The Sycamore Canyon Fire Operational briefing video for May 31, 2021 is now available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/videos/7498/

The Sycamore Canyon Fire Operational briefing video for May 30, 2021 is now available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/videos/7498/

 

Sycamore Canyon Fire – May 30, 2021 Daily Update

 

Acres: Approximately 1,858 acres

Start Date:  May 23, 2021

Cause: Under Investigation

Containment: 26%

Total personnel: 212

Location: 15 miles southeast of Sells, AZ

Fuels: Short grass and brush

Highlights: As the holiday weekend continues, fire danger remains “Very High” based on the National Fire Danger Rating System. Weather conditions are forecasted to present challenges for firefighters with the growing threat of new fire starts throughout the region. Working in temperatures approaching 100 degrees with high wind gusts, crews continue to perform fire suppression activities and preparation work around the fire area.

 

Operations: Yesterday, crews established fire breaks to protect the west side of the fire while extinguishing any remaining pockets of heat, commonly referred to as “hot spots”. While working on the west side, crews discovered an abandoned campfire and quickly extinguished the threat. Today, firefighters will continue implementing the planned suppression strategies that have been established over the past seven days. Fire managers will deploy additional engines, hand crews, and aviation assets in the Thomas and Brown Canyons to construct additional fire breaks and protect natural, cultural, and constructed values in the area. Water is a critical resource and efforts are in place using water tenders to replenish water on an ongoing basis.   

 

Weather: Very dry conditions will persist across the Sycamore Canyon fire area through Monday, along with gusty afternoon and early evening southwest winds.  An approaching weather system will move from southern California into the northern Gulf of California on Sunday and Monday, shifting the wind direction on the fire. This system will pull moisture westward across the southern half of Arizona this upcoming week, increasing the possibility of lightning and gusty outflow winds, but little in the way of rainfall.

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 Sycamore Canyon 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. Over the Memorial Day weekend, 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.

 The Sycamore Canyon Fire Operational Briefing video for May 29, 2021 is now available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/videos/7498/

Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 4

Assumes Command of Sycamore Canyon Fire

Sycamore Canyon Fire – May 29, 2021 Daily Update

 

Acres: Approximately 1,858 acres

Start Date:  May 23, 2021

Cause: Under Investigation

Containment: 17%

Total personnel: 248

Location: 15 miles southeast of Sells, AZ

Fuels: Short grass and brush

Highlights: The Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 4, led by Deputy Incident Commander Aaron Hulburd, assumed command of the Sycamore Canyon Fire this morning, Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 6:00 AM. A Type 2 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 last weekend.  Resources assigned include 5 engines, 4 hand crews, 11 water tenders, and 4 helicopters. 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 and high winds expected over the next week. In addition to full suppression of the Sycamore Canyon Fire, the incident management team is also responsible for responding to any new fire starts in the area surrounding the fire.   

 

Weather: Dry conditions will persist areawide through the weekend. Wind speeds will increase over the weekend, particularly along the international border southeast of Tucson. Meteorologists have predicted a slight chance of thunderstorms east of Tucson on Tuesday and from Tucson eastward Wednesday through Friday.

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 Sycamore Canyon 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. Over the Memorial Day weekend, 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.

Sycamore Canyon Fire Update

May 28, 2021

Acres: 1858

Containment: 17%

Total Personnel:  225

Start Date: May 23, 2021

Fuels: Grass and Brush

 

Operations:  Minimal fire activity occurred today on the Sycamore Canyon Fire. Some smoke may have been observed from some minor torching of the fuels remaining inside the green islands left within the fire perimeter. None of the existing containment lines were threatened as result of this fire behavior. Crews in Thomas Canyon constructed contingency lines from the bottom of Baboquivari Peak to Thomas Canyon Cabin. Air resources continued their efforts with bucket drops to suppress any potential hot spots near the control features. Resources assigned to the Sycamore Canyon Fire are 3 Type 1 Crews, 2 Type 2 Crews, 7 engines, 4 Helicopters, 2 Fixed Wing Air Attack planes, and miscellaneous overhead.

The Southwest Area Type 2 Team 4 will assume command of the Sycamore Canyon Fire Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 6:00am.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Sycamore Canyon Fire. It is the responsibility of any pilot to reference this TFR before planning their flight.

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 also applies to the operation of drones. 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 is accounted for. This hampers firefighters' ability to protect lives, property, and natural cultural resources and could result in fires growing larger. For more information visit:  https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home and https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

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Sycamore Canyon Fire Update

May 27, 2021

Acres: 1816

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel:  220

Start Date: May 23, 2021

Fuels: Grass and Brush

 

Operations:  Air Resources were utilized today to stop and hold the downhill fire spread near Brown Canyon. One hotshot crew and two type 6 engines continued suppression efforts on the westside of the fire. Tactics included tactical burning operations, fire-line construction, and aviation support. These efforts are in alignment with protecting cultural resources. Smoke in the area increased due to interior green islands on the westside of Baboquivari Ridge. Currently, there is no immediate threat to structures.

Resources assigned to the Sycamore Canyon Fire are 3 Type 1 Crews, 2 Type 2 Crews, 7 engines, 4 Helicopters, 2 Fixed Wing Air Attack planes, and miscellaneous overhead.

The Cuadro Fire that started on the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge yesterday is 100% contained. The final size is at 85 acres and is in patrol status by the local unit. 

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Sycamore Canyon Fire. It is the responsibility of any pilot to reference this TFR before planning their flight.

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 also applies to the operation of drones. 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 is accounted for. This hampers firefighters' ability to protect lives, property, and natural cultural resources and could result in fires growing larger. For more information visit:  https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home and https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

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Sycamore Canyon Fire Update

May 26, 2021

Acres: 1322

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel:  220

Start Date: May 23, 2021

Fuels: Grass and Brush

 

Operations: Today, the Initial Attack group along with an Arizona Department of Corrections crew and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) responded to a new fire on the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge on the west side of Hwy 286. This new start is the Cuardo Fire. Forward progress was stopped at 30 acres, and tomorrow the USFW crews will focus on mopping up, which consists of extinguishing any residual fire to be sure it doesn’t spread outside the fire perimeter.  

On the Sycamore Canyon Fire, firefighters are utilizing a mix of direct and indirect suppression tactics that ensure firefighter safety while minimizing impacts to cultural and resource values and critical habitat. The predicted winds did not affect the fire as initially anticipated. Therefore, there was no spread adjacent to the Elkhorn Ranch Headquarters or North towards Fresnal Canyon. Crews in Sycamore Canyon did continue to hold the fire East of Sycamore Canyon. Aircraft have been utilized for water bucket drops to slow fire spread, which will continue if air support is available. Crews in Brown Canyon improved structure and riparian protection preparation.

Resources assigned to the Sycamore Canyon Fire are 3 Type 1 Crews, 5 engines, 4 Helicopters, 2 Air Attack, and miscellaneous overhead.

No structures are threatened or have been damaged. There are currently no closures or evacuations.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Sycamore Canyon Fire. It is the responsibility of any pilot to reference this TFR before planning their flight. This TFR includes drones.

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 also applies to the operation of drones. 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 is accounted for. This hampers firefighters' ability to protect lives, property, and natural cultural resources and could result in fires growing larger. For more information visit:  https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home and https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

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Acres: 1043

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel:  202

Start Date: May 23, 2021

Fuels: Grass and Brush

 

Objectives: The management objective is full suppression while focusing on public and firefighter safety with an emphasis on protecting existing infrastructure and private property, as well as significant resource and cultural values.

No structures are threatened or have been damaged. There are currently no closures or evacuations.

Operations: Today, a flight was conducted to map the perimeter of the fire with the fire at 1043 acres.  Firefighters went direct in Sabino and Nogales Canyons and worked to clear vegetation and identify and protect structures in Brown Canyon. Aircraft have been utilized for water bucket drops to slow fire spread, which will continue if air support is available. 

Resources assigned to the Sycamore Canyon Fire are 4 Type 1 Crews, 5 engines, 3 Helicopters, 2 Air Attack, and miscellaneous overhead.

Fire Activity:  The Sycamore Canyon Fire is burning with low to moderate intensity in a mosaic pattern. It has been the most active on the southwest flank. Fire activity is expected to increase with strong winds predicted for tomorrow. Currently, smoke is dissipating within a few miles of the incident, but there may be an increase in smoke production over the next couple of days.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Sycamore Canyon Fire. It is the responsibility of any pilot to reference this TFR before planning their flight. This TFR includes drones.

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 also applies to the operation of drones. 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 is accounted for. This hampers firefighters' ability to protect lives, property, and natural cultural resources and could result in fires growing larger. For more information visit:  https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home and https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

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Summary: The Sycamore Canyon Fire started on the Bureau of Indian Affairs Papago Agency/Tohono O’odham Nation the morning of May 23, 2021. It is located about 15 miles southeast of Sells, AZ in the Baboquivari Mountain range and north of the Baboquivari Peak.  It has spread rapidly, which is now approximately 550 acres. Firefighters are aggressively working to contain it using ground and air resources, which is burning grass and brush in rough and rugged terrain. There are no immediate structures threatened, and no structures have been damaged. Law enforcement is investigating the cause of the fire.  

Operations: Firefighters will work to contain the fire as safely and as fast as possible, with their primary objective being firefighter and public safety. Crews are scouting areas where they can place containment lines.  Aircraft have been dropping retardant and water bucket drops to slow fire spread, which will continue as long as air support is available.  There has been moderate fire behavior with isolated torching and short duration runs.

The Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire at 6:00pm on Monday, May 24, 2021. Resources assigned to the Sycamore Canyon Fire are 5 Type 1 Crews, 2 engines, 4 Helicopters, 2 Air Attack, and miscellaneous overhead.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR): A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Sycamore Canyon Fire. It is the responsibility of any pilot to reference this TFR before planning their flight.

 
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 also applies to the operation of drones. 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 is accounted for. This hampers firefighters' ability to protect lives, property, and natural cultural resources and could result in fires growing larger. For more information visit:  https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home and https://www.nifc.gov/drones/.

Closures and Evacuations: None in place at this time.

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