Hidden Fire – September 6, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 6100

Percent Containment: 59%

Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

No New Perimeter Growth on the Hidden Fire

YESTERDAY: There was no new perimeter growth on the Hidden Fire yesterday. Several interior pockets of concentrated heat produced smoke columns which drifted into the Tonto Basin area. Crews conducted burning operations in unburned islands in order to keep control lines secure. Firefighters patrolled, moped-up and with the guidance of Resource Advisors repair work was successful near Jakes Corner.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: High temperatures and low humidity will bring conditions that may produce more activity on the fire today. With the higher temperatures, available fuels will be drier and primed to ignite within the previous burnout operation areas. Pockets of brush that were previously smoldering may have active periods of burning today. Firefighters will patrol, mop up and keep looking for spot fires. Resource Advisors and ground crews will focus on repair work in the Brownsville area.

DRIVING SAFETY: With the holiday weekend underway and increased traffic to the area, we remind the public that fire apparatus will be traveling to and from the fire throughout the day. With increased traffic on the roadways in and around the Payson area, please drive carefully and be aware that fire crew vehicles and equipment are sharing the road with commuters.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:

·         Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

·         Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

·         View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information. As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 520-261-5021 Fire Information Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757 Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

 Hidden Fire – September 5, 2020 Morning Update                   

  Hidden Fire – September 3, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 6107Percent
Containment: 29%
Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0 Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

Successful Firefighting Operations Continue on the Hidden Fire

YESTERDAY: There was no growth on the fire yesterday. Helicopter bucket drops kept areas of heat in check. Crews continued to work on securing, patrolling and mopping up containment lines. Warmer weather and lower humidity caused increased fire activity within the perimeter as expected. The increase in heat ignited unburned interior pockets of fuel in burnout areas, helping to secure containment within the existing footprint.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Warmer weather today will continue to support burning operations, as interior pockets of brushy fuel ignite and burn out, lessening the potential for fire growth beyond containment lines. Firefighters will continue their focus on securing and mopping up fire lines. Masticators will be used for suppression repair work in areas where contingency and protection work was completed.

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support is limited. We are utilizing shared resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:

•    Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

•    Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

•    View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information. As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449
Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

 Hidden Fire – September 3, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 6107

Percent Containment: 29%

 Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

 Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

Successful Firefighting Operations Continue on the Hidden Fire

YESTERDAY: There was no growth on the fire yesterday. Helicopter bucket drops kept areas of heat in check. Crews continued to work on securing, patrolling and mopping up containment lines. Warmer weather and lower humidity caused increased fire activity within the perimeter as expected. The increase in heat ignited unburned interior pockets of fuel in burnout areas, helping to secure containment within the existing footprint.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Warmer weather today will continue to support burning operations, as interior pockets of brushy fuel ignite and burn out, lessening the potential for fire growth beyond containment lines. Firefighters will continue their focus on securing and mopping up fire lines. Masticators will be used for suppression repair work in areas where contingency and protection work was completed.

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support is limited. We are utilizing shared resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:

•             Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

•             Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

•             View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information. As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 520-261-5021 Fire Information Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757 Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449 Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

Hidden Fire – September 2, 2020 Morning Update

 Acres: 6058

Percent Containment: 20%

Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

Burning Operations Help Secure Fire Lines on Hidden Fire

YESTERDAY: Firefighters had another successful day on the Hidden Fire. Burning operations and other efforts to secure containment lines were continued with good progress. Favorable weather and patchy fuels are minimizing the fire’s footprint and ensuring protection of values at risk, including riparian areas to the west of the fire. Fire activity has been moderate with interior smoldering and creeping and more active runs in areas with heavier fuels and variable topography.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Burnout operations will continue today along with patrolling and mop up. Warmer, drier weather conditions may increase fire activity, helping to widen the depth of black along containment lines. Interior pockets of brush and pine stringers may produce increased smoke. Crews will begin evaluating suppression repair work in areas where contingency and protection work was completed.

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support is limited. We are utilizing shared resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:    

• Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501
• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349
• View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information.  As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 520-261-5021

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html

Hidden Fire – September 1, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 5030

Percent Containment: 20%

Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

Crews Make Progress on Hidden Fire

YESTERDAY: Crews made great progress towards the goal of full suppression on the Hidden Fire. The fire was moderately active as it moved through pine stringers, burning pine litter and manzanita/oak understory. A run up the southwest flank of Chalk mountain produced a heavy smoke column in the afternoon. Firefighters completed containment line along the northeastern perimeter and work continued to focus on mitigating the danger to values at risk.

TODAY’S ACTVITY: Crews will be completing direct and indirect fire line today, with continued focus on constructing line along the northern perimeter. Firing operations are planned along Forest Road 1938. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate, characterized by smoldering and creeping. Minimal growth is expected today due to lower temperatures, increased humidity and the possibility of rain predicted. A forecast of drying weather is expected for next few days.

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support is limited. We are utilizing shared resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

Effective at 12:00 pm on August 31, 2020, and as a result of the successful firefighting operations, the Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management has changed the READY-SET-GO notification status from SET to READY. For additional information please visit the Gila County website at https://www.gilacountyaz.gov/.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURE ORDERS:

·         Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

·         Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

·         View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information.  As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Public Phone Line: 520-261-5021

Fire Information Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

Superstition and Hidden Fire Update – August 31, 2020
 

Superstition Fire

 Acres: 9,539                                                                                       

Percent Containment: 68%                                                         

Start Date: August 20, 2020                                                        

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Superstition Mountains, Tonto NF

Hidden Fire

Acres: 4605                                                                                        

Percent Containment: 2%                                                           

Start Date: August 25, 2020

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning                                                              

Origin Location: Sierra Ancha Mountains, Tonto NF

SUPERSTITION FIRE:

This is the final update for the Superstition Fire. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 led by Incident Commander John Pierson thanks the local communities and cooperators for your support during suppression of Superstition Fire.

YESTERDAY:

 Firefighters patrolled and monitored the perimeter. The Superstition Fire showed minimal growth yesterday. The area has received significant rainfall and grassy fuels that have previously enabled fire spread have mostly burned over.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY:

 Minimal fire behavior is expected on the Superstition Fire today. Fire crews will continue to monitor the fire perimeter The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 has returned fire management to the local unit.

SUPERSTITION FIRE CLOSURES:

Hwy 88 closures have been lifted.

Canyon Lake and all surrounding recreation areas remain closed.

Lost Dutchman, all surrounding trailheads and trails remain closed.

Areas west of Peralta Canyon Road, areas north of Peralta Canyon Road, and the Peralta Trail.

Canyon Lake Recreational areas – please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

View the closure order and map at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7046/

HIDDEN FIRE YESTERDAY:

Hidden fire showed minimal growth yesterday due to increased humidity from scattered, light showers overnight. Successful burning operations along the southern perimeter produced most of the smoke that was observed yesterday. Helicopters made bucket drops along the northern edges of the fire and other areas of heat.  Moderate fire behavior occurred upslope of Rock House Spring and in Skunk Creek Canyon.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY:

Minimum fire growth is expected today, and there is a high potential for wetting rains. Fire crews and dozers will be constructing direct and indirect line along the north, east and south perimeters.  Firefighters will prepare for burning operations to be conducted along Road 1938 over the next few days. Structure and ranchland protection preparation will continue beyond the northeast edge of the fire. 

AIR SUPPORT:

Due to the increased fire activity throughout the Southwest and California air support remains limited. We are using shared air resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

HIDDEN FIRE CLOSURES:

Please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hidden-Fire-Info-108681537629349

View the closure order and map here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7094/54530/

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information.  As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Phone Line: 520-261-5021

Fire Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/easternarizona

Order Number: 03-12-00-20-402

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST

PLEASANT VALLEY AND TONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICTS

Hidden Fire Public Safety Closure Order

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, all within the Tonto National Forest, Pinal

County, Arizona.

1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(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 any organized rescue or firefighting

resource in the performance of an official duty.

RESTRICTED AREA

The Restricted Area encompasses all National Forest System lands within the boundary starting

at the point at which National Forest System Road (NFSR) 71 crosses Tonto Creek, following

north along the east side of Tonto Creek approximately 11 miles to NFSR 894, then following

NFSR 894 northeast to NFSR 134, then following NFSR 134 northeast approximately 13 miles

to Spring Creek, then following Spring Creek south approximately 6 miles to NFSR 131, then

following NFSR 131 southeast to NFSR 486, then following NFSR 486 west approximately 2.5

miles to NFSR 3253, then following NFSR 3253 north to NFSR 416, then following NFSR 416

southwest approximately 7.5 miles to NFSR 609, then following NFSR 609 southwest 4 miles to

NFSR 71, then following NFSR 71 southwest back to the point of beginning at its crossing with

Tonto Creek.

In addition to any portion of these roads that are interior to the restricted area, the following

roads are closed on the perimeter as well: NFSR 894 is closed from Tonto Creek to the junction

of NFSR 134. NFSR 134 is closed from the junction of NFSR 894 to Spring Creek. NFSR 131

is closed from Spring Creek to to NFSR 486. NFSR 486 is closed from NFSR 131 to NFSR

3253. NFSR 3253 is closed from NFSR 486 to NFSR 416. NFSR 416 is closed from NFSR 486

to NFSR 609. NFSR 609 is closed from NFSR 486 to NFSR 71. NFSR 71 is closed from NFSR

609 to Tonto Creek.

PURPOSE

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

emergency operations in the Restricted Area.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be effective on August 27, 2020, at 6:00 p.m., and shall remain in effect

until September 30, 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 (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 Tonto National Forest

Supervisor’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona, (602)225-5200, at the Payson/Pleasant Valley

Ranger District Office, (928)471-7900, or at the Tonto Basin Ranger District Office,

(602)225-5395.

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

Order.

Dated this ____27th_______ day of ____August________ 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona

Dated this ____27th_______ day of ____August________ 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona

NEIL BOSWORTH

Forest Supervisor

 Superstition and Hidden Fire Update – August 30, 2020 Morning Update

Superstition Fire

Acres: 9539                                                                                        

Percent Containment: 58%                                                         

Start Date: August 20, 2020                                                        

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Superstition Mountains, Tonto NF
 

Hidden Fire

Acres: 4307                                                                                        

Percent Containment: 0%                                                           

Start Date: August 25, 2020                                                          

FireInjuries: 0

Cause: Lightning
Origin Location: Sierra Poancha Mountains, Skunk Drainage 

Thunderstorms Douse Superstition Fire 
and Bring Moisture to Hidden Fire: Flash Flood Warnings

Be alert to flood warnings with thunderstorm activity.

SUPERSTITION FIRE:

The HWY 88 corridor will be reopening at 0600 hour today, August 30, 2020 from Lost Dutchman State Park up to Fish Creek where the road was closed at the washout.

YESTERDAY: The Superstition Fire showed minimal growth yesterday and received heavy rain last night. Primary fire activity was in the northeast, within Superstition Wilderness.

TODAY’S ACTIVITY: Minimal fire behavior is expected on the Superstition Fire today. Fire crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 will return the fire to the local unit today, Sunday, at 7:00 PM.

ROAD CLOSURES & RECREATION USE OF THE FOREST: This includes the closure of the following areas

Areas west of Peralta Canyon Road, areas north of Peralta Canyon Road, and the Peralta Trail.

Canyon Lake Recreational areas – please visit Tonto NF website for closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/home/?cid=FSEPRD759501

View the closure order and map at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7046/

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity through-out the Southwest and California air support remains limited. We are using shared air resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.
 

HIDDEN FIRE: 

Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 led by Incident Commander John Pierson assumed command of the Hidden Fire on Saturday morning, August 29, 2020 at 0600.

YESTERDAY: Hidden fire was active producing drifting smoke that settled in the Roosevelt Lake Valley overnight.  The smoke should begin to clear and lift by mid-morning today. The fire showed moderate behavior on the northwest side within Skunk Tank Canyon as well as backing downslope towards Rock House Springs.  Fire activity on the eastern fire perimeter was burning along Road 416 within the 2018 Bear Fire scar in open pine and grasses.  A southerly fire growth through pine and pinyon/juniper showed moderate activity with occasional single tree torching and short-range spotting.

TODAY: Fire crews will conduct firing operations on the southern portion of the fire perimeter.  Structure protection preparation on the northeast side of the fire perimeter will continue.  The fire will continue to grow north, east and west.  Fire line construction and fire line improvement will continue within the Tonto Basin. 

AIR SUPPORT: Due to the increased fire activity through-out the Southwest and California air support remains limited. We are using shared air resources of air tankers and helicopters with our neighboring Type 1 Incident Management Team.

Gila County Sheriff’s Office placed residents in the communities of Brownsville and Jacks Corner in “SET” Status on 8/28/2020.

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. The temporary flight restriction in place over the fire area please visit: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_8593.html for additional information.  As a reminder, every time a drone is seen near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information Phone Line: 520-261-5021

Fire Media Phone Line: 520-369-3757

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7046/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Superstition-Fire-Info-102207198283449

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html