TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – August 28th 2020
 
Location: Chalk Mountain/Skunk Tank Canyon
Date Detected: 8/25/2020
Size: 2,700 acres Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Resources: 8 Engines, 4 Hand Crews, 2 Dozers, 1 Masticator, and Misc Overhead
 
The Hidden Fire is a lightning caused wildfire reported on 08/25/2020 that is burning on the border of the Tonto Basin and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts. The fire is located near Chalk Mountain and Skunk Tank Canyon. This afternoon, the fire was mapped at 2,700 acres, with 0% containment.
 
Gila County Health and Emergency Management have placed the following areas on “SET” status: The 76 Ranch, all residents in the Highway 188 corridor, including Jake’s Corner, Del Chi Ranch, Pioneer Pass, Brownsville, Slate Creek to the north end of Punkin Center, and Malon Pasture (North Chaparral Trail, North Sierra Ancha Way, and Santo Sandia Lane).There are no further status changes or evacuations in effect at this time.
 
Southwest Area Incident Management Type-1 Team 2 (Incident Commander Pierson) is currently assigned to the Superstition Fire on the Mesa Ranger District. SWA Team 2 will absorb command of the Hidden Fire tomorrow morning at 6:00 am.
There are 8 Engines, 4 Hand Crews, 2 Dozers, 1 Masticator, and Misc Overhead assigned to the fire. Additional resources are on order.

Heavy smoke will impact the areas of Hwy 188, Rye, Deer Creek, Young, Pine/Strawberry, and Payson. Firefighters are working to fully suppress the Hidden Fire. There is a large column of smoke showing from the incident this afternoon. The fire is well established in heavy brush and timber.As projected, the Hidden Fire is burning to the northeast and northwest, with some backing fire to the southwest. As of 5:00 pm, there has been no thunderstorm development, and no precipitation has been received over the fire area. Firefighters will continue working to create containment lines where safe today, and throughout the evening.
 
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect on the Tonto National Forest. Visit our website for more information at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto Everyone needs to be familiar with Arizona’s Ready, Set, Go! Program. Find moreinformation at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – August 26th 2020

Location: Chalk Mountain/Skunk Tank Canyon
Date Reported: 8/25/2020
Size: 13 Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Resources: 3 Engines, 1 Hand Crew
 
The Hidden Fire is a lightning caused wildfire that is burning on the border of the Tonto Basin and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts. The fire started in the evening on 8/25/20, and is currently 13 acres, with 0% containment. The fire is located near Chalk Mountain and Skunk Tank Canyon.

The fire is burning in brush and timber. At this time, the fire is not a threat to any communities, and there are no evacuations ineffect. There are 3 engine crews on scene, with 1 hand crew on order. Crews are working to construct containment lines in heavy fuels.

Updates will be posted when information becomes available. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect on the Tonto National Forest. Visit our website for more information at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto Everyone needs to be familiar with Arizona’s Ready, Set, Go! Program. Find more information at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Lofer Fire Summary

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver

Fire Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: 1,275 acres

Containment: 65%

Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter

Resources: 120 incident personnel

Lofer Fire: This will be the last update for the Lofer Fire and Flash Fire. If there are any significant changes, it will be posted to the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency Facebook page. There will still be resources on the Lofer Fire and Flash Fire who will be monitoring for any changes in fire behavior, they will be patrolling the containment lines, as well as continuing suppression repair efforts. Both fires received a measurable amount of precipitation and more showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for today.

Flash Fire: The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 100 percent contained.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public.

Smoke: Fires in California and Oregon continued to generate smoke that was pushed south into Arizona all day yesterday. Air quality in a few places across the State registered as moderate. Today, smoke will continue to drift across the southern half of Arizona and may push air quality into the moderate range again.

Important Reminders: Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to drown your campfire with water and stir it up to suffocate any remaining heat.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver

Fire Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: 1,256 acres

Containment: 50%

Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter

Resources: 133 incident personnel

Lofer Fire: Yesterday afternoon, crews carried out firing operations along the K.L. Ridge which allowed firefighters to strengthen containment lines and promote a low intensity backing fire down Big Bonito Creek. Firefighters have begun to restore areas disturbed by containment and suppression efforts. This is being done to limit erosion along fire lines as well as to enhance the aesthetics of the landscape. Today, crews will be assessing if there is an additional need for firing operations while other resources will continue with suppression repair efforts.

There will be a local type 3 organization transitioning tomorrow evening for the Lofer and Flash Fires. As containment continues to increase and fire activity decreases, the updates for the fire will only be posted to the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency if there are any significant changes.

Flash Fire: The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 90 percent contained.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public.

Smoke: Smoke from California fires has increased dramatically and will again move into Arizona. Gusty winds today should move lingering smoke out of the area.

Important Reminders: Today, strong gusty winds are predicted, and we ask that everyone be careful with their campfires and extinguish it completely when you are leaving. Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to drown your campfire with water and stir it up to suffocate any remaining heat.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/

Lofer Fire Summary

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver

Fire Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: 1,153 acres

Containment: 40%

Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter

Resources: 139 incident personnel

Lofer Fire: Due to the precipitation that was received on Saturday, minimal fire behavior was seen yesterday morning. However, as temperatures rose, fuels dried out and increased fire activity was observed from the afternoon reconnaissance flight. Majority of the area holding heat is on the southwest portion of the fire along K.L. Ridge which is near drop point (DP) 2 and DP 10. Today, firefighters will be taking advantage of favorable winds by conducting firing operations from DP 2 down K.L. Ridge. Lofer Fire remains within containment lines.

Flash Fire: The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 75% contained. All containment lines continue to hold, and very little smoke was detected during the afternoon recon flight.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public.

Smoke: Today’s weather will provide opportunities for areas that continue to hold heat to increase activity. Any smoke that might be generated will drift south until mid-morning, when winds shift, and smoke moves to the southeast. Over the past few days smoke has not been substantial enough to reach surrounding communities within the Outlook Area, and air quality has been good. Smoke from California fires has increased dramatically and will again move into Arizona. Considering the amount of smoke and how far it is projected to move, air quality may move into the moderate category by the evening hours. Gusty winds tomorrow should move lingering smoke out of the area

Important Reminders: Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to bring enough water and a shovel to completely extinguish your campfire.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/

Lofer Fire Summary

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver

Fire Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: 1,153 acres

Containment: 30%

Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter

Resources: 139 incident personnel

Lofer Fire: The southern portion of the fire received some precipitation from the thunderstorm that moved through the local area. Fire activity for the next couple of days will determine if the received rainfall was enough to extinguish fire spread potential. Today, crews will be utilizing K.L. Ridge, near K.L. Ranch, to construct hand line and tie it into Big Bonito Creek. The incident organization will also be monitoring the area for any new lightning fires.

Flash Fire:  The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 50% contained. Some smoke was observed from fuels that were still smoldering, but they do not pose a threat to the containment lines as these smokes were deep within the fire’s interior.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Closures: For your safety and firefighter safety, please avoid the wildfire area and avoid access roads into the fire. An approximate ten-mile section of BIA 55 Road remains closed to the public.

Smoke: Smoke that is generated today will move north/northeast in the morning, then shift southeast mid-morning. As temperatures warm and smoke rises further into the atmosphere, smoke will be carried southwest until early evening when winds will switch and carry smoke to the east.

Important Reminders: Campfires are prohibited in undeveloped campgrounds and the public is reminded to be fire safe in developed campgrounds. Never leave a campfire unattended and be sure to bring enough water and a shovel to completely extinguish your campfire. Fort Apache Agency wants everyone to be fire safe this Labor Day weekend.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/

Lofer Fire Summary

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver
Fire Cause: Lightning
Fire Size: 906 acres         
Containment: 10%
Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter
Resources: 140 incident personnel

Weather: The forecast is calling for temperatures well above normal with a slight chance of thunderstorms along with hot, dry and unstable conditions. Precipitation with storms will be limited bringing concerns of new fire starts and rapid spread due to outflow winds around any thunderstorms.

Lofer Fire: Yesterday the fire made a short uphill run that included spot fires across containment lines. Most of the fire is actively flanking and backing towards Big Bonito Creek. Crews will continue to check the fires spread along the 71 RD and prep hand and dozer lines that will help to connect road systems for indirect suppression. Crews monitored fire effects yesterday and continue to evaluate the need for firing operations to moderate fire severity to protect Apache Trout habitat and commercial timber stands.

Flash Fire:  The Flash Fire is 51 acres in size and approximately 40% contained. A full suppression strategy is being used on the Flash Fire. Local roads used by crews to access the Lofer Fire are closed to public travel.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Smoke: Lofer Fire is expected to exhibit more active movement through ground fuels, and more torching of single trees and pockets of trees. Smoke from the Lofer Fire is expected to again increase as temperatures increase.

Important Reminders: The White Mountain Apache Tribe opened camping to both tribal members and non-tribal members on September 3, 2020. There are currently no fire restrictions on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, except for undeveloped campgrounds where campfires are prohibited, and the public is reminded to please be fire safe. Never leave a campfire unattended. Be sure your campfire is ‘dead out’! Pour water over the fire, stir up the ashes, and repeat the process until you can no longer feel heat generating from the campfire bed. Fort Apache Agency wants everyone to be fire safe this Labor Day weekend.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt  and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/  

Lofer Fire Summary

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver
Fire Cause: Lightning
Fire Size: 825 acres
Containment: 10%
Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter
Resources: 143 incident personnel

Limited high-level moisture is expected today and Saturday which may allow for some thunderstorms over the higher terrain, however, chances of any precipitation over the incident remains extremely low. We would like to remind everyone to be safe as there will be an increase in traffic for the holiday weekend. Please maintain your situational awareness while recreating in the forest and help us to prevent wildfires.

Lofer Fire: The northern section of the fire had the highest activity with an increase of smoke output which was visible from Whiteriver and other surrounding areas. The rest of the fire had moderate activity and all containment lines held. The fire remains south of Road 71 and north of Big Bonito Creek drainage. Due to the steep terrain and fuel loading, resources will continue to monitor the backing fire in Big Bonito Creek. Firefighters will continue to prep and improve containment lines around the Lofer Fire. Smoke is expected to be visible again today.

Flash Fire: Crews will continue to monitor and mop up along the perimeter to keep the fire southeast of Road 71 and within containment lines. Fire size is at 51 acres with 30 percent containment.

Values and Objectives: Safety of incident responders and the public remains the number one priority. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Smoke: Lofer Fire is expected to exhibit more active movement through ground fuels, and more torching of single trees and pockets of trees. Smoke from the Lofer Fire is expected to again increase as temperatures increase.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/  
 

Lofer Fire Summary

Location: 15 miles east of Whiteriver

Fire Cause: Lightning

Fire Size: 691 acres         

Containment: 10%

Fuel Type: Timber, brush, litter

Resources: 124 incident personnel

Today, the type 3 organization has transitioned into command for the Lofer Fire and Flash Fire. The other three fires: Marshall Butte, Medicine, and Medicine II Fires have been transitioned back to the local agency and are in monitor status. Containment for those fires is above 90 percent and there will be no further updates on those fires unless there are significant changes. 

High temperatures and low relative humidity are predicted for the remainder of the week. Heading into Labor Day weekend, we would like to remind the public that forest fuels are still readily available to ignition sources. We ask the public to maintain their situational awareness while recreating in the forest and helping us to prevent wildfires.

Lofer Fire: Due to the drying trend, fire activity increased with it slowly backing down into Big Bonito Creek. The fire continues to spread laterally to the northeast and southwest in the drainage, it is staying south of BIA Road 71 and north of Big Bonito Creek drainage. Fire growth also continued along the rim of Lofer Bench with the fire backing downslope to the south.

Flash Fire: Fire crews will continue to secure the fire perimeter by extinguishing any areas holding heat. Fire size is at 51 acres with 20 percent containment.

Values and Objectives: Firefighter and public safety remains the number one priority for the Lofer Fire and Flash Fire. Incident personnel will continue to protect traditional gathering sites, recreation areas, the Mount Baldy Wilderness, commercial timberlands and watersheds, and continue to protect riparian areas to the Apache trout.

Smoke: Fire activity is expected to become increasingly active over the next few days as fuels continue to dry. Smoke from the Lofer Fire is expected to increase as temperatures increase. Additional smoke will also be produced in areas that were smoldering as they transition to become active fire and it is expected fire activity will stretch into the evening hours.

Fire information is available on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Fort Apache Agency at www.facebook.com/biafaafiremgt  and on InciWeb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/  

Lofer Fire Update Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Acres: 609 acres

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 10%

Total personnel: 166

Location: 15 miles southeast of Whiteriver, AZ

Fuels: Timber with brush and grass understory

 

Highlights

Yesterday’s rain significantly decreased fire activity; limiting the need for extensive burnout operations along Road 71.  There are 6 crews, 1 helicopter, 10 engines, 2 dozers, and 1 water tender assigned to help suppress the Lofer, Marshall Butte, and Flash fires.

Lofer Fire

Light showers began early yesterday morning around 8:30 am on the Lofer Fire. Rain and high humidity levels kept fire activity minimal throughout the day. Crews burned along a short section of Road 71, however the need for ongoing firing operations throughout the day to stay ahead of the fire was minimal because of the rain. The rains increased moisture in fine fuels (i.e. pine needles and grass), which will lead to less fire activity this morning. Sunny, drier weather is predicted for the coming days. Should the fire begin to spread, personnel are ready to take all necessary actions. The fire is expected to slowly, but consistently move on top of Lofer Bench and may back down the slope into Big Bonito Creek. It will also spread laterally to the northeast and southwest in the Big Bonito Creek drainage. The fire remains north of Big Bonito Creek and South of Road 71. Crews completed handline on the southwest of the fire yesterday. Today firefighters will monitor the handline to ensure it holds as fire travels to the southwest in an effort to stop the fire’s progression. They will also finish control lines to the northeast. Crews identified possible handline locations south of the fire should the fire cross the creek and begin moving uphill.  BIA 55 and BIA 71 remain closed to the public.

Flash and Marshall Butte Fires

The Flash and Marshall Butte fires received heavy, wetting rain yesterday. One heat source was located in the middle of the Marshall Butte Fire yesterday and was quickly extinguished. Crews will continue to monitor the fire perimeter and extinguish any hot spots as necessary.

Medicine and Medicine II Fires

Containment on the Medicine Fire is now 96 percent. Containment on the Medicine II Fire is 90 percent. Both fires are now in monitor status.

Communities Affected/Smoke

There are no communities threatened by any of the fires. The fires on the White Mountain Apache Reservation are not currently producing a lot of smoke, however smoke from the fires may drift and settle. A full smoke report for East-Central Arizona can be found at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EastCentralArizona.  

Values

Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The Lofer, Marshall and Flash fires are burning on important lands to the White Mountain Apache people. Firefighters are responding to protect the commercial timberlands, watersheds and riparian areas to protect the Apache trout, prehistoric, historic and traditional gathering sites, recreation opportunities, the Mount Baldy Wilderness and Sunrise Ski Resort.

Weather

Rains have moved out of the area to the east. Today is expected to be dry with high temperatures in the low 80s. Humidity levels will also be lower dipping to 20 percent. Light winds 6-15 mph are expected.

More Info: This will be the last update from the Type –2 Southwest Area Incident Command Team 5. The fire will transition to a Type-3 organization tomorrow morning. Thank you for welcoming us into your area and for your support during the fire. 

Tune in to White Mountain Apache Radio (KNNB: Whiteriver-88.1 FM or Cibecue-89.9) at 11:30 am each day to hear from the Incident Command Team.

Official information on the fire can be found on these sites.

Lofer Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/

Medicine Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7092/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt/

Highway Closures and Restrictions: https://www.az511.gov/

Wildland Fire Smoke Report:  https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EastCentralArizona