Blue River 2 Fire & Valley Fire Update July 15th, 2020
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Update: The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4, a type 2 team lead by Incident Commander Carl Schwope, assumed management of the Blue River 2 and Valley Fires this morning at 6:00 A.M.
 
Fire Activity: Both fires were ignited by a lightning storm on the evening of July 10th. They are burning in grass and light fuels at a rapid rate, spreading to the east at a rate of up to 1900 feet per hour at the height of the day. The Blue River 2 Fire is burning in the area north of Warm Springs. It has bumped against the Blue River to the west, and is moving towards Dehorn to the east. The Valley Fire is about three miles to the southeast. It also has anchored against the San Carlos River to the west and has crossed the Point of Pines Road to the east, burning towards Ash Creek.
 
Operations: The majority of the firefighting efforts are focusing on the running head of the fires on the eastern ends. Helicopters and air tankers are working to fight the forward progress, while hotshot crews, engines, and dozers are building fireline and burning out along the flanks in an effort to pinch off the heads of the blazes before they move in to heavy timber to the east.

Weather: There is a 10 to 20 percent chance of thunderstorms over the fires today that can produce strong outflow winds, impacting fire behavior. Temperatures around 100 degrees and westerly winds will continue to feed the easterly spread of both fires. An increased chance of monsoon rains loom on thehorizon in the days to come.

Closures: There is a temporary flight restriction closure over the fire area. Citizens are encouraged to stay safely clear of fire area. The Point O’ Pines road is closed due to fire activity and firefighters working off of the road.
 
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Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6860/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueriver2fireinfo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCATFORESTRY

Media & Public Information Contact:
Email: 2020.Blue River2@firenet.gov
Phone: 928-351-7052
Hours: 8 am- 8 pm

Fire containment is 100%, 1,097 acres. The Waldrop fire was caused by welding. Texas A&M Forest Service resources have been released and the fire has been turned back over to the local VFDs.

Fire containment is 35%, estimated 500 acres. Fire behavior remains active. Multiple structures threatened and evacuations were conducted. Contact local authorities for more information. Highs around 104, minimum relative humidity values of 20%, and winds of 12-13 mph with gusts up to 18 mph are forecasted for tomorrow. Planned actions for tomorrow are to construct, improve, patrol, and mop up along containment lines and utilize aerial resources where effective.

Fire containment is 100%, 13,343 acres. All state resources are off the Gate 5 Fire and it has been turned back over to the locals to monitor.

The Gate 5 Fire is currently 13,343 acres and 95% contained.

Fire Weather: 
Hot and dry conditions will persist across the fire area today. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 90's this afternoon. Humidity is forecast to drop to around 30%, with Southeast winds around 8-12 mph. An isolated shower or thunderstorms is possible this afternoon, but most areas will remain dry.

Operations:
Crews will continue to patrol and mop up any hot spots close to the fire perimeter.  

Fire containment is 95%, 13,343 acres. Crews were very productive today with patrolling and mopping up hot spots along the fire perimeter. Planned actions for tomorrow will be to mop up all hot spots close to the fire perimeter. Resources will begin to be released as the containment increases.

The Gate 5 Fire is currently 13,343 acres and 90% contained.

Fire Weather: 
Hot and dry conditions will persist across the fire area today. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 90's this afternoon. Humidity is forecast to drop to around 30%, with Southeast winds around 8-12 mph.

Operations:
Overnight:
Crews worked late into the night hitting hot spots while patrolling.
Daytime:
Dozer crews will continue to construct and improve containment lines. Engine crews will patrol and mop up along the perimeter. Aerial resources will be utilized where effective.

Fire containment is 75%, 13,343 acres. Fire crews made significant progress today. Overnight crews will monitor, patrol, and mop up hot spots. Planned actions for tomorrow will be to construct containment lines, patrol and mop up hot spots.  

Fire containment is 75%, 13,343 acres. Crews made significant progress on containment lines today. Overnight resources will patrol and mop up hot spots along the perimeter. Planned actions for tomorrow will be to construct containment lines, patrol and mop up hotspots.

The Gate 5 Fire is currently estimated at 12,000 acres and 50% contained.

Fire Weather: 
Hot and dry conditions will persist across the fire area today. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 90's this afternoon. Humidity is forecast to drop to around 35%, with Southeast winds around 10-15 mph.

Operations:
Overnight:
Crews conducted burnouts to remove excess fuel between the containment lines and active fire edge and hit hot spots while patrolling.
Daytime:
Dozer crews will continue to construct and improve containment lines. Engine crews will patrol and mop up along the perimeter. They will also conduct burn outs where needed. Aerial resources will continue to be utilized where effective and assist with the construction of containment lines.