LOFER FIRE

Location: 15 miles southeast of Whiteriver, AZ

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression  

Cause: Lightning

Size: 594 acres 

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Timber with a brush and grass understory

Resources:  220 Total Personnel: 6 crews; 9 engines; 2 bulldozers; 2 water tenders; 2 helicopters
 

OVERVIEW

• With containment at 90 percent, all crews are shifting from the Medicine and Medicine II Fires to the Lofer Fire, Flash Fire (3 miles northeast of the Lofer Fire), and Marshall Butte Fire (7 miles north of the Lofer Fire).  
• Personnel continue to be available to address any new fire starts resulting from anticipated thunderstorms.
• Firefighters are working hard on all fires to protect the valuable timber, grazing lands, cultural and historic sites, and recreation opportunities on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

UPDATE

Resources shifted from the Medicine Fire to the lightning-caused Lofer Fire, which started 15 days ago. Yesterday, thunderstorms stayed north and south of the fire area, resulting in minimal precipitation over the fire. Once the cloud cover cleared, one to three-foot flames were slowly moving the fire around on Lofer Bench above Big Bonito Creek in grass, needles and ‘buck’ brush.  This movement could result in fire spread to the north, which may begin to move down into Big Bonito Creek in new areas.  Yesterday crews conducted firing operations along Road 71 to stay ahead of the fire and prevent it from spreading north. Today crews will finish construction of the control line southwest of the ridge and continue to prepare Road 71 for firing operations should they be needed. They will also look for containment opportunities in case the fire crosses Road 71. The low-to-moderate intensity fire is consuming mostly oak brush and forest debris, with minimal tree torching. BIA 55 and BIA 71 remain closed to the public.  

 Flash and Marshall Butte Fires

Yesterday the Flash saw activity on the north side as it burned with low intensity in pine litter.  A Type 1 helicopter dropped water over the active side while crews worked to secure the fire within its current perimeter.  The fire increased to 51 acres.  Today crews will continue to contain and control the fire perimeter. 

The Marshall Butte Fire remains at nine acres but continues to produce smoke.  Crews were able to establish a perimeter around the fire and will continue to monitor for activity.

Communities Affected

There are no communities threatened by any of the five fires. The Medicine Fire is approximately 22 miles southwest of Cibecue, and the Lofer Fire is approximately 15 miles east of Whiteriver. The fires on the White Mountain Apache Reservation are not currently producing a lot of smoke, however, an air quality specialist is on-site to help predict where smoke from the fires may drift and settle. Additional details can be found in the East-Central Arizona Smoke Report at:  https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EastCentralArizona. 

Values

Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The Medicine and Lofer fire areas 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, rangelands and range improvements, prehistoric, historic and traditional gathering sites, recreation opportunities, Mt Baldy Wilderness and Sunrise Ski Resort to the north.

Weather

Thunderstorms are expected throughout the day. The best chance of precipitation will be in the Lofer Fire area.  Temperatures are anticipated to be cooler because of the cloud cover, resulting in temperatures in the low 80s on the Lofer Fire.  Afternoon wind speeds will reach 15 to 20 miles per hour with gusts anticipated as high as 30 miles per hour.  Weather outlook predictions call for warming and drying trends later this week. 

More Info: 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

Monday, August 31, 2020

Tune in to White Mountain Apache Radio (Whiteriver-88.1 FM / Cibecue-89.9) at 11:30 am each day

Location: 15 miles southeast of Whiteriver, AZ  

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression  

Cause: Lightning

Size: 468 acres  

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Timber with a brush and grass understory

OVERVIEW

• As containment on the Medicine Fire increases, resources are shifting from the Medicine to the Lofer Fire, Medicine II Fire (2 miles east of the Medicine Fire), Flash Fire (3 miles northeast of the Lofer Fire), and Marshall Butte Fire (7 miles north of the Lofer Fire).

• Personnel have been identified to address any new fire starts resulting from anticipated thunderstorms.

• Firefighters are working hard on all five fires to protect the valuable timber, grazing lands, cultural and historic sites, and recreation opportunities on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

• There remains the possibility for afternoon thunderstorms and rain. Thunderstorms and outflow winds have the potential to push fire quickly in any direction which is a concern for firefighter safety and public. Lightning strikes during afternoon thunderstorms could also cause new fires.

UPDATE

Lofer Fire

Additional resources, many reassigned from the Medicine Fire, continue with fire suppression efforts on the lightning caused Lofer Fire, which started two weeks ago. The fire received light showers recently, lessening fire activity. Today, crews will continue firing operations along Road 71 as needed to keep the fire from spreading to the north and northwest. Crews will use direct and indirect suppression tactics to hold the fire north of Big Bonito Creek, including using bulldozers to improve access on existing roads. The fire may begin to back off of Lofer Bench into the creek bed in new areas to the northeast and southwest. Crews will scout possible containment lines opposite the fire on the south side of Big Bonito Creek, all the way to Road 70 in case the fire crosses the creek and begins moving uphill. The low-to-moderate intensity fire is consuming mostly oak brush and forest debris, with minimal tree torching. Afternoon thunderstorms have a 50 percent chance of producing rainfall over the fire this afternoon. BIA 55 and BIA 71 are closed to the public. 

Flash, and Marshall Butte Fires

The 49-acre Flash Fire was detected via an infrared flight late Friday night. Crews stopped forward progression yesterday, however interior pockets of unburned vegetation may continue to ignite. Today firefighters will continue to control and contain the fire.

The nine-acre Marshall Butte Fire, north of the Lofer Fire, received rain yesterday. Firefighters were able to get control lines around the fire, which is burning in flat terrain.  The fire is now smoldering and creeping through grass and needles.  An infrared flight determined that the fire was less than the previously reported acreage.

Communities Affected

There are no communities threatened by any of the five fires. The Lofer Fire is approximately 15 miles east of Whiteriver. The fires on the White Mountain Apache Reservation are not currently producing a lot of smoke, however, an air quality specialist is on-site to help predict where smoke from the fires may drift and settle. Additional details can be found in the East-Central Arizona Smoke Report at:  https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EastCentralArizona.  

Values

Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The Lofer fire area is 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, rangelands and range improvements, prehistoric, historic and traditional gathering sites, recreation opportunities, Mt Baldy Wilderness and Sunrise Ski Resort to the north.

Weather

Cloudy conditions are forecasted today, which will moderate fire growth. However, there remains the opportunity for all the fires to spot into unburned areas outside the fire perimeters should gusty winds hit the fire.

• Lofer, Flash and Marshall Butte Fire: There is a 50-60 percent chance of precipitation in the Lofer, Marshall Butte and Flash Fire area this afternoon. Temperatures will be approximately 80 degrees with 25 percent relative humidity levels.

More Info: 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 fires 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

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Location: 15 miles southeast of Whiteriver, AZ

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression  

Cause: Lightning

Size: 313 acres  

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Timber with a brush and grass understory

OVERVIEW

• As containment on the Medicine Fire increases, resources are being shifted over to work on the Lofer Fire, Medicine II Fire (east of the Medicine Fire), Flash Fire (northeast of Lofer fire), and Marshall Butte Fire (north of the Lofer Fire).

• Firefighting personal have been identified to address any new fire starts that may result from the anticipated storms.

• Firefighters are working hard on all five fires to protect the valuable timber, grazing lands, cultural and historic sites, and recreation opportunities on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

• Rain over the fire area is anticipated to be 50 to 60 percent, resulting in a flash flood advisal for the area.  The chance of afternoon thunderstorms and outflow winds, which have the potential to push fire quickly in any direction, remains a concern for public and firefighter safety. Lightning strikes during afternoon thunderstorms could cause new fire starts due to the lack of consistent moisture across Fort Apache tribal lands this summer.

UPDATE

Additional resources, many reassigned from the Medicine Fire, assist with containment of the lightening caused Lofer Fire. Crews will continue to burn off of 71 road, as needed, to keep the fire from spreading to the north and northwest, and contain the fire footprint as small as safely possible to protect valuable timber in the area, as well as the watershed, waterways and the threatened Apache Trout.  Crews will use direct and indirect suppression tactics to hold the fire north of Big Bonito Creek, including bulldozers to open up any existing roads to help contain the fire.  The low-to-moderate intensity fire is consuming mostly oak brush and forest debris, with minimal tree torching. The fire continues to move across Lofer Bench.  Afternoon thunderstorms have a 60 percent chance of producing rainfall over the fire. These storms may also bring gusty winds that could push the fire in multiple directions.  Temporary flight restrictions are in place over the fire area.  Local roads used by crews to access the fire are closed to public use.

Flash, and Marshall Butte Fires

The Flash Fire, which was detected on the infrared flight late Friday night or early Saturday morning, is currently at 30 acres.  Crews stopped forward progression yesterday and will continue to work to control and contain the fire.

The Marshall Butte Fire, north of the Lofer Fire and burning in flat terrain, is 25 acres.  The fire is smoldering and creeping through pinecones and needles.  Resources from the Lofer Fire have been assigned to control and contain the fire.

Communities Affected

There are no communities threatened by the Lofer, Flash, and Marshall Butte Fires. An air quality specialist has been ordered to help predict where smoke from the fires may drift and settle. The fires on the White Mountain Apache Reservation are not currently producing a lot of smoke. General air quality information can be found at https://azdeq.gov/node/7077  

Values

Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The Lofer fire area is important to the White Mountain Apache people. Firefighters are responding to protect the commercial timberlands, watersheds and riparian areas to protect the Apache trout, rangelands and range improvements, prehistoric, historic and traditional gathering sites, and recreation and wilderness opportunities being impacted by the Lofer, Medicine, Medicine II, Flash and Marshall Butte fires.

Weather

Precipitation in the fire area is anticipated to be 50 to 60 percent, resulting in a flash flood advisal for the area.  With cloudy conditions, fire growth is unlikely but there remains the opportunity for all of the fires to spot into unburned areas outside the fire perimeter until the areas receives wetting rains.  Outflows from the in the afternoon could lead to increase in all of the fire perimeters.

More Info: 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/  

• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077

Saturday, August 29, 2020

Location: 15 miles southeast of Whiteriver, AZ

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression  

Cause: Lightning

Size: 313 acres  

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Timber with a brush and grass understory

OVERVIEW

• Firefighters are working hard on the Lofer Fire to protect the valuable timber, grazing lands, cultural and historic sites on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

• The chance of afternoon thunderstorms and outflow winds, which have the potential to push fire quickly in any direction, remains a concern for public and firefighter safety. Lightning strikes during afternoon thunderstorms could cause new fire starts due to the lack of consistent moisture across Fort Apache tribal lands this summer.

UPDATE

Additional resources arrived yesterday to assist with containment of the lightning caused Lofer Fire. Yesterday the fire reached the bottom of the canyon but had not crossed Big Bonito Creek. The low-to-moderate intensity fire is consuming mostly oak brush and forest debris, with minimal tree torching, occurring. The fire will continue to spread laterally near Big Bonito Creek, building heat within the drainage and potentially allowing for uphill movement to the north should outflow winds from thunderstorms align with the fire. Temperatures in low 80s, cloud cover and a 50 percent chance of rain will moderate fire activity today. Projected growth is anticipated to the north and northeast. Therefore, crews conducted firing operations along the Road 71 north of the fire to keep the fire footprint as small as safely possible to protect valuable timber in the area, as well as the watershed, waterways and the threatened Apache Trout. As containment on the Medicine Fire increase, crews will be reassignment to assist with the Lofer Fire.

Communities Affected

There are no communities threatened by the Lofer fire. An air quality specialist has been ordered to help predict where smoke from the fires may drift and settle. General air quality information can be found at https://azdeq.gov/node/7077

Values

Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The Lofer fire area is important to the White Mountain Apache people. Firefighters are responding to protect the commercial timberlands, watersheds and riparian areas to protect the Apache trout, rangelands and range improvements, prehistoric, historic and traditional gathering sites, and recreation and wilderness opportunities being impacted by the Lofer fire.

Weather

Cloudy weather is expected today which will moderate fire behavior. There is 50 percent chance of rain with 10-20 mph winds expected. Temperatures will be in the low 80s with humidity levels at 24 percent. Afternoon thunderstorms will produce gusty erratic winds.

More Info: Official information on the fire can be found on these sites.

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

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

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

• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077

Friday, August 28, 2020
 
Location: 15 miles southeast of Whiteriver, AZ
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression
Cause: Lightning
Size: 200 acres
Percent containment: 0
Vegetation: Timber with a grass understory

Firefighters have been working to build fireline to keep the Lofer fire from damaging or destroying the valuable timber, grazing lands, cultural and historic sites on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Outflow winds from afternoon thunderstorms still have the potential to move move fire quickly in multiple directions and cause a safety risk for firefighters. These storms have not brought the much-needed rain normal for August. Additional firefighters are being ordered to provide extra boots on the ground to support firefighting efforts.
 
Overview

• Firefighters are working on the Lofer fire. Total resources on the ground are 73 personnel.
• Fire activity and movement will continue to be driven by hot temperatures, dry vegetation, terrain, slope and potential of winds from thunderstorms moving through the area. The chance of afternoon thunderstorm buildup and outflow winds will remain a concern for public and firefighter safety.

UPDATE
 
The Lofer Fire was reported on August 18, and it was determined that the fire was started by lightning. The fire is burning in timber and will continue to back down toward Bonito Creek and Lofer Bench until firefighters can build fireline to stop the fires progression. There is the possibility of short uphill runs on Lofer Bench as the day heats up. Today the fuels crew and an engine will scout the area for a camp and helicopter landing spot in the event of a medical emergency. The fire is still on the north side of Bonito Creek. 

Communities Affected: There are no communities threatened by the Lofer Fire. An air resource advisor has been ordered to help predict where smoke from the Lofer Fire may drift and settle. General air quality information can be found at: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077

Values: Fire fighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The Lofer Fire area is 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, as well as prehistoric, historic and traditional gathering sites being impacted by the Lofer Fire.

More Info: Official information on the fire can be found on these sites.
• Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7093/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAFAAFireMgt/
• Highway Closures and Restrictions: https://www.az511.gov/
• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077 

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Acres: 8,930 acres

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 96%

Total personnel: 22

Location: 25 Miles North of Globe

Fuels: Timber with brush and grass understory

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 these 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 Medicine and Medicine II 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/

Location: 22 miles southwest of Cibecue, AZ

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression  

Cause: Lightning

Size: 8,930 acres            

Percent Containment: 90%

Vegetation: Tall grass,

Piñon-Juniper

Resources:  220 Total Personnel: 6 crews; 9 engines; 2 bulldozers; 2 water tenders; 2 helicopters

OVERVIEW

• With containment at 90 percent, all crews are shifting from the Medicine and Medicine II Fires to the Lofer Fire, Flash Fire (3 miles northeast of the Lofer Fire), and Marshall Butte Fire (7 miles north of the Lofer Fire).  
• Personnel continue to be available to address any new fire starts resulting from anticipated thunderstorms.
• Firefighters are working hard on all fires to protect the valuable timber, grazing lands, cultural and historic sites, and recreation opportunities on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.
• Afternoon thunderstorms and outflow winds have the potential to push fire quickly in any direction which is a concern for firefighter safety and public. Lightning strikes during afternoon thunderstorms could also cause new fires. 

UPDATE

Medicine and Medicine II Fires

Containment on the Medicine Fire is now 90 percent. All crews have been reassigned from the Medicine and Medicine II Fires.  Both fires will go into monitor status. No perimeter heat sources were identified yesterday, and the fires have not seen significant growth in three days.

Communities Affected

There are no communities threatened by any of the five fires. The Medicine Fire is approximately 22 miles southwest of Cibecue, and the Lofer Fire is approximately 15 miles east of Whiteriver. The fires on the White Mountain Apache Reservation are not currently producing a lot of smoke, however, an air quality specialist is on-site to help predict where smoke from the fires may drift and settle. Additional details can be found in the East-Central Arizona Smoke Report at:  https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EastCentralArizona. 

Values

Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The Medicine and Lofer fire areas 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, rangelands and range improvements, prehistoric, historic and traditional gathering sites, recreation opportunities, Mt Baldy Wilderness and Sunrise Ski Resort to the north.

Weather

Thunderstorms are expected throughout the day. The best chance of precipitation will be in the Lofer Fire area.  Temperatures are anticipated to be cooler because of the cloud cover, resulting in temperatures in the low 80s on the Lofer Fire.  Afternoon wind speeds will reach 15 to 20 miles per hour with gusts anticipated as high as 30 miles per hour.  Weather outlook predictions call for warming and drying trends later this week. 

More Info: 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

Arizona Department of Transportation - REOPENING ALERT: US 60 eastbound has reopened east of Globe after it was closed by the Griffin Fire between mileposts 251 and 318. The speed limit in that stretch, from Globe to near the Fort Apache Reservation, will be reduced to 55 miles per hour to accommodate fire crews. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pg/AZDOT/posts/?ref=page_internal

Monday, August 31, 2020

Tune in to White Mountain Apache Radio (Whiteriver-88.1 FM / Cibecue-89.9) at 11:30 am each day

to hear from the Incident Command Team

Location: 22 miles southwest of Cibecue, AZ

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression  

Cause: Lightning

Size: 8,930 acres              

Percent Containment: 80%

Vegetation: Tall grass, Piñon-Juniper

Resources:  232 Total Personnel: 7 crews; 9 engines; 2 bulldozers; 1 water tender; 2 helicopters

OVERVIEW

• As containment on the Medicine Fire increases, resources are shifting from the Medicine to the Lofer Fire, Medicine II Fire (2 miles east of the Medicine Fire), Flash Fire (3 miles northeast of the Lofer Fire), and Marshall Butte Fire (7 miles north of the Lofer Fire).

• Personnel have been identified to address any new fire starts resulting from anticipated thunderstorms.

• The Medicine Fire is approximately 8 ½ miles away from Hwy 60 near the Salt River Canyon, however, the fire remains west of the Salt River and highway. For current highway information visit www.az511.gov.

• Firefighters are working hard on all five fires to protect the valuable timber, grazing lands, cultural and historic sites, and recreation opportunities on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

• There remains the possibility for afternoon thunderstorms and rain. Thunderstorms and outflow winds have the potential to push fire quickly in any direction which is a concern for firefighter safety and public. Lightning strikes during afternoon thunderstorms could also cause new fires.

UPDATE

Containment on the Medicine Fire is now 80 percent. Some of the crews from the Medicine Fire have shifted to focus on the other four fires on Fort Apache tribal lands.  Today, remaining crews will monitor and patrol the fire looking for heat sources that could threaten containment lines, especially during afternoon storms that tend to produce erratic outflow winds. Afternoon thunderstorms have a 40 percent chance of producing rainfall over the fire. They will also begin fire suppression repair work. The fire perimeter has not seen significant growth in two days.

The Medicine II Fire that started on August 28 was quickly attacked by ground and aircrews and remains at 46 acres.  Crews will monitor the fire, patrolling fire lines looking for heat sources.

Communities Affected

There are no communities threatened by any of the five fires. The Medicine Fire is approximately 22 miles southwest of Cibecue. The fires on the White Mountain Apache Reservation are not currently producing a lot of smoke, however, an air quality specialist is on-site to help predict where smoke from the fires may drift and settle. Additional details can be found in the East-Central Arizona Smoke Report at:  https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EastCentralArizona.  

Values

Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The Medicine fire area is 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, rangelands and range improvements, prehistoric, historic and traditional gathering sites, recreation opportunities, Mt Baldy Wilderness and Sunrise Ski Resort to the north.

Weather

Cloudy conditions are forecasted today, which will moderate fire growth. However, there remains the opportunity for all the fires to spot into unburned areas outside the fire perimeters should gusty winds hit the fire.

Medicine/Medicine II Fire: There is a 40 percent chance of precipitation today with temperatures at approximately 90 degrees. Relative humidity levels will be around 20 percent with winds of 7-12 mph.  

More Info: 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

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Location: 22 miles southwest of Cibecue, AZ

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression  

Cause: Lightning

Size: 8,930 acres              

Percent containment: 60%

Vegetation: Tall grass,

Piñon-Juniper

Resources:  156 total including: 5 crews; 7 engines; 2 bulldozers; 1 water tender; 2 helicopters

OVERVIEW

• As containment on the Medicine Fire increases, resources are being shifted over to work on the Medicine II Fire (east of the Medicine Fire).

• Firefighting personal have been identified to address any new fire starts that may result from the anticipated storms.

• Highway 60 is closed north of Globe because of the Griffin Fire. The Medicine Fire is approximately 8 ½ miles away from Hwy 60 near the Salt River Canyon, however, the fire remains west of the Salt River and highway. For current highway information visit www.az511.gov

• Firefighters are working hard on all five fires to protect the valuable timber, grazing lands, cultural and historic sites, and recreation opportunities on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

• Rain over the fire area is anticipated to be 50 to 60 percent, resulting in a flash flood advisal for the area.  The chance of afternoon thunderstorms and outflow winds, which have the potential to push fire quickly in any direction, remains a concern for public and firefighter safety. Lightning strikes during afternoon thunderstorms could cause new fire starts due to the lack of consistent moisture across Fort Apache tribal lands this summer.

UPDATE

Medicine Fire

Firefighters continue to make progress on containing the Medicine Fire, increasing to 60 percent. As containment on the fire increases, crews are being shifted to the other four fires. Today, crews will monitor the fire, patrol fire lines looking for heat sources that could threaten containment lines during the anticipated storms. They will also be doing suppression repair work.  The northern side of the fire along Mustang Ridge continues to hold. Neither side has seen significant growth in the past 48 hours. The fire is burning in tall grass and Pinyon-Juniper. The historic Medicine Ranch house was destroyed before firefighters could reach the fire. Afternoon thunderstorms have a 50 percent chance of producing rainfall over the fire. These storms may also bring gusty winds that could push the fire in multiple directions.

Medicine II Fire

The Medicine II Fire, which was started by a bulldozer leaving the Medicine Fire, was quickly attacked by ground and aircrews and is currently at 46 acres.  Crews will monitor the fire, patrolling fire lines looking for heat sources that could threaten to increase the fire during the anticipated storms.

Communities Affected

There are no communities threatened by the Medicine and Medicine II fires. The Medicine Fire is approximately 22 miles southwest of Cibecue. An air quality specialist has been ordered to help predict where smoke from the fires may drift and settle. The fires on the White Mountain Apache Reservation are not currently producing a lot of smoke. General air quality information can be found at https://azdeq.gov/node/7077

Values

Firefighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The Medicine and Medicine II fire areas are 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, rangelands and range improvements, prehistoric, historic and traditional gathering sites, and recreation and wilderness opportunities being impacted by the Lofer, Medicine, Medicine II, Flash and Marshall Butte fires.

Weather

Precipitation in the fire area is anticipated to be 50 to 60 percent, resulting in a flash flood advisal for the area.  With cloudy conditions, fire growth is unlikely but there remains the opportunity for all of the fires to spot into unburned areas outside the fire perimeter until the areas receives wetting rains.  Outflows from the in the afternoon could lead to increase in all of the fire perimeters.

More Info: 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/  

• ADEQ Air Quality Information: https://azdeq.gov/node/7077