Camp Constantine Fire: 60 acres, 95% contained
Location: at Possum Kingdom Lake
Resources: 7
Cause: lightning 

Resources continued to mop up and patrol containment lines across the fire area yesterday. Last night, the fire became quite active once again and made a run, bumping the containment line on the southeast side. Crews were able to hold the line and mitigate the threat to the containment lines.

Today, ground resources will be patrolling fireline and mopping up as needed. 

Fire Weather: Numerous thunderstorms are expected across the region today through Wednesday. These storms will contain frequent lightning and gusty, erratic winds, which may occur several miles away from the parent thunderstorm. The chance of a wetting rainfall is high with 1-3 inches possible through Wednesday night. It will be hot and humid today with temperatures in the mid 90 degrees with minimum relative humidity around 46 percent. A breezy south wind will continue for most of the day with a shift to the west possible late this afternoon. The remainder of the week will remain unsettled with multiple opportunities for rain and thunderstorms.

Camp Constantine Fire: est. 60 acres, 50% contained
Location: at Possum Kingdom Lake
Resources: 20
Cause: lightning 

The fire was active throughout the day and into the evening yesterday. There were containment issues throughout the day. Crews utilized heavy equipment to construct containment lines while engines were engaged in mop up across the fire area. Burn out operations were conducted on the north side of the fire to strengthen containment lines and remove unburned vegetation between the lines and active fire edge.

Today, ground resources will be patrolling fireline and mopping up as needed. Dozers will be engaged in constructing and improving fireline where needed.

Fire Weather: Isolated showers and a possible thunderstorm is possible this morning and into the afternoon. Severe weather is possible. Afternoon temperatures will be 100 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index between 105-110, and cooler temperatures will return tonight. Winds will be out of the south at 10-15 mph.

The Alder Fire Operations Update Video for August 30, 2020 with Planning Operations Trainee Caleb Finch is now available on the Salt Gin Griffin Fire Information Facebook page at http://bit.ly/OpsUpdateVideo

There is also an option to watch the video in Apache.

Griffin, Alder, Rock House, Juniper Fires – August 30, 2020 Morning Update

Minimal Rain Over Fires Yesterday; Scattered Thunderstorms Possible Today

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 A Flash Flood Watch is in effect today. Scattered thunderstorms with locally heavy rain, outflow winds, and lightning are concerns today. Dry washes and valley drainages should be avoided during heavy rain. Keep in mind that heavy rain several miles away can flood a dry wash with little warning. Plan for an alternate route if this occurs.

All of the fires received minimal rain yesterday, ranging from 1/2” on the Juniper Fire to less than 1/10” on the Rockhouse Fire. Fire activity is expected to continue until these areas receive significant, widespread rain.

Firefighters are patrolling for hotspots and rehabilitating areas that have burned in the Griffin Fire along the highway.  They are cold trailing, making sure there are no active areas of heat near the fire’s perimeter on the northeast side. The portion of the Griffin Fire west of Highway 60 and the southeast flank of the fire on the San Carlos Reservation remain inactive. Firefighters plan to complete approximately ¾” miles of prep work along the 1300 Road on the northeast side of the Griffin Fire today. Firefighters continue work along the 1120 Road. They are also working on suppression repair including restoring dozer lines in areas of the fire that are now contained.

Highway 60 remains closed north of Globe from S. Parker Street (MM251) north to MM318 in Show Low. Highways 188 and 288 are open. Call 511, visit https://az511.gov or https://www.az511.com/about/mobileapp for current road status.

Road 1300, near Highway Tanks, Road 900, are closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Please be careful while driving in the fire area as firefighters are working along roadways and travelling through communities to reach the fires.

Firefighters are monitoring fire activity on the Alder Fire, located northeast of the Griffin Fire. They are prepared to conduct firing operations if needed. The fire is located in steep terrain where it is primarily spreading laterally due to the steep terrain when burning vegetation rolls downslope, then runs back upslope.

Yesterday firefighters made significant progress helping to secure the Juniper Fire, constructing line and using burnout operations to tie in within roads in the area. Direct suppression continues today.

Fire activity and movement will continue to be driven by dry fuels, terrain, slope and potential of winds from thunderstorms through the area. We are expecting higher temperatures and lower humidity over the fire area for the next several days. The chance of afternoon thunderstorm buildup and outflow winds will remain a concern for public and firefighter safety.

Firefighters are focused on protecting values at risk where they can do so safely and effectively. Challenges include extreme temperatures, steep and remote terrain, flash flooding, lightning and outflow winds associated with thunderstorms. Firefighter and public safety are the highest priority. Firefighters are working to protect local communities, power lines, mines, range improvements, historical, cultural, ceremonial sites and natural resources. We are working with nearby Incident Management Teams and agency administrators to share resources where they are needed most.

The communities along the east side of Highway 60 (north of Globe) from ADOT yard north to Winters Ranch including    Johnson Ranch and McMillianville remain in a “Go” evacuation Status. The San Carlos communities of Upper Gilson and Skill Center have returned to “Ready” status. For emergency alert and Red Cross evacuation information, visit http://www.readygila.com/. Ready (Prepare Now) – Set (Be Alert) – Go (Evacuate) Info: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

A South Central Arizona Smoke Outlook is available on https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthCentralArizona. Rain and clouds today and tomorrow should moderate fire activity and smoke generation. Some areas may still see peeks of sun which will increase fire activity in those areas. Outflow winds from storms will add an additional level of uncertainty to smoke forecast. Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: https://tinyurl.com/y3xp4cy3

The Tonto National Forest has issued Public Safety Closure Orders for the areas impacted by these fires. Visit  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices for details.

Temporary Flight Restrictions are in effect. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. knowbeforeyoufly.org

Fire Information: 928-421-4539 (public)      928-421-4579 (media)

Griffin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7020/

Meddler Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7072/

Rockhouse Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7103/

Juniper Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7106/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltGinGriffinFire/ and https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY/

Arizona Fire Information: https://wildlandfire.az.gov and https://ein.az.gov/

Interactive Fire Map: https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/

Set Ranch Fire: 19 acres, 100% contained
Location: south of Possum Kingdom Lake
Cause: lightning

The Set Ranch Fire is 19 acres and 100% contained. This fire will be transferred back to local resources to monitor. 

Set Ranch Fire: 19 acres, 95% contained
Location: south of Possum Kingdom Lake
Resources: 5

The fire was active throughout the day and into the evening yesterday. The fire is tied in with a rock bluff on the north end, and crews focused on securing the remaining active edges. Crews made quick work to stop forward progression. Engine strike teams were utilized to slow and stop fire spread, as heavy equipment was not able to be used.

Today, ground resources will be patrolling fireline and mopping up as needed. There are no smokes visible on the fire this morning.

Fire Weather: Isolated showers and a possible thunderstorm is possible this morning and into the afternoon. Severe weather is possible. Afternoon temperatures will be 100 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index between 105-110, and cooler temperatures will return tonight. Winds will be out of the south at 10-15 mph.

Juniper Fire Operations Update Video for September 1, 2020 with Planning Operations Trainee Caleb Finch is now available on the Salt Gin Griffin Fire Information Facebook page at http://bit.ly/OpsUpdateVideo

A version in Apache will not be available today

Griffin, Alder, Rockhouse, Juniper Fires – September 1, 2020 Morning Update

Griffin Fire:      61,822 acres       81% contained                  Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush

The Griffin Fire (started 8/17) merged with the Gin Fire (started 8/16) and Champion Fire (started 8/23).

Location: 5 miles northeast of Globe, AZ in the Apache mountains west of Hwy 60

Alder Fire: 632 acres                   0% contained                    Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush Started 8/27    
Location: 16 miles north of San Carlos, AZ

Rockhouse Fire: 19,506 acres  0% contained                    Cause: Lightning                               Vegetation: Grass and Brush Started 8/21    
Location: 22 miles southeast of San Carlos, AZ

Juniper Fire: 2,867 acres            100% contained               Cause: Under Investigation          Vegetation: Grass and Brush

Started 8/24     Location: 7 miles northeast of Roosevelt, AZ

Resources: 472 total including: 8 Crews; 34 Engines; 6 bulldozers; 11 water tenders; 2 masticators; 5 helicopters; 2 super scoopers
 

Highway 60 Reopened; All areas back to “READY” status

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The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has reopened US Highway 60 between Globe and SR 73. There is a reduced speed limit of 55 mph due to firefighters working in the area. Please use caution when travelling, observe posted speed limits, and drive with lights on for safety. For current road status call 511, visit https://az511.gov/, https://www.az511.com/about/mobileapp or follow https://twitter.com/ArizonaDOT.

Road 1300, near Highway Tanks, and Road 900 remain closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

As a result of successful firefighting efforts on the Griffin Fire, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office and Gila County Emergency Management determined it is safe for residents to return to all areas on the east side of US Highway 60, north from the ADOT yard to Winters Ranch, including all residents of Fairgrounds Road, Winters Ranch, and Johnson Ranch. Residents in this area should consider themselves in “READY” status, be aware of hazards, and keep up to date on changing conditions. For current emergency management information, visit Gila County Emergency Management at http://www.readygila.com  or San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission https://tinyurl.com/y50067jr. Learn more about Ready (Prepare Now) – Set (Be Alert) – Go (Evacuate) information at  https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.

Firefighters are focused on protecting values at risk where they can do so safely and effectively. Challenges include extreme temperatures, steep and remote terrain, flash flooding, lightning and outflow winds associated with thunderstorms. Firefighter and public safety are the highest priority. Firefighters are working to protect local communities; power lines; mines; range improvements; historical, cultural, and ceremonial sites; and natural resources. We are working with nearby Incident Management Teams and agency administrators to share resources where they are needed most.

The weather forecast for today includes an elevated chance for scattered thunderstorms with strong outflow winds and lightning. After today, high pressure will build in the area, resulting in a warming and drying trend through the end of the week.

Crews on the Griffin Fire are working today to repair areas affected by fire suppression efforts. This includes grading roads, repairing dozer lines, and chipping woody debris. There is minimal smoldering within the Griffin Fire.

The Alder Fire is active with uphill runs possible when the sun shines on the hillside and winds expose the heat. Fireline has been constructed to prevent further spread to the northeast. If conditions allow, a helitack crew may be inserted in the northwest part of the fire to work in otherwise inaccessible terrain.

The Rockhouse fire is active on the northwest, south, and east ends. Helicopters may be used to transport firefighters to respond to fire activity. Two amphibious water scoopers, also known as super scoopers, are available to drop water on these areas.

The Juniper Fire and Starlight Fire are 100% contained.

A South Central Arizona Smoke Outlook with specific smoke forecasts for various communities is available on https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthCentralArizona. Strong west/southwest winds over the next few days are predicted to push smoke to the east. The Bylas area may be the most affected today. Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions can be found at https://tinyurl.com/y3xp4cy3.

The Tonto National Forest has issued Public Safety Closure Orders for the areas impacted by these fires. Visit  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices for details.

Temporary Flight Restrictions are in effect. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t! Every time a drone is spotted near a fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. knowbeforeyoufly.org

Fire Information: 928-421-4539 (public)      928-421-4579 (media)    Email: 2020.griffin@firenet.gov

Griffin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7020/

Alder Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7113/

Rockhouse Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7103/

Juniper Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7106/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltGinGriffinFire/ and https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY/

Arizona Fire Information: https://wildlandfire.az.gov and https://ein.az.gov/

Gila County Emergency Management: http://www.readygila.com/

San Carlos Apache Tribe Emergency Response Commission (TERC): https://tinyurl.com/y50067jr

Interactive Fire Map: https://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/

Fire
On Monday there was minimal growth on the Griffin-Alder (62,454 acres, 81% containment) fire and the Juniper fire was contained. The Rockhouse (19,506 acres, 0% containment) also showed minimal growth Monday but will be watched closely over the next couple days due to its potential to grow. Smoke from this fire and the nearby Light fire could affect Bylas.

Smoke
Slight chance of thunderstorms today. Concern for storms to create dry lightning. Strong west/southwest winds expected today and tomorrow pushing smoke to the east. Some wetting rain received on the Rockhouse otherwise none fell on fires in previous days. Long term outlook brings back hot and dry conditions.

Ozone
Ozone is expected to continue in the Moderate or Good categories. Ozone is currently driving the AQI ratings versus fine particulates (PM2.5)

Latest Update from Gila County Sheriff's Office for the #GriffinFireAs a result of the successful firefighting efforts on the Griffin Fire, the Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management have determined that the following areas are safe to repopulate: 
All residents on the East side of US Highway 60, North from the ADOT yard to Winters Ranch. Including all residents off Fairgrounds Road, Winters Ranch, and Johnson Ranch. All residents in this area should consider themselves in “READY” mode.

Read more at https://www.facebook.com/Gila-County-Sheriffs-Office-641987809193824