Hear from the Agency Administrator, Fire Operations, Fire Behavior Specialist and the Incident Commander as they explain the plan of attack for the Salt Fire, Gin Fire and Griffin Fire.

 https://www.facebook.com/watch/SaltGinGriffinFire
 

Order Number: 03-12-00-20-399
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
GLOBE, AND TONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICTS

Salt, Gin and Griffin 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, Maricopa and Gila
Counties, 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

All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundary beginning at the
intersection of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 216 and U.S. Highway (U.S.) 60, then following
northwest along the southwest edge of NFSR 216 to its intersection with Hess Canyon, then following
Hess Canyon northwest to NFSR 303, then following southwest along the eastern edge of NFSR 303 to
NFSR 645, then following the southern edge of NFSR 645 to NFSR 346, then following the western edge
of NFSR 346 to the Salt River, then following the southern bank of the Salt River in a general
southwesterly direction to Arizona State Route (SR) 288, then following the eastern edge of SR 288
in a southwesterly direction to its intersection with SR 188, then following the southwest edge of
SR 188 in a general northwesterly direction to its
intersection with NFSR 449, then following the southeastern edge of NFSR 449 in a
southwesterly direction to its intersection with NFSR 449A, then following the east edge of
NFSR 449A to the Campaign Creek trailhead for National Forest System Trail (NFST) 256 (Campaign
Creek Trail), then following the eastern edge of NFST 256 south to its intersection with NFST 212
(Miles Ranch Trail), then following the northern edge of NFST 212 east to the Miles Ranch
Trailhead, then following the northern edge of NFSR 287A east to NFSR 287, then following the
eastern edge of NFSR 287 in a general southeasterly direction to US 60, then following along the
northern and western edges of US 60 in a general northeasterly direction (excluding non-National
Forest System lands) to its intersection with NFSR 330, then following the north edge of NFSR 330
in a general southeasterly direction to its intersection with the San Carlos Apache Reservation,
then following the National Forest/San Carlos Apache Reservation boundary in a northeasterly
direction to its intersection with NFSR 2326, then following the north edge of NFSR 2326 in a
northwesterly direction back to the point of beginning at the intersection U.S. 60 and NFSR 216, as
shown in the map in Exhibit A.

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 effective on August 21, 2020, at  1200    , 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, or at Mesa Ranger District Office,
(480)610-3300.

Dated this 21st day of August 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona

/s/ NEIL BOSWORTH
Forest Supervisor

GRIFFIN FIRE

Location: 1.5 miles north of the Gin Fire
Cause:  Lightning
Size:  2,500 acres
Percent containment:  0%
Vegetation:  Grass and Brush
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

Fire acreages are approximate, and maps are being updated as information becomes available. The overnight flight utilizing infrared imaging was not able to get an accurate acreage due to cloud cover.

FIRE ACTIVITY: Yesterday the Griffin Fire crossed Highway 60 and has moved onto the San Carlos Apache Reservation. The highway remains closed in both directions from SR-73 (311) to S Vuksanovich Dr (254). Visit AZ511.gov for the latest information. Today crews will scout and assess options on the eastern edge and work to protect the Griffin Ranch northeast of the fire.

Communities Affected: As a result of the fires, the Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management have recommended the following areas be placed on "Go" Evacuation Status: All residents on Hicks Road between H&E Ranch and Pringle Pump. The following communities are on "Set" Evacuation Status: Areas on both sides of State Route 188 from Bixby Road to the 188 / 288 Junction, including Wheatfields, Roosevelt Estates, Roosevelt Resort, Rockhouse, Spring Creek, Hay Hook, and Quail Run. For more emergency alert and Red Cross evacuation information, visit http://www.readygila.com/.

Roosevelt Lake Recreation: Roosevelt Lake and adjacent recreation sites remains open to the public, with the exception of Bermuda Flat, Cholla Bay, and Bachelors Cove which are closed due to concerns for potential flooding after the Bush Fire earlier this summer.

Smoke: Smoke is forecasted to rise and disperse toward the east-southeast. The Globe-Miami area and San Carlos may also be impacted by smoke depending on prevailing winds. Overnight, as winds weaken, expect smoke to settle into Roosevelt and Globe-Miami. Salt Wildfire Smoke Forecast can be found at:  https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast?fire=saltfire

Weather: Winds are expected to be from the southwest from 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon with the possibility of strong outflow winds from thunderstorms in the evening up to 30 mph. Higher humidity levels around 30 percent are anticipated today. Temperatures are predicted to reach 96 degrees with a 10 percent chance of rain. Firefighters will be dealing with erratic gusty winds as well as the potential for more lightning from thunderstorms.

Values: Fire fighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The fire area includes multiple communities, power lines, mines, range improvements and historical sites, which firefighters are working hard to assess and protect.

Closures and Restrictions: ADOT has Hwy. 188 closed from the north end of Wheatfields Rd. north to mile marker 232 near Roosevelt.  SR 288 is closed from the junction of Hwy. 188 to FR 465. Highway 60 is closed from SR-73 to S Vuksanovich Drive. For more updates on highway closures and restrictions visit: https://www.az511.gov/

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

Incident Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Salt-Gin-Griffin-Fire-100936588404764/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Salt Fire

Location: 11 miles north of Globe, AZ near the junction of Hwy. 188 and SR 288

Cause: Lightning

Percent containment: 0%

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

Size: 13,000 acres

Vegetation: Sonoran Desert Grass and Brush

Gin Fire

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

Cause: Lightning

Percent containment: 0%

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

Size: 3,600 acres

Vegetation: Grass and Brush

Griffin Fire

Location: 1.5 miles north of the Gin Fire

Cause: Lightning

Size: 1000 acres

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Grass and Brush

Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

Fire activity:

Salt Fire: There was minimal fire activity on the east side of Hwy. 188 yesterday. There were two small spot fires near Pringle Pump and a 4-acre spot fire on the west side of SR 288 that crews were able to contain. The fire was most active west of Hwy. 188. Heavy smoke impacted the 500 KV powerlines operated by SRP and APS yesterday afternoon. They expect the fire to be active in the Granite Basin area today. Crews will work to minimize impacts to the values at risk in the area which include communities near Wheatfields and Roosevelt, Pinto Valley Mine, APS/SRP powerlines, and Hwy 188/288.

Gin Fire: The fire was most active on the northwest side yesterday in the Apache Mountains. Firefighters are using bulldozers and heavy equipment to clear along the existing road system to connect FR 220 to FR 224 in order to secure the southwest flank of the fire.

Griffin Fire: The fire backed down hill yesterday to the east. This morning the fire has moved east and is impcting State Highway 60. ADOT has temporarily closed the highway in both directions. Visit AZ511.gov for the latest information. Today crews will scout the north and east sides of the fire looking for holding features they may use to create containment lines.

Communities Affected: As a result of the Salt Fire, the Gila County Sheriff's Office and Gila County Emergency Management have recommended that the following areas be placed on "SET" mode on the Ready Set, Go! model: areas on both sides of Hwy 188 from Bixby Road to the 188/288 junction all of Wheatfields. This includes the areas between H&E Ranch and Pringle Pump, Roosevelt Estates, Roosevelt Resort, Rockhouse, Spring Creek, Hay Hook, and Quail Run.

THESE COMMUNITIES ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY THREATENED, THE 'SET' NOTIFICATION IS A PREPARATORY MEASURE.

For more emergency alert information, visit http://www.readygila.com/

Smoke: Overnight smoke from all three fires has flowed down the Pinal Creek drainage and settled into the Roosevelt Lake area. Yesterday Wheatfields, and communities around Roosevelt Lake and Tonto Basin areas were most affected by smoke. The Globe-Miami area and San Carlos may also be impacted by smoke depending on prevailing winds. Salt Wildfire Smoke Forecast can be found at: https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast?fire=saltfire

Weather: Winds are expected to be from the southwest from 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon with the possibility of strong outflow winds from thunderstorms in the evening up to 23 mph. Temperatures will range from 74 to 97 with a 20 percent chance of rain in the afternoon.

Values: Fire fighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The fire area includes multiple communities, power lines, mines, range improvements and historical sites, which firefighters are working hard to assess and protect.

Closures and Restrictions: ADOT has Hwy. 188 closed from the north end of Wheatfields Rd. north to mile marker 232 near Roosevelt. SR 288 is closed from the junction of Hwy. 188 to FR 465. For more updates on highway closures and restrictions visit: https://www.az511.gov/

More Info: Official information on the fire can be found on these sites. Salt Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7019/

   Gin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7017/

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

   Incident Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Salt-Gin-Griffin-Fire-100936588404764/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Griffin Fire: 61, 869 acres          28% contained          Cause: Lightning          Grass and Brush 

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

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

Salt Fire: 21,670 acres           71% contained           Cause: Lightning          Desert Grass and Brush 

  Started 8/17      Location: 11 miles north of Globe, AZ near the junction of Hwy. 188 and SR 288 
 

Meddler Fire: 4,452 acres          20% contained          Cause: Under Investigation           Grass and Brush 

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

Resources: 416 total including: 10 Crews; 28 Engines; 6 bulldozers; 6 water tenders; 4 helicopters 

Rain Temporarily Slows Fire Activity in Areas; Firefighters Respond to New Lightning Starts 

Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ 

Portions of the Griffin Fire received minimal precipitation the past two evenings which temporarily helped reduce fire activity in those areas. East of Highway 60 firefighters will take advantage of reduced fire activity to construct direct fireline where possible and prepare contingency fireline along existing roads and dozer line to secure the north and east flanks of the fire.  Highway 60 remains closed between Globe and Show Low, firefighters are constructing direct and indirect fireline where possible and may have to conduct burnout operations using the roadway as an anchor to keep the fire east of the Highway. 

West of Highway 60 crews will monitor and hold existing firelines and prep the area around Tucker Ranch. The portion of the Griffin Fire west of Highway 60 has been inactive over the last several days. 

The south flank of the fire on the San Carlos Reservation has been inactive the past few days. Crews will continue to hold and monitor lines in this area.  

There was a new lightning fire discovered yesterday evening northeast of the Griffin Fire between the fire’s edge and the 1300 road contingency line. Crews will assess that fire this morning and determine how to best to protect values at risk in the area. Two super scooper aircraft will be assisting the nearby  Rockhouse Fire today. Firefighters are prepared to respond to potential new starts from recent lightning storms as needed. 

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

Minimal fire activity has been observed on the Salt Fire and Meddler Fires. Firefighters continue to monitor the Salt Fire and three engines continue to monitor and patrol firelines on the Meddler Fire.  

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

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

Today and tomorrow, smoke during the afternoon is expected to move toward the east/southeast with light to moderate impacts likely through the day in San Carlos and Peridot. There will be a continued chance for afternoon thunderstorms along with gusty outflow winds. As outflows move through the region, fire activity may increase, resulting in more smoke production. Outflow winds may also push brief pockets of moderate to heavy smoke into Globe-Miami and Roosevelt. Expect hazy conditions with periods of light to moderate smoke impacts for all communities surrounding the fires. Overnight smoke will move into the drainages and low lying areas adjacent to the fire. Smoke from the Medicine Fire is expected to combine with smoke from the Griffin Fire, causing heavier smoke impacts throughout the night into the early morning hours in San Carlos, Peridot, and possibly Globe-Miami. The heaviest of impacts are expected between 2 am and 9 am with the smoke lifting out by 10 am. For the latest Wildfire Smoke Forecast visit https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast. 

Highway 60 is closed north of Globe from S. Parker Street (MM251) north to MM318. Highways 188 and 288 are open. Visit https://az511.gov or call 511 for current status. Road 1300, near Highway Tanks, Road 900, are closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Please be careful while driving in the fire area as firefighters are working along roadways and travelling through communities to reach the fires.  

The Tonto National Forest has issued a Public Safety Closure Order for the areas impacted by these fires. More info: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7019/, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7020/, and https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7072/  

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More info visit: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

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

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

Salt Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7019/ 

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

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

Highway Closures and Restrictions: Call 511 or visit https://www.az511.gov/  

The Salt Fire Operations Update Video for August 28, 2020 with Planning Operations Trainee Caleb Finch is now available on the Salt Gin Griffin Fire Information Facebook page at http://bit.ly/OpsUpdateVideo 

There is also an option to watch the video in Apache

 Griffin – Meddler – Salt Fires, August 27, 2020 Morning Update 

Salt Fire                                                                                                                                                                 Cause: Lightning                             Percent containment: 71%
Location: 11 miles north of Globe, AZ near the junction of Hwy. 188 and SR 288                 Size: 20,838 acres                       
Vegetation: Sonoran Desert Grass and Brush 
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression 

Griffin Fire 
Location: 5 miles northeast of Globe, AZ in the Apache mountains west of Hwy. 60              Cause: Lightning                             Percent containment: 28%
Vegetation: Grass and Brush                                                                                                                           Size: 60,075 acres  
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression 

Meddler Fire                                                                                                                                                       Cause: Under Investigation                                  Percent containment: 20%
Location: 7 miles northeast of Roosevelt, AZ                                                                                          Size: 5,142 acres 
Vegetation: Grass and Brush 
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression 

Resources: 537 total including: 12 Crews; 35 Engines; 5 bulldozers; 11 water tenders; 6 helicopters 

Griffin Fire Grows to Northeast  Ko’ Ba Nagoni i’ 

Last night a thunderstorm moved across the southern portion of the Griffin Fire bringing lightning and some rain. An “Initial Attack” contingent of firefighters from the team are on standby to respond to any new fires in the area that may result from the lightning. 

Take the time to become familiar with the Ready-Set-Go Evacuation information before you see smoke in your community.  More information is available at: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go 

 Overview 

• The communities along the east side of Highway 60 (north of Globe) from ADOT yard north to Winters Ranch including Johnson Ranch and McMillianville are in a “Go” evacuation Status. 

• The San Carlos communities of Upper Gilson and Skill Center have returned to “Ready” Status. 

• Highway 60 is closed north of Globe from S. Parker Street (MM251) north to MM318 www.az511.gov  

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

• Highways 188 and 288 are open. 

• Road 1300, near Highway Tanks, Road 900, and Indian Route 6, Old San Carlos Highway, are closed on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Please be careful while driving in the fire area as firefighters are working along roadways and travelling through communities to reach the fires. 

UPDATE 

Griffin Fire (merged with Champion Fire): 

The fire continued to exhibit active fire behavior yesterday. Residual heat and overnight fire spread contributed to an active fire edge that increased in fire activity early in the shift. The northeast flank continues to be very active north of the Sevenmile Mountains in heavy brush and timber. An active edge of fire from Winters Ranch south down the Hwy 60 corridor continued to advance to the west. As winds switched to the west-southwest in the mid-afternoon fire behavior began to moderate and push away from Highway 60. Winds are forecast to be from the southwest today from 5-10 mph with gusts to 15 mph with the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. 

Today, firefighters are in place to help protect residences and other values at risk in the Highway 60 corridor and will build direct line and burn out if necessary, along the east side of Highway 60 to keep the fire from crossing the highway. Crews were able to secure the south flank of the fire and will hold and improve those firelines today. On the east side of the fire, firefighters will build direct line where possible and continue to prepare contingency lines from the Cassadore Springs Fire scar south to the Quail Fire scar. On the northwest corner, west of Highway 60 firefighters continue to protect the Griffin, Winters, McMillianville, Adobe, Haystack and Tucker Ranches and keep fire south of FR 303 (Sevenmile Wash Rd). Please continue to be on the lookout for fire equipment and personnel as they drive through San Carlos and the Sevenmile communities to access the fires. 

Communities Affected: 

The communities along the east side of Highway 60 from the ADOT yard north to Winters Ranch, including Johnson Ranch and McMillianville are in a “Go” evacuation Status. 
The following communities on San Carlos Reservation have moved from “Set” to “Ready” status: Upper Gilson and Skill Center. 
For emergency alert and Red Cross evacuation information, visit http://www.readygila.com/. 

Meddler Fire: 

Minimal fire activity was observed on the fire yesterday. Crews will hold and improve fireline along FR 203 on the north edge of the fire and hold the fire along a two-track road on the east flank as well. Firefighters are working to mitigate threats to 5 residences, 10 outbuildings, and 500kV powerlines.  Structure prep work is being conducted in the Rockhouse Community, Dagger Ranch, and Coon Creek Ranch. 

Salt Fire: 

Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter. Occasional smoke, flames and ash whirls from within the burned area may be visible from the highway and nearby communities. 

Roosevelt Lake Recreation: 

Roosevelt Lake and adjacent recreation sites remains open to the public, with the exception of Bermuda Flat, Cholla Bay, and Bachelor’s Cove which are closed due to concerns for potential flooding after the Bush Fire earlier this summer. 

Griffin and Salt fires Smoke Report: 

Today and tomorrow, smoke during the afternoon is expected to move toward the east/southeast with light to moderate impacts likely through the day in San Carlos and Peridot. There will be a continued chance for afternoon thunderstorms along with gusty outflow winds. As outflows move through the region, fire activity may increase, resulting in more smoke production. Outflow winds may also push brief pockets of moderate to heavy smoke into Globe-Miami and Roosevelt. Expect hazy conditions with periods of light to moderate smoke impacts for all communities surrounding the fires. 

Overnight smoke will move into the drainages and low lying areas adjacent to the fire. Smoke from the Medicine Fire is expected to combine with smoke from the Griffin Fire, causing heavier smoke impacts throughout the night into the early morning hours in San Carlos, Peridot, and possibly Globe-Miami. The heaviest of impacts are expected between 2 am and 9 am with the smoke lifting out by 10 am. https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast 

Closures and Restrictions: The Tonto National Forest has issued a Public Safety Closure Order for the area impacted by these fires, for more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7019/  

Values: Fire fighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The fire area includes multiple communities, power lines, mines, range improvements, historical, cultural, ceremonial sites and natural resources, which firefighters are working hard to assess and protect. 

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

 The Salt Fire Operations Update Video for August 27, 2020 with Planning Operations Trainee Caleb Finch is now available on the Salt Gin Griffin Fire Information Facebook page at http://bit.ly/OpsUpdateVideo

Location: 11 miles north of Globe, AZ near the junction of Hwy. 188 and SR 288
Cause: Lightning
Size: 20,813 acres
Percent containment: 66%
Vegetation: Sonoran Desert Grass and Brush
Fire Strategy: Full Suppression

Take the time to become familiar with the Ready-Set-Go Evacuation information before you see smoke in your community.  More information is available at: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Highways 188 and 288 are open. Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter. Occasional smoke, flames and ash whirls from within the burned area may be visible from the highway and nearby communities.

Roosevelt Lake Recreation:

Roosevelt Lake and adjacent recreation sites remains open to the public, with the exception of Bermuda Flat, Cholla Bay, and Bachelor’s Cove which are closed due to concerns for potential flooding after the Bush Fire earlier this summer.

 
 Griffin and Salt Fires Smoke Update:

Weather conditions today are expected to be similar to yesterday, with above normal temperatures and thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Winds will be out of the east in the morning, before becoming more south to southwesterly in the afternoon. An increase in fire activity is expected to produce more smoke, and with the addition of smoke for other fires in the area, smokier conditions are expected throughout the day and overnight.

All communities located around the fires should anticipate hazy conditions with periods of moderate smoke. Overnight smoke will move into the drainages and low-lying areas adjacent to the fire. Smoke from wildfires to the north are expected to combine with smoke from the Griffin and Champion fires. This will cause heavier smoke impacts overnight into the early morning hours in the areas of San Carlos, Peridot, Globe, Wheatfields and Roosevelt. The heaviest of impacts are expected between 2am and 9am with the smoke lifting out by 10 am.  https://azdeq.gov/WildfireForecast

Closures and Restrictions: The Tonto National Forest has issued a Public Safety Closure Order for the area impacted by these fires, for more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7019/

Values: Fire fighter and public safety are the highest priorities on these fires. The fire area includes multiple communities, power lines, mines, range improvements, historical sites, cultural and natural resources, which firefighters are working hard to assess and protect.

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

• Salt Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7019/
• Griffin Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7020/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaltGinGriffinFire/ and https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY/
• Direct link to Gila County's Everbridge Emergency Alert Sign-up form: https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736724090/#/signupncident
• Highway Closures and Restrictions: https://www.az511.gov/
• Ready-Set-Go Evacuation Information Program: https://ein.az.gov/

The Salt Fire burning on the Tonto National Forest is approximately 5 miles northwest of Miami, AZ. No new growth was reported, and the perimeter is holding at 20,288 acres, with 66% contained.

Resources from the Salt fire are now being pushed to the Griffin fire, as the Salt does not show much heat. A couple of small smoke reports were confirmed yesterday but were coming from well within the perimeter. Crews will continue to mop-up and build containment lines. Smoke may still be visible at times as unburnt fuel pockets consume. The majority of smoke in the area will be coming from the Meddler, Griffin and Champion fires.

Today we are expecting similar weather conditions to what was seen yesterday, with above normal temperatures and thunderstorms in the late afternoon. There will be a slight change in the wind direction as we are forecasting south to southeast winds early today before increasing and becoming outflow driven in the early afternoon. An increase in fire activity is expected to produce more smoke, and with the addition of smoke from other fires in the area, smokier conditions are also expected throughout the day into the overnight.

All communities located around the fires should anticipate hazy conditions with periods of heavy smoke. Overnight smoke will move into the drainages and low lying areas adjacent to the fire. A northerly flow is expected to enhance the diurnal wind pattern, allowing smoke from the wildfires to the north to combine with smoke from the Griffin and Champion fires. This will cause heavier smoke impacts throughout the night into the early morning hours in the communities surrounding the fire. The heaviest of impacts are expected between 2 am and 9 am with the smoke lifting out by 10 am. Air quality is forecasted to be in the Unhealthy AQI category.

If possible, the suggested actions to take are: close windows and use fans or alternative cooling devices, turn off swamp coolers, use filtered HVAC systems, and avoid outdoor activities. A heat advisory has been issued for today; please take necessary precautions to protect your health and the health of those around you. Roadways near the fire may see periods of heavy smoke lowering visibility, use caution when driving.