The Hwy 88 Corridor reopens at 6 a.m. Sunday August 30, 2020. It will be open from Lost Dutchman State Park as far as Fish Creek where the existing washout closure still remains in effect. 

Acres: 9643

Percent Containment: 34%

Start Date: August 20, 2020

Injuries: 0

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Superstition Mountains, Tonto NF

Crews Bring Containment to 34% on the Superstition Fire

YESTERDAY: Islands of unburned fuels in the interior of the Superstition Fire atop Black Mesa began showing activity by noon yesterday. Due to increased humidity the night before, fire growth was not significant. In midafternoon, a flank of fire north of Yellow Peak began backing downslope into West Boulder Canyon. Minimal winds and the increase in humidity allowed crews to secure containment lines to 34% along the NW fire perimeter. Arizona DOT focused on mowing the right-of-way between Tortilla Flat and Canyon Lake in order to improve the highway corridor as a potential control line, if needed.

TODAY’S ACTVITY: Fire behavior on the Superstition Fire will continue to be affected by possible afternoon thunderstorm buildup and outflow winds driving fire spread. Crews will remain focused on keeping the fire south of the HWY 88 corridor and continue to protect the infrastructure and values at risk in area communities. The Southwest Area Team 2 led by Incident Commander John Pierson also assumed command of the Hidden Fire today.

Be alert to the possibility of flooding with thunderstorm activity this weekend. Please be extra careful driving with the increase of firefighter presence on roads around Apache Junction.

REMINDER: This is a full suppression fire. Strategic objectives protect the identified values at risk, including surrounding communities, critical infrastructure, state and federal lands. Air quality impacts are being minimized by keeping fire within the Superstition Wilderness. Firefighter and public safety are the highest priority while engaging the fire.

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.

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

AZ HWY 88

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/

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

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

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

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

 Superstition Fire – August 28, 2020 Update

 Superstition Fire – August 27, 2020 Morning Update

Southwest Area Type 1 Team 2 Incident Commander John Pierson Has Taken Command of the Superstition Fire

Acres: 4,833

Percent Containment: 0%

Start Date: August 20, 2020

Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Superstition Mountains, Tonto NF

Injuries: 0

Crews are on scene and additional resources are on order

TODAY: As of 0600 hours today the Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2 – Incident Commander John Pierson, assumed the management of the Superstition Fire. The transfer of command from the Tonto National Forest to a Type 1 team will enable ordering of additional support of resources to the incident. Fire crews and support staff will continue to arrive today. “With the extreme temperatures, firefighter safety will be our focus as we develop our strategies to address the fire.” John Pierson-IC.

Today's Activity: The community can expect to see an increased firefighter presence on and around Apache Junction as crews arrive. Firefighters will be given assignments based upon the plan of attack by fire managers. This is a full suppression fire.  The strategy for suppression includes constructing fire lines and identifying holding features where safety risks are minimized and there is a greater chance of success in containing the fire on the mountain. In the communities of Apache Junction, Gold Canyon and surrounding areas crews will assess potential threats to homes and infrastructure, identify access routes and develop contingency plans in the event of fire spreading into the area.

Air attack will include both rotary and fixed wing aircraft that are being utilized in the region. Air tankers are just one tool we utilize in the suppression of a fire. The use of retardant in certain areas allows the firefighters to get into the area and continue the hard work of creating fireline to stop the incoming head of the fire spread. With temperatures exceeding 100° and higher this is a continuing challenge for the crews on the ground. Crews will continue to closely monitor the fire’s edge along the southern edge and around to the northern edge to ensure that the communities in the areas of Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, and HWY 88 corridor are minimized.

 ROAD CLOSURES & RECREATION USE OF THE FOREST 

 This includes the closure of the following areas

   AZ HWY 88

   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/

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 Email: superstitionfire2020@gmail.com    

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

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

Smoke Outlook: wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/EasternArizona

 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREFOREST SERVICE TONTO NATIONAL FOREST MESA RANGER DISTRICTSuperstition 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 CFR § 261.50 (e), the following persons are exempt from this order:1.   Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
2.   Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
 
RESTRICTED AREA
All National Forest System lands contained within the following area.Beginning at NFSR 78/SR 88 Junction, following NFSR 78 northeast to the First Water Trailhead, then following NFST 104 southeast approximately .25 miles to NFST 236, then following NFST 236 northeast to NFST 241, then following NFST 241 southeast to NFST 104, then following NFST southeast to NFST 104, then following NFST 104 southeast to NFST 102, then following NFST 102 southeast to Peralta Trailhead, then proceeding southwest from Peralta Trailhead to the Forest boundary, then following the Forest boundary west then north forapproximately 12 miles to NFSR 78.
 
Order Number: 03-12-03-20-400
 
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to close the Restricted Area during firefighting and emergency operations for the protection of public health and safety.

IMPLEMENTATION
1.   This Order will be in effect at_0600    . on August 25, 2020 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 (see16 U.S.C.551, 18 U.S.C.3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C.3581(b)(7)).
4.    Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona, (602)225-5200, or at Mesa Ranger District Office, (480)610-3300.

Dated this         26th               day of         August_               2020, at Phoenix, Arizona
 
 NEIL BOSWORTH
 Forest Supervisor

 

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – August 26th 2020 

Location: Superstition Wilderness                                               Date Reported: 8/20/2020

Size: 4,430                                                                                        Containment: 0%

 There will be a Public Safety Closure in effect starting tomorrow. The closure will include areas west of Peralta Canyon Road, areas north of Peralta Canyon Road, and the Peralta Trail. A copy of the order will be posted prior to implementation. Please continue to check the Tonto National Forest Facebook page for updates throughout the day.

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – August 25th 2020 

Location: Superstition Wilderness                                            Date Reported: 8/20/2020

Size: 2,664                                                                                     Containment: 0%

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – August 22nd 2020 

Location: North of Gold Canyon, AZ                            Date Detected: 8/20/2020

Size: 1,218 acres                                                           Containment: 0%

Cause: Lightning                                                         Resources: 1 Engine, 1 recon aircraft

 Tonto National Forest Superstition Fire Update TONTO NATIONAL FOREST – August 21st 2020
 Location: North of Gold Canyon, AZ Date Detected: 8/20/2020Size: 1050 acres Containment: 0%Cause: Lightning Resources: 1 Engine, 1 recon aircraft
 UPDATE: The Superstition Fire is a lightning-caused wildfire discovered on 8/20/20 in the Superstition Wilderness north of Gold Canyon AZ. Air Attack completed a recon of the fire this morning and has mapped it at 1050 acres, 0% contained. Minimal fire behavior was observed this morning. The fire is creeping slowly towards the northwest. At this time, the fire is hung up in a rocky area and is struggling to find available fuels to burn.
 While there is minimal smoke on the Superstition Fire this morning, as temperatures increase, and relative humidity decreases, the potential for an increase in fire behavior exists. This may result in smoke and flames being visible from the East Valley and Gold Canyon communities. There is 1 engine assigned to the Peralta Canyon Rd area. They will patrol and monitor the fire activity, and order additional resources if necessary. There are NO threats to any community at this time.
 Air Attack will fly the fire again this afternoon and intermittently throughout the day as they recon other fires in the area.Good overnight humidity recoveries last night, and a very small amount of rain has helped decrease fire activity. Good overnight humidity recoveries are expected tonight as well. While there are no closures associated with the Superstition Fire at this time, visitors in the area must be aware of their surroundings at all times.
 Remember that all wildland fire incidents are No Drone Zones. The presence of civilian drones in the fire area will immediately ground any suppression or aerial supervision aircraft immediately.
 For more information, please visit the Tonto National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto