will cost the violator thousands of dollars. These charges aren’t merely traffic infractions, rather they have hefty penalties, including jail time, associated with conviction. If you fly, we can’t.
 
Currently assigned resources include 5 hand crews, 3 helicopters, 13 engines, 5 water tenders, and 2 dozers. Large air tankers are also available and being used as needed to support fire fighters.  More resources have been ordered and are steadily arriving. This fire is producing high quantities of smoke. During wildfire activity, firefighters can do little to reduce smoke impacts. Affected communities should remain aware of smoke advisories and conditions. Learn more at: Air.Now.gov
 
Evacuations: One residence southeast of the fire and north of Aravaipa/Klondyke road area was placed in GO evacuation status as of 9 p.m. yesterday, others remain in “READY” status. Residents living near the fire 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: A Coronado National Forest Closure Order is being developed for roads and trails within the immediate fire area. 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: Pinnacle Fire
Facebook: Pinnacle Fire Facebook
Twitter: @PinnacleInfo21

Size:  Approximately 2,200 acres                       
Containment:  0%                   
Cause:  Under Investigation   
Location:  Santa Teresa Mountains, Graham County, Arizona                           
Start Date: June 10, 2021
Incident Commander:  Dave Gesser                                                           
Total Personnel: 97

Public Information: (928)362-8820
Email: 2021.pinnacle@firenet.gov 
  
Incident commander Dave Gesser and his type 2 team assumed command of the Pinnacle Fire this morning at 6:00 a.m. The Pinnacle Fire started Thursday morning June 10, 2021 on Pinnacle Ridge within Coronado National Forest lands northeast of Klondyke, Arizona. Firefighters responded immediately, using aerial tankers and hand crews, despite the efforts the fire continued to spread in abundant brush and grass. The fire burned actively through the night Thursday. By Friday afternoon, it was well established within the Santa Teresa Wilderness and its footprint was estimated to be approximately 2,200 acres.
  
Currently assigned resources include 4 hand crews, 3 helicopters, 8 engines, 5 water tenders, and 2 single engine air tankers. Large air tankers are also available as needed to support fire fighters.  More resources have been ordered and will be arriving soon.
 
Evacuations: Residences east of the fire and north of Aravaipa/Klondyke road area have been placed in READY status as of this 8:00 this morning. Area residents within close proximity of the fire are encouraged to visit the following links:
Ready, Set, Go https://wildlandfire.az.gov/ and https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go
 
Closures: A Coronado National Forest Closure Order is being developed for roads and trails within the immediate fire area. A Temporary Flight Restriction has been enacted for the surrounding area by the Federal Aviation Administration. Non-incident aircraft incursions, including drones, operated within the flight restricted area will be prosecuted under federal law. If you fly, we can’t!
 
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
 
Evacuations: Presently none. 

For further information, please visit the following links:    
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov  
Facebook: Pinnacle Fire Facebook
Twitter:  Pinnacle Info 21 

 

Shamrock Fire – June 14, 2021 Final Update

Acres: 1,104 acres

Start Date:  June 9, 2021

Cause: Under Investigation

Containment: 95%

Total personnel: 120

Location: 11 miles northeast of Nogales, AZ

Fuels: Short grass and brush

Highlights:  The Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team will transfer command of the Shamrock Fire back to the Coronado National Forest at 6:00 AM on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. The Shamrock Fire will now be managed by a local Type 4 Incident Commander Mike Epperson. The fire has shown no growth over the past few days and containment has increased to 95% thanks to the hard work of the firefighters. Crews have taken great care to mitigate potential threats to cultural resources, structures, and natural resources such as threatened and endangered species.

This will be the final update unless significant events occur.

Operations: As command of the fire transfers back to the local agencies, assigned fire resources will remain until full suppression is achieved. Public and firefighter safety continues to be the top priority for the incident.

Smoke settling into southeastern Arizona are from the fires up north. 

The resources assigned include: 2 Crews, 4 engines, 1 Helicopter, and miscellaneous overhead.

Restrictions:  The Temporary Flight Restriction were lifted at noon today, Monday, June 14, 2021. Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect in southeastern Arizona. Visitors are reminded to comply with all restrictions to help reduce the risk for human-caused wildfire. For a more detailed explanation concerning agency restrictions and fire information in general, please visit  https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions or contact the nearest land management agency office.

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Shamrock Fire – June 13, 2021 Update

Acres: 1,104 acres

Start Date:  June 9, 2021

Cause: Under Investigation

Containment: 90%

Total personnel: 173

Location: 11 miles northeast of Nogales, AZ

Fuels: Short grass and brush

Operations: Through the efforts of the past few days, fire crews have now achieved 90% containment along the fire perimeter.   Firefighters worked throughout the 100 degree plus day to mop up edges of the fire line. 

The resources assigned include: 6 Crews, 5 engines, 2 Helicopters, 1 Air Attack, and miscellaneous overhead.

Weather: Near record temperatures are expected in southern Arizona through the week. Thunderstorms with minimal moisture are predicted for Monday and Tuesday, which may bring gusty, erratic winds and dry lightning.

Restrictions:  A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Shamrock Fire to ensure safe air operations. Due to increased fire activity and dry conditions, Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect in southeastern Arizona. Forest visitors are reminded to comply with all restrictions to help reduce the risk for human-caused wildfire. For a more detailed explanation concerning agency restrictions and fire information in general, please visit https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions or contact the nearest land management agency office.

####

Shamrock Fire – June 12, 2021 Update

Acres: 1,104 acres

Start Date:  June 9, 2021

Cause: Under Investigation

Containment: 48%

Total personnel: 177

Location: 11 miles northeast of Nogales, AZ

Fuels: Short grass and brush

Operations: Infrared Operations were conducted last night to map hot spots and the fire perimeter.  The acreage of the fire was reduced due to the increased accuracy of the mapping method conducted by the flight.

Minimal fire activity occurred today on the Shamrock Fire. Some smoke may have been observed from some minor torching of the fuels remaining inside the green islands left within the fire perimeter. Firefighters worked throughout the day to mop up edges of the fire perimeter to secure the line. Extreme temperatures, dry conditions, and steep, rugged terrain continue to be a challenge to the firefighters. Health and safety of firefighters and the public is the first priority.

The resources assigned include: 6 Crews, 5 engines, 2 Helicopters, 2 Air Attack, and miscellaneous overhead.

Weather: Record heat is expected in southern Arizona through the upcoming week. Very dry conditions this weekend with very poor overnight relative humidity recoveries. Winds are expected to increase in the afternoons.

Restrictions:  A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Shamrock Fire to ensure safe air operations. Due to increased fire activity and dry conditions, Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect in southeastern Arizona. Forest visitors are reminded to comply with all restrictions to help reduce the risk for human-caused wildfire. For a more detailed explanation concerning agency restrictions and fire information in general, please visit https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions or contact the nearest land management agency office.

Closures and Evacuations: None in place at this time.

####

Shamrock Fire – June 11, 2021 Evening Update

Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team

Assumes Command of Shamrock Fire

Shamrock Fire – June 11, 2021 Daily Update

Acres: Approximately 425 acres

Start Date:  June 9, 2021

Cause: Under Investigation

Containment: 0%

Total personnel: 98

Location: 11 miles northeast of Nogales, AZ

Fuels: Short grass and brush

Highlights: The Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Darrel Howell, assumed command of the Shamrock Fire this morning, Friday, June 11, 2021 at 6:00 AM. A Type 3 Incident Management Team brings additional resources and management capabilities to manage the increasingly complex fire.

Operations: As the new team takes command of the fire suppression efforts, fire managers will build on the operational strategies that were developed from the start of the fire.  Resources assigned include: 4 crews, 6 engines, 3 Very Large Air Tankers (VLATS), 3 Large Air Tankers (LATS), 3 helicopters, 1 Air Attack, 1 Lead Plane, and miscellaneous overhead. Today, these resources will be assigned to critical areas around the fire to best minimize the growth.  Special attention will be given to those locations where critical natural, cultural, and physical assets are threatened. Crews may be challenged by the continued dry conditions, high temperatures, and steep terrain expected over the next week. In addition to full suppression of the Shamrock Fire, the incident management team is also responsible for responding to any new fire starts in the area surrounding the fire.   

Safety: Health and safety of firefighters and the public is the first priority. Firefighters are conducting operations under protocols to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

Restrictions:  A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Shamrock Fire to ensure safe air operations. Due to increased fire activity and dry conditions, Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect in southeastern Arizona. Forest visitors are reminded to comply with all restrictions to help reduce the risk for human-caused wildfire. For a more detailed explanation concerning agency restrictions and fire information in general, please visit https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions or contact the nearest land management agency office.

Size: 125 acres and 0% contained
Vegetation: Short grass and brush
Resources assigned: 4 Crews, 3 engines, 3 Very Large Airtankers (VLAT), 3 Large Air Tankers (LAT), 3 Helicopters, 1 Air Attack, 1 Lead planes, and miscellaneous overhead.

Operations: The Shamrock Fire started around midnight on June10, 2021.  The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain near Kino springs.  The management objective is full suppression, and crews are going direct where they can do so safely.  Aircraft is being utilized for retardant and water bucket drops to slow fire spread. 

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for air space over the Warsaw Fire. This is also called a TFR and it is the responsibility of any pilot to reference this TFR before planning their flight. More information can be found at https://www.faa.gov/
 
Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t.  Flying Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters as a result of an aircraft collision. The TFR ialso applies to the operation of drones. In addition, if an un-permitted drone is spotted over a fire, any aircraft working on the fire will be grounded until the drone has left the area or has been accounted for. This could result in fires growing larger and hampering firefighters' ability to protect lives, property and natural cultural resources. For more information visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org and https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

Closures and Evacuations: None in place at this time.

More Information:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CoronadoNF/
Twitter @CoronadoNF

 
KULR8:   https://www.kulr8.com/top_story/sheriff-rules-willow-creek-fire-as-human-caused/article_ea7adb5d-8d9f-594a-8143-90ce28a68502.html