PHOENIX, Oct. 2, 2020 –An area closure is still in effect to protect the public along with firefighters as they continue to patrol, monitor and mop up hotspots along the perimeter of the Sears Fire. The fire remains at 14,476 acres and is now 60 percent contained.

Fire crews have been monitoring areas around critical infrastructure on Humboldt Lookout and are closely monitoring structures in the Camp Creek recreation residences. Road grading operations along Horseshoe Road to repair impacts from firefighting response vehicles was completed this afternoon. Road grading operations will begin on Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24) tomorrow.

There are approximately 100 response personnel assigned to the incident consisting of engines, hand crews, water tenders and helicopters. Air tankers are available based on priority.

The Sears Fire Closure Order has been modified to allow access to Bartlett Dam Road. Bartlett Lake and marina has reopened. Please slow down and watch out for firefighters and equipment that are working in the area. Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24) and Horseshoe Lake Road (NFSR 205) remain closed.

The closure also limits access to Maricopa Trail segments from Spur Cross to Granite Mountain on the Bronco Trail. For more information about Maricopa Trails visit https://bit.ly/34bxqD4. The closure order shall remain in effect until further notice and the signed closure order, closure area map and available photos can be viewed and downloaded at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7218/. Any changes or lifting of the closure order will be posted on Inciweb and to the Tonto National Forest official Facebook page.

Flying a drone near a wildfire is breaking the law and potentially endangers firefighters and interferes with wildland fire aerial suppression operations. Interfering with firefighting operations can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.

Visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website for the wildfire smoke forecast at https://bit.ly/3jhP9z5.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect across the Tonto National Forest. Please visit our website for additional information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices

PHOENIX, Oct. 1, 2020 –Firefighters continue to patrol, monitor and mop up hotspots along the perimeter of the Sears Fire. The fire remains at 14,476 acres and is now 48 percent contained. Higher temperatures today caused an increase in fire activity which resulted in an unburned pocket of vegetation to ignite within the fire’s interior, however there was no threat of it spotting over containment lines.

Fire crews continue to monitor and protect critical infrastructure on Humboldt Lookout and are closely monitoring structures in the Camp Creek recreation residences. Road grading operations were conducted on Horseshoe Road to repair impacts from firefighting response vehicles. Lower Camp Creek powerlines have been re-energized.

There are approximately 100 response personnel assigned to the incident consisting of engines, hand crews, water tenders and helicopters. Air tankers are available based on priority.

The Sears Fire Closure Order has been modified to allow access to Bartlett Dam Road. Bartlett Lake and marina has reopened. Please slow down and watch out for firefighters and equipment that are working in the area. Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24) and Horseshoe Lake Road (NFSR 205) remain closed.

The closure also limits access to Maricopa Trail segments from Spur Cross to Granite Mountain on the Bronco Trail. For more information about Maricopa Trails visit https://bit.ly/34bxqD4. The closure order shall remain in effect until further notice and the signed closure order, closure area map and available photos can be viewed and downloaded at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7218/. Any changes or lifting of the closure order will be posted on Inciweb and to the Tonto National Forest official Facebook page.

Flying a drone near a wildfire is breaking the law and potentially endangers firefighters and interferes with wildland fire aerial suppression operations. Interfering with firefighting operations can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.

Visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website for the wildfire smoke forecast at https://bit.ly/3jhP9z5.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect across the Tonto National Forest. Please visit our website for additional information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

Order Number: 03-12-01-20-412

NOTE: The following roads/road segments along the perimeter are open: NFSR 19 from its intersection with NFSR 24 following east to Jojoba Boat ramp; NFSR 24 from its intersection with Lime Creek, following south to its intersection with NFSR 41; and NFSR 24 from mile post 2, following south to its intersection with NFSR 19. The remaining sections of the perimeter roads are closed.

3. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals or $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)).

Dated this 30th day of September, 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona.

PHOENIX, Sept. 30, 2020 –There was minimal activity on the Sears Fire today as firefighters focused on monitoring and patrolling firelines along the perimeter. The fire remains at 14,476 acres and is now 45 percent contained.

Firefighters continued to patrol and monitor the west perimeter along Seven Springs Road to the Deer Flat drainage near NFSR 1099 and on the east perimeter along Horseshoe Road. Road grading operations has begun on Horseshoe Road to repair impacts from firefighting response vehicles.

Fire crews are in place to monitor and protect critical infrastructure on Humboldt Lookout and are closely monitoring structures in the Camp Creek recreation residences. Lower Camp Creek powerlines have been re-energized.

With decreased fire activity, resources are being released to respond to other fires in the west. There are approximately 170 response personnel assigned to the incident consisting of engines, hand crews, water tenders and helicopters. Air tankers are available based on priority.

The Sears Fire Closure Order has been modified, and access to Bartlett Dam Road and Bartlett Lake has reopened. Please slow down and watch out for firefighters and equipment that are working in the area. Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24) and Horseshoe Lake Road (NFSR 205) remain closed. The closure also limits access to Maricopa Trail segments from Spur Cross to Granite Mountain on the Bronco Trail. For more information about Maricopa Trails visit https://bit.ly/34bxqD4. The closure order shall remain in effect until further notice and the signed closure order, closure area map and available photos can be viewed and downloaded at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7218/. Any changes or lifting of the closure order will be posted on Inciweb and to the Tonto National Forest official Facebook page.

Flying a drone near a wildfire is breaking the law and potentially endangers firefighters and interferes with wildland fire aerial suppression operations. Interfering with firefighting operations can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.

Please avoid the area to allow suppression resources to travel safely to and throughout the incident. Updates will be provided as official information becomes available. Visit the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website for the wildfire smoke forecast at https://bit.ly/3jhP9z5.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect across the Tonto National Forest. Visit our website for additional information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

"On September 26, Tonto National Forest issued a Public Safety Closure for the following areas so firefighters could battle the #SearsFire: - Bartlett Dam Road- Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24)- Horseshoe Lake- Bartlett Lake, and - Seven Springs recreation sites. The closure order shall remain in effect until further notice and the signed closure order, closure area map, and available photos can be viewed and downloaded at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7218/. These closures will impact access to the Maricopa Trail segments highlighted in the attached map. During this time, we are asking that you explore other segments of the Maricopa Trail so you don't hinder efforts by those fighting the fire.   Any changes or lifting of the closure order will be posted on Inciweb and to the U.S. Forest Service-Tonto National Forest official Facebook page." https://www.facebook.com/MaricopaTrail
 

PHOENIX, Sept. 29, 2020 – Firefighters continued to hold and improve firelines around the perimeter of the Sears Fire today. Currently, the fire is 14,476 acres with 30 percent containment.

Operations included the mop up and patrol of firelines along the west perimeter of Seven Springs Road in the Deer Creek drainage and at Humboldt Lookout. Fire crews are in place to monitor and protect critical infrastructure on Humboldt Lookout and are closely monitoring structures in the Camp Creek recreation residences.

Fire crews continued mop up and patrolled firelines on the east perimeter along Horseshoe Road where a spot over occurred Sunday evening near the Verde River. KV powerlines in the area remain impacted by smoke and lower Camp Creek powerlines have been de-energized.

“Taking preemptive measures such as nighttime burnouts of targeted areas to protect values at risk has proven to be a successful strategy in keeping the Sears Fire within the current firelines,” said Incident Commander Andy Mandell, of the USDA Forest Service. “So far, our flexibility to adjust our tactical resources based on weather conditions and fire behavior has helped us get ahead of this fire, but we can’t let up.”

There are approximately 200 personnel assigned to the incident consisting of engines, hand crews, water tenders and helicopters. Air tankers are available based on priority.

An area closure order was implemented Saturday which includes Bartlett Dam Road, Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24), Horseshoe Lake, Bartlett Lake and Seven Springs recreation sites. The closure order shall remain in effect until further notice and the signed closure order, closure area map and available photos can be viewed and downloaded at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7218/. Any changes or lifting of the closure order will be posted on Inciweb and to the Tonto National Forest official Facebook page.

Flying a drone near a wildfire is breaking the law and potentially endangers firefighters and interferes with wildland fire aerial suppression operations. Interfering with firefighting operations can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.

Please avoid the area to allow suppression resources to travel safely to and throughout the incident. Updates will be provided as official information becomes available.

Area residents who maybe concerned, should contact their local county sheriff’s office to sign up for alerts and emergency evacuation notifications.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect across the Tonto National Forest. Visit our website for additional information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices

PHOENIX, Sept. 29, 2020 – Overnight, there was minimal movement of the Sears Fire as firefighters continued to mop up and patrol fire lines around the perimeter. Currently, the fire is 14,204 acres with 15 percent containment.

Today, firefighters will continue to hold and improve firelines in anticipation of higher winds out of the east 7-12 mph with gusts to 20 mph. Operations include the mop up and patrol of firelines along the west perimeter of Seven Springs Road in the Deer Creek drainage and at Humboldt Lookout. Fire crews are in place to monitor and protect critical infrastructure on Humboldt Lookout and are closely monitoring structures in the Camp Creek recreation residences.

To the east, fire crews will continue to mop up and patrol firelines along Horseshoe Road along with mopping up the spot over that occurred Sunday evening near the Verde River. KV powerlines in the area remain impacted by smoke and lower Camp Creek powerlines have been de-energized. A total of 4 residences and 10 outbuildings have been lost as a result of the fire so far.

Currently, there are 12 engines, 4 hand crews, 2 Air Attack plane, 2 Single Engine Air Tankers, 3 Type 1 Helicopters and 1 Type 3 Helicopter assigned to the incident. Air tankers are available based on priority.  Additional resources have been ordered and are responding.

An area closure order was implemented Saturday which includes Bartlett Dam Road, Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24), Horseshoe Lake, Bartlett Lake and Seven Springs recreation sites. The closure order shall remain in effect until further notice and the signed closure order, closure area map and available photos can be viewed and downloaded at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7218/. Any changes or lifting of the closure order will be posted on Inciweb and to the Tonto National Forest official Facebook page.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been implemented through Oct. 27. For details about this TFR visit the Federal Aviation Administration website at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp. Flying a drone near a wildfire is breaking the law and potentially endangers firefighters and interferes with wildland fire aerial suppression operations. Interfering with firefighting operations can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.

Please avoid the area to allow suppression resources to travel safely to and throughout the incident. Updates will be provided as official information becomes available.

Area residents who maybe concerned, should contact their local county sheriff’s office to sign up for alerts and emergency evacuation notifications.

PHOENIX, Sept. 28, 2020 – Firefighters conducted burnouts today between Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24) and the Red Rover Mine to prevent spreading of the Sears Fire to the west. Currently, the fire is 14,241 acres with 15 percent containment.

Mop up and monitoring of the fire’s southern perimeter continues, and burnouts are being conducted as needed to secure the eastern perimeter of the fire around Horseshoe Road. The public should expect increased smoke during burnout operations.

KV powerlines in the area remain impacted by smoke and lower Camp Creek powerlines have been de-energized. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Currently, there are 12 engines, 4 hand crews, 1 Air Attack plane, 2 Single Engine Air Tankers, 2 Type 1 Helicopters, and 1 Type 3 Helicopter assigned to the incident. Air tankers are available based on priority. Additional resources have been ordered and are responding.

An area closure order was implemented Saturday which includes Bartlett Dam Road, Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24), Horseshoe Lake, Bartlett Lake and Seven Springs recreation sites. The closure order shall remain in effect until further notice and the signed closure order, closure area map and available photos can be viewed and downloaded at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7218/. Any changes or lifting of the closure order will be posted on Inciweb and to the Tonto National Forest official Facebook page.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been implemented through Oct. 27. For details about this TFR visit the Federal Aviation Administration website at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp. Flying a drone near a wildfire is breaking the law and potentially endangers firefighters and interferes with wildland fire aerial suppression operations. Interfering with firefighting operations can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.

Please avoid the area to allow suppression resources to travel safely to and throughout the incident. Updates will be provided as official information becomes available.

Area residents who maybe concerned, should contact their local county sheriff’s office to sign up for alerts and emergency evacuation notifications.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect across the Tonto National Forest. Visit our website for additional information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices

PHOENIX, Sept. 28, 2020 – Last night, firefighters focused their suppression efforts on the eastern perimeter of the Sears Fire where the fire is most active. Currently, the fire is 12,474 acres with 0 percent containment.

Overnight, firefighters burned out 15 acres on the south side of Humboldt Mountain while on the eastern perimeter, a small spot fire occurred across Horseshoe Road near the Verde River but firefighters were able to contain it.

Weather conditions will be challenging today with northeast winds 5-12 mph and gusts of 15-20 mph that could push the fire west towards Seven Spring Road (NFSR 24). Firefighters will be conducting burnouts between Seven Springs Road and the Red Rover Mine to prevent the spread of the fire.

Mop up operations are being conducted on the southern perimeter of the fire and firefighters continue burnouts as needed to secure the eastern perimeter of the fire around Horseshoe Road. The public should expect increased smoke today. KV powerlines in the area remain impacted by smoke and lower Camp Creek powerlines have been de-energized.

Preliminary assessments found 3 residences, 5 outbuildings/sheds and several vehicles were destroyed by the fire. As portions of the fire cooled, firefighters were able to access the Mine near Honeymoon Seep which is northeast of Sears Kay Ranch along NFSR 1058 and discovered an additional residence and four outbuildings that were burned during initial attack on Friday. A total of 4 residences and 10 outbuildings have been lost as a result of the fire so far.

Firefighters responded at approximately 2:45 p.m. Friday to the Sears Fire located near Forest Service Road 24 and the Sears Kay Ranch. The fire is burning in grass and brush. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Currently, there are 12 engines, 4 hand crews, 1 Air Attack plane, 2 Single Engine Air Tankers, 2 Type 1 Helicopters, and 1 Type 3 Helicopter assigned to the incident. Air tankers are available based on priority. Additional resources have been ordered and are responding.

An area closure order was implemented Saturday which includes Bartlett Dam Road, Seven Springs Road (NFSR 24), Horseshoe Lake, Bartlett Lake and Seven Springs recreation sites. The closure order shall remain in effect until further notice and the signed closure order, closure area map and available photos can be viewed and downloaded at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7218/. Any changes or lifting of the closure order will be posted on Inciweb and to the Tonto National Forest official Facebook page.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been implemented through Oct. 27. For details about this TFR visit the Federal Aviation Administration website at https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.jsp. Flying a drone near a wildfire is breaking the law and potentially endangers firefighters and interferes with wildland fire aerial suppression operations. Interfering with firefighting operations can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.

Please avoid the area to allow suppression resources to travel safely to and throughout the incident. Updates will be provided as official information becomes available.

Area residents who maybe concerned, should contact their local county sheriff’s office to sign up for alerts and emergency evacuation notifications.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect across the Tonto National Forest. Visit our website for additional information at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices

Order Number: 03-12-01-20-410

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST CAVE CREEK RANGER DISTRICT
Sears Fire Public Safety Closure Order

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the area and on the roads and trails described in this Order (the “Restricted Area”) and as depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, all within the Tonto National Forest, Maricopa County, Arizona.

1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R.§261.52(e).

2. Being on the road.  36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

3. Being on the trail.  36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

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 any organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

RESTRICTED AREA

All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundary starting at the intersection of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 24 (Cave Creek Road) and NFSR 19 (Bartlett Dam Road), then following NFSR 19 East to the western shore of Bartlett Lake, then following the western shoreline of Bartlett Lake and the Verde River to Horse Shoe Lake, then following the western shore of Horse Shoe Lake to Lime Creek, then following Lime Creek Northwest to NFSR 24, then following the eastern edge of NFSR 24 South to the junction with NFSR 41, then crossing NFSR 24 to the western edge of the road and following the western edge of NFSR 24 south to the pullout at mile post 2, then crossing back over the to the eastern side of NFSR 24, and following NFSR 24 South to NFSR 19. (the beginning).
 
NOTE: The following roads/road segments along the perimeter are open:
NFSR24 from NFSR 41 North and from NFSR 19 to mile post 1. NFSR 41

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety during firefighting and emergency operations.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be effective on September 26, 2020, at 12:00 p.m., and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2020 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 or $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see16 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 Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona, (602)225-5200, or at the Globe Ranger District Office, (928) 402-6200.

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

Dated this 26th day of September, 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona.

Digitally signed by NEIL BOSWORTH
Date: 2020.09.25 20:58:54 -07'00'
NEIL BOSWORTH
Forest Supervisor