June 30, 2020 Update - Bush Fire

Acres: 193,455 acres (no change)
Percent Containment: 98% (no change)
Start Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020
Cause: Human-caused
Origin Location: 22 miles NE of Mesa, AZ
AZ Fuels: Tall grass and brush
Resources: approx. 120 personnel including 1 Type 1 Crew; 8 Engines; 1 dozer; 2 water tenders

The Bush Fire remains 98% contained. Through the high winds yesterday the containment lines remained secure. Frequent ash whirls that looked like smoke were visible within the fire area; minimal smoke on the interior was observed. Interior burning activity and smoke may be present until the fire area receives widespread moisture from monsoons. The Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team is working with the Tonto National Forest to transition management to the forest in the coming days.
Resources assigned to the fire supported new fires yesterday and will continue to support be available for initial attack on new fires.


 
Emergency Stabilization-Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessments are in progress. For more information, visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6803/

The Tonto National Forest has an area closures surrounding the Bush and Central Fires. Fire restrictions remain in place. Details are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

For your safety and ours, please drive with caution. Firefighters continue to work along Highway 87 and 188. Drivers should expect fire personnel and cooperators to be working on highway shoulders and should use extreme caution. Slow down and watch for firefighters working along the highways. Please not stop along the road in the fire area.

Road Status Information: https://az511.com/ or call 511

Evacuation Status: READY – No active evacuations. Learn more about “Ready-Set-Go Arizona” and sign up for emergency notifications for your county: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke Outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralArizona.

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: 928-351-7596 (public)
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6773/
Facebook: Fb.com/bushfireinfo
Email: 2020.bush@firenet.gov
Twitter: twitter.com/TontoForest 

June 29, 2020 Update - Bush Fire

Acres: 193,455 acres (no change)
Percent Containment: 98% (no change)
Start Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020
Cause: Human-caused
Origin Location: 22 miles NE of Mesa, AZ
Fuels: Tall grass and brush
Resources: approx. 120 personnel including 1 Type 1 Crew; 8 Engines; 1 dozer; 2 water tenders

Challenged by high winds firefighters continue to patrol and monitor containment lines
The Bush Fire remains 98% contained. A Red Flag Warning is again in effect over the fire area today bringing high and gusty winds with low relative humidity. Through the high winds yesterday the containment lines remained secure and minimal fire activity on the interior was observed. Interior burning activity and smoke may be present until the fire area receives widespread moisture from monsoons. Until then resources will continue to monitor and patrol the fire’s perimeter. Resources assigned to the fire supported new fires yesterday and will continue to support be available for initial attack on new fires.
 
Emergency Stabilization-Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessments are in progress. For more information, visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6803/

The Tonto National Forest has an area closures surrounding the Bush and Central Fires. Fire restrictions remain in place. Details are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

For your safety and ours, please drive with caution. Firefighters continue to work along Highway 87 and 188. Drivers should expect fire personnel and cooperators to be working on highway shoulders and should use extreme caution. Slow down and watch for firefighters working along the highways. Please not stop along the road in the fire area.

Road Status Information: https://az511.com/ or call 511

Evacuation Status: READY – No active evacuations. Learn more about “Ready-Set-Go Arizona” and sign up for emergency notifications for your county: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke Outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralArizona.

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: 928-351-7596 (public)
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6773/
Facebook: Fb.com/bushfireinfo
Email: 2020.bush@firenet.gov
Twitter: twitter.com/TontoForest

Bush Fire June 28, 2020 Update

Acres: 193,455 acres 
Percent Containment: 98%
Start Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020 
Cause: Human-caused
Origin Location: 22 miles NE of Mesa, AZ 
Fuels: Tall grass and brush
Resources: 166 personnel including 2 Type 1 Crews; 9 Engines; 1 dozer; 2 water tenders

Red Flag conditions including high winds expected in the fire area
The Bush Fire remains 98% contained and acreage is 193,455. [The change in acreage is due to a mapping adjustment to the fire perimeter made during the evaluation of containment.] A Red Flag Warning is in effect over the fire area today and tomorrow bringing high and gusty winds with low relative humidity. These conditions have the potential to increase the amount of smoke and fire activity seen on the interior of the fire within unburned pockets of vegetation that firefighters continue to monitor. Interior burning activity and smoke will be common until the fire area receives widespread moisture from monsoons. Until then resources will continue to monitor and patrol the fire’s perimeter. Resources assigned to the fire supported at least 4 new fires in central Arizona yesterday and will continue to support be available for initial attack on new fires in the area.
 
Emergency Stabilization-Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessments are in progress. For more information, visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6803/

The Tonto National Forest has an area closures surrounding the Bush and Central Fires. Fire restrictions remain in place. Details are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

For your safety and ours, please drive with caution. Firefighters continue to work along Highway 87 and 188. Drivers should expect fire personnel and cooperators to be working on highway shoulders and should use extreme caution. Slow down and watch for firefighters working along the highways. Please not stop along the road in the fire area.

Road Status Information: https://az511.com/ or call 511 

Evacuation Status: READY – No active evacuations. Learn more about “Ready-Set-Go Arizona” and sign up for emergency notifications for your county: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke Outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralArizona.

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: 928-351-7596 (public) 
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6773/
Facebook: Fb.com/bushfireinfo Email: 2020.bush@firenet.gov  
Twitter: twitter.com/TontoForest 

June 27, 2020 Update

Bush Fire
Acres: 190,269 acres (no change)
Percent Containment: 90% (no change)
Start Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020
Cause: Human-caused
Origin Location: 22 miles NE of Mesa, AZ
Fuels: Tall grass and brush
Resources: approx. 225 personnel including 2 Type 1 Crews; 9 Engines; 1 dozer; 2 water tenders

Firefighters alert as critical fire weather enters the fire area
The Bush Fire remains 90% contained. Critical fire weather is expected in the fire area bringing high gusty winds and dry conditions through the weekend. These conditions have the potential to increase the amount of smoke and fire activity seen from the interior. Firefighters continue to monitor several large pockets of unburned vegetation. Interior burning activity and smoke will be common until the fire area receives widespread moisture from monsoons. Until then resources will continue to monitor and patrol the fire’s perimeter. Resources assigned to the fire continue to support and are available for initial attack on new fires in the area.

Emergency Stabilization-Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessments are in progress. For more information, visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6803/

The Tonto National Forest has an area closures surrounding the Bush and Central Fires. Fire restrictions remain in place. Details are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

For your safety and ours, please drive with caution. Firefighters continue to work along Highway 87 and 188. Drivers should expect fire personnel and cooperators to be working on highway shoulders and should use extreme caution. Slow down and watch for firefighters working along the highways. Please not stop along the road in the fire area.

Road Status Information: https://az511.com/ or call 511

Evacuation Status: READY – No active evacuations. Learn more about “Ready-Set-Go Arizona” and sign up for emergency notifications for your county: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Smoke Outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralArizona

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: 928-351-7596 (public)
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6773/
Facebook: Fb.com/bushfireinfo
Email: 2020.bush@firenet.gov
Twitter: twitter.com/TontoForest

Smoke Outlook for 6/27 - 6/28
Central Arizona - Bush Fire
Issued at: 2020-06-27 10:01 MDT

Fire Information
The Bush Fire is estimated at 190,269 ac with no new perimeter growth as of Wednesday morning, and is now 90 percent contained. The Central fire is burning East of I-17 at New River. This fire is estimated at 4,499 ac with no new perimeter growth and is 80 percent contained.

Smoke Discussion
Moderate smoke can be expected in the Tonto Basin throughout the day. Morning hours may see smoke in all areas adjacent to the fire with the potential to impact urban areas, primarily in low lying drainage's near the fire such as the Verde and Salt River valley and basin. From late morning into afternoon, winds are expected to increase and push smoke North towards Payson and shift throughout the day to the Southwest with potential impacts to Heber-Overgarrd, Show Low and the Fort Apache Reservation. Smoke may settle below the rim from Payson and disperse East to the areas mentioned above and West toward the I-17 corridor. Afternoon into the evening will see breezy southwest winds with the potential for thunderstorms Southeast of the fire that may cause outflow winds gusting to 25 mph potentially affecting fire and smoke activity.

Extended Outlook
Sunday and Monday should see increasing southwest winds with high 30-35 mph gusts possible. Although there will be cooler temperatures and higher RH, both Sunday and Monday are likely to be critical fire weather days with potential for increased fire and smoke activity. 

June 26, 2020 Bush Fire Update

Acres: 190,269 acres
Percent Containment: 90%
Start Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020
Cause: Human-caused
Origin Location: 22 miles NE of Mesa, AZ
Fuels: Tall grass and brush
Resources: approx. 300 personnel including 1 Type 1 Crew, 2 Type 2 Crews; 18 Engines; 2 bulldozers; 11 water tenders; 8 helicopters

The Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Team assumed command of the Bush and Central Fires at 6 a.m. today. The team will continue the work to fully suppress and contain of both Central and Bush fires. Resources assigned to the fire continue to enhance and monitor containment, patrolling the fire’s edge. Resources are also available for the initial attack of new starts in the area.

The Bush Fire is currently 90% contained. Critical fire weather is expected in the fire area bringing high gusty winds and dry conditions through the weekend. Yesterday the fire was active within the unburned areas on the interior along the east side of the fire near Highway 188, as well as along the southern Four Peaks area. The fire’s interior has several unburnt areas that will continue to burn, create visible smoke and may have visible flame at night, especially when challenged by high winds and dry conditions. 
 

Road Closure Information: https://az511.com/ or call 511

For your safety and ours, please drive with caution. Firefighters continue to work along Highway 87 and 188. Drivers should expect fire personnel and cooperators to be working on highway shoulders and should use extreme caution. Slow down and watch for firefighters working along the highways. Please not stop along the road in the fire area.

The Tonto National Forest has an area closure surrounding the Bush Fire. Fire restrictions remain in place. Details are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

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: 928-351-7596 (public)
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6773/ 
Facebook: Fb.com/bushfireinfo                    
Email: 2020.bush@firenet.gov                         
Twitter: twitter.com/TontoForest

Smoke Outlook for 6/26 - 6/27
Central Arizona - Bush Fire

Bush Fire - June 25, 2020 Update

Acres: 186,967 acres                                                                                      Percent Containment: 86%

Start Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020                                                          Cause: Human-caused

Resources: 417 total including 1 Type 1 Crew, 2 Type 2 Crews; 18 Engines; 2 bulldozers; 11 water tenders; 8 helicopters     

Expect To Continue to See Smoke as Fuels Burn Within the Bush Fire’s Perimeter

  The Bush Fire is currently 86% contained. Yesterday the fire was active in the interior unburned area along the east side of the fire near Highway 188. That area will continue to burn and create visible of smoke today. Crews continue to secure, patrol, and monitor the fire’s edge.

The Type 1 Incident Management team will be transitioning command of the Bush Fire to the Arizona Central West Zone Type 3 Team tomorrow at 6 a.m., as the fire complexity continues to decrease. Resources assigned to the fire continue to support and be available for initial attack efforts in the area.

  Hot, dry weather, similar to yesterday is expected again today. Southwest winds are expected to pick up in the late afternoon, up to 25 mph.  

  Evacuation info: Visit Maricopa County https://ready.maricopa.gov/ and Gila County: https://ready.maricopa.gov/.

   Smoke Outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralArizona.

  Visit https://az511.com/ or call 511 for current road closure information.

  For your safety and ours, please drive with caution. Firefighters continue to work along Highway 87 and 188. Drivers should expect fire personnel and cooperators to be working on highway shoulders and should use extreme caution. Slow down and watch for firefighters working along the highways. Please not stop along the road in the fire area.

  The Tonto National Forest has an area closure surrounding the Bush Fire. Fire restrictions remain in place. Details are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

   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: 928-351-7596 (public)                                                 928-351-7723 (media)

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6773/                           Facebook: Fb.com/bushfireinfo Email: 2020.bush@firenet.gov                          Twitter: twitter.com/TontoForest

Smoke Outlook for 6/25 - 6/26
Central Arizona - Bush Fire
Issued at: 2020-06-25 10:06 MDT

Special Statement
Take caution for potential smoke impacts on recently opened Hwy routes near the fire, primarily at night and early morning hours.

Fire Information
The Bush Fire is estimated at 186,976 ac with no new perimeter growth as of Wednesday morning, and is now 86 percent contained. The Central fire is burning just East of I-17 at New River. This fire is estimated at 4,499 ac with no new perimeter growth and is 69 percent contained.

Smoke Discussion
Moderate smoke can be expected in the Tonto Basin throughout the day. Morning hours may see smoke in all areas adjacent to the fire with the potential to impact urban areas primarily in low lying drainage's near the fire such as the Verde and Salt River valley and basin. From late morning into afternoon, winds are expected to increase and push smoke Northeast towards Heber-Overgarrd, Show Low and the Fort Apache Reservation. Smoke may settle below the rim from Show Low and disperse West toward Payson and further to the I-17 corridor. Afternoon into the evening will see breezy southwest winds in the Tonto Basin adding to dispersed impacts. Additionally, regional fires from the South may once again factor in the potential for light smoke impacts to the Phoenix metro area this evening.

Extended Outlook
The current pattern of predominate high pressure with South to Southwest wind will continue into the week and may again allow smoke to linger in the areas mentioned above This pattern is expected to continue through Saturday.

Bush Fire - June 24, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 186,967 acres                                                                                      Percent Containment: 73%

Start Date: Saturday, June 13, 2020                                                          Cause: Human-caused

Origin Location: 22 miles NE of Mesa, AZ                                              Fuels: Tall grass and brush

Resources: 522 total including 8 Type 2 Crews; 23 Engines; 2 bulldozers; 2 water tenders; 8 helicopters

Firefighters Focus on Suppression Repair Efforts

Firefighters remain committed to full suppression. The Bush Fire is currently 73% contained. Pockets of fuel within the fire’s perimeter continue to burn and create columns of smoke. Crews continue to secure, patrol, and monitor the fire’s edge and will drop water to cool areas of the fire as needed. Suppression repair efforts have become a priority as containment has increased.

Resources assigned to the fire continue to support and be available for initial attack efforts in the area. Yesterday ground and aerial resources assisted with nearby initial attack efforts. Excess Bush Fire personnel and resources continue to be released from the incident and made available to assist with fires across the Southwest. 

  Expect to see aircraft working along the east side of the fire near Highway 188. In an effort to try to help protect Sonoran desert areas within the pocket of unburned fuel on the east side of the fire, two amphibious water scoopers will be traveling between this area and Roosevelt Lake. The pilots have extensive seaplane training and will not touch down on the lake unless it’s safe.  If you see these aircraft in the area, please move your boat closer to shore.

  A recording of last night’s online community meeting tonight on the Bush and Central Fires is available at https://tinyurl.com/June23Video. Additional video updates are available at https://tinyurl.com/BushFireVideoUpdates.

  Hot, dry weather, similar to yesterday is expected again today. Southwest winds are expected to pick up in the late afternoon, up to 25 mph.   

  Evacuation info: Visit Maricopa County https://ready.maricopa.gov/ and Gila County: https://ready.maricopa.gov/.

  Smoke Outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/CentralArizona

  Visit https://az511.com/ or call 511 for current road closure information.

 For your safety and ours, please drive with caution. Firefighters continue to work along Highway 87 and 188. Drivers should expect fire personnel and cooperators to be working on highway shoulders and should use extreme caution. Slow down and watch for firefighters working along the highways. Please not stop along the road in the fire area.

The Tonto National Forest has an area closure surrounding the Bush Fire. Fire restrictions remain in place. Details are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

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: 928-351-7596 (public)                                                 928-351-7723 (media)

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6773/                           Facebook: Fb.com/bushfireinfo Email: 2020.bush@firenet.gov                          Twitter: twitter.com/TontoForest