Fountain Hills: Brief smoke impacts possible mid-morning.

Camp Verde: Brief smoke impacts possible late morning.

Payson: Occasional smoke impacts likely.

Heber-Overgarrd: Brief but heavy smoke impacts possible afternoon and evening.

Fire Information
The Bush Fire is estimated at 114,941 acres with over 25,895 acres of growth as of Thursday morning, and remains 5 percent contained. Fire is growing to the North, East and South.

Smoke Discussion
As fire activity continues, smoke will be likely from Tonto Basin North, Northeast to Payson, Heber-Overgarrd, Show Low, Fort Apache Reservation, Snowflake, Winslow, Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Reservation and as far northeast to the four corners area where at least moderate Air Quality Index may be expected. Winds will continue to move smoke northeast over the ridges, however, smoke may linger with expected lower wind speeds. The largest potential for smoke impacts will be mid-day in Payson moving along the Mogollon Rim oscillating from Payson to Heber-Overgarrd.

Extended Outtook
The pattern of lighter southwest wind is likely into Friday and Saturday that may again allow smoke to linger in the areas mentioned above. Still expect heavy smoke during the early morning hours along Tonto Basin, Verde River, and Salt River corridors and drainage's with brief impacts as smoke lifts.

 The full report can be found here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/photograph/6773/0/98209

Bush Fire Morning Update, Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Unfavorable weather conditions continue to increase fire behavior

Smoke Outlook for 6/17 - 6/18 
Central Arizona - Bush Fire
Issued at: 2020-06-17 09:51 MDT
 
Fountain Hills: Brief smoke impacts possible mid-morning.
Camp Verde: Brief smoke impacts possible late morning. 
Payson: Occasional smoke impacts likely.
Heber-Overgarrd: Brief smoke impacts possible afternoon and evening.   

Fire Information
The Bush Fire is estimated at 89,000 acres with over 24,500 acres of growth as of Wednesday morning, and remains 5 percent contained. Fire is growing to the North, East and South.

Smoke Discussion
Smoke yesterday moved northeast toward Payson, Heber-Overgarrd, Show-Low, Fort Apache Reservation, Winslow, Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Reservation. An additional smoke monitor was installed yesterday in Heber-Overgarrd, with plans to install additional monitors and expand forecast area today.
As the fire continues to move toward the east/northeast, the chance of smoke draining back into the Fountain Hills and Scottsdale area overnight will decrease.
As fire activity, smoke will be likely from Tonto Basin North, Northeast to Payson, Heber-Overgarrd, Show Low, and as far Northeast to the four corners area where moderate AQI may be expected. With breezy and dry weather continuing today, expect similar smoke production as was seen yesterday.

Extended Outlook
A more southwest wind is likely throughout the day and into Thursday, which will push afternoon smoke impacts further east, away from Payson towards Heber-Overgaard, Show Low and as far Northeast to the Four Corners area.
Still expect heavy smoke during the morning hours along Tonto Basin, Verde River, and Salt River corridors, with brief impacts to the north as smoke lifts. Friday, southwest winds will continue with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. However, once again, expecting light to moderate smoke impacts across the region northeast of the fire. 

For the full report: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/photograph/6773/0/98177 

 A “GO” notification has been issued in the area of Apache Lake in Maricopa County due to the Bush Fire burning along State Route 87. Residents and visitors should evacuate now. Persons who are in the area for recreational activities should return to their homes immediately. Those residents who live in the area of Apache Lake should travel towards Miami-Globe. Remember to bring snacks, water, prescriptions, identification and other important documents, change of clothes, leashes and carrier for pets, pet food, and any other necessary supplies for yourself and your family.

Please drive with caution and obey directions of emergency personnel. For those residents who have been evacuated and require assistance please call the American Red Cross at 1-800-842-7349.

Se ha emitido una notificación de "Fuera" en el área de Apache Lake en el Condado Maricopa debido al incendio forestal Bush a lo largo de la ruta estatal 87. Los residentes y visitantes deben evacuar ahora. Las personas que se encuentran en el área para actividades recreativas deben regresar a sus hogares de inmediato.

Aquellos residentes que viven en el área de Apache Lake deben viajar hacia Miami-Globe. Recuerde traer bocadillos, agua, recetas, identificación y otros documentos importantes, cambio de ropa, correas y transportador para mascotas, alimentos para mascotas y cualquier otro suministro necesario para usted y su familia. Conduzca con precaución y obedezca las instrucciones del personal de emergencia. Para aquellos residentes que han sido evacuados y requieren asistencia, llame a la Cruz Roja Americana al 1-800-842-7349.

Payson: Moderate Smoke Impacts Likely
Camp Verde: Brief smoke impacts possible late-morning.
Carefree: Brief smoke impacts possible mid-morning.
Fountain Hills: Brief smoke impacts possible mid-morning.

Smoke Discussion: 

Smoke yesterday moved northeast toward Payson, Heber-Overgaard, Winslow, Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Reservation. A smoke monitor was installed yesterday in Fountain Hills, with plans to install one in Heber-Overgaard and Winslow today.
As the fire continues to move toward the east/northeast, the chance of smoke draining back into the Fountain Hills and Scottsdale area overnight will decrease.
As fire activity increases today smoke will be likely from Tonto Basin northward to Payson, where moderate AQI is expected.
With breezy and dry weather continuing today, expect similar smoke production as was seen yesterday; however, as the fire moves into heavier fuels, expect enhanced smoke production.
Smoke is forecast to move northeast, resulting in light to moderate smoke impacts to the communities noted above, but may also include Holbrook.

Extended Outlook
A more southwest wind is likely throughout the day and into Wednesday, which will push afternoon smoke impacts further east, away from Payson, and more likely impacting the Pleasant Valley area, and further northeast towards Heber-Overgaard.
Still expect heavy smoke during the morning hours along Tonto Basin, Verde River, and Salt River corridors, with brief impacts to the north as smoke lifts.
Thursday is nearly a repeat of today concerning weather and smoke movement, so once again, expecting light to moderate smoke impacts across the region northeast of the fire, including Payson, Heber-Overgaard, Winslow, Holbrook, Navajo Nation, and the Hopi Reservation.

 
For more information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/photograph/6773/0/98141

Bush Fire Morning Update, Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Windy weather will increase fire activity 

Residents of Sunflower have been told to evacuate and are now in “go” status. 
Residents of Jakes Corner remain in “set” Status. 

A “Go” notice has been issued in the area of Sunflower due to the Bush Wildfire burning along State Route 87. Residents in the Sunflower area should evacuate now. Remember to take water, snacks, prescriptions, identification, leashes and carriers for pets, pet food, and other necessary items for you and your family.
Evacuated residents should proceed north towards Payson. Proceed to the Payson Police Department at 303 N. Beeline Highway, Payson, AZ. 85541. Drive with care and follow the directions of emergency personnel. For more information https://www.maricopa.gov/AlertCenter.aspx

Se ha emitido un aviso de "Fuera" en el área de Sunflower debido al incendio forestal Bush a lo largo de la ruta estatal 87. Los residentes en el área de Sunflower deben evacuar ahora. Recuerde llevar agua, refrigerios, recetas, identificación, correas y transportadores para mascotas, alimentos para mascotas y otros artículos necesarios para usted y su familia.
Los residentes evacuados deben continuar hacia el norte hacia Payson. Proceda al Departamento de Policía de Payson, 303 N. Beeline Highway, Payson, AZ. 85541. Conduzca con cuidado y siga las instrucciones del personal de emergencia. Para mas informacion https://www.maricopa.gov/AlertCenter.aspx

For detailed information on smoke forecasts, smoke impacts and air quality in your area we recommend the following websites. Reports put out by both entities are valid for two days at a time.

Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program: Central Arizona Report

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality: Wildfire Smoke Forecast

 

Jake's Corner and Sunflower have been placed on 'SET' notification on the Ready, Set, Go evacuation model. 

SET = Be Alert

• Know there is significant danger in your area.
• Residents should consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. Residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and should practice public health recommendations when relocating.
• Grab your emergency go kit.
• Keep in mind unique needs for your family or special equipment for pets and livestock.
• Stay aware of the latest news and information from public safety and public health officials.
• This might be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify everyone if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Be SET to GO.

 Bush Fire Update, Monday, June 15, 2020

Gila County Sheriff has placed residents in Tonto Basin/Punkin Center in Go Status

Location: 22 miles NE of Mesa, AZ

Start date: Saturday, June 13, 2020

Cause: Human caused, vehicle fire

Size: 37,900 acres

Percent containment: 0%

Vegetation: Tall grass and brush

On Monday morning, June 15, 2020, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office placed Tonto Basin/Punkin Center from Highway 188 and A-Cross Road to Highway 188 at Rambo Realty in Go Status.  This includes all residents on both sides of the highway, and both sides of the creek are now being asked to Go.  Visit www.facebook.com/gilacohealthem/ for the latest information for residents living in these areas.

The Southwest Area Team Incident Management Team 5 assumed command of the Bush Fire from the Tonto National Forest this morning, freeing local firefighters to rest and be available for any new fire starts.

Fire activity:  Last night the fire perimeter was mapped with the use of an infrared equipped aircraft, giving fire managers a more accurate fire size.  The Bush fire was most active on the northeast side, moving toward Tonto Basin/Punkin Center.  This growth was fueled by hot and dry weather, combined with an abundant crop of dry grass.  A Bush Fire Facebook page has been set up and can be found at https://www.facebook.com/bushfireinfo  The Southwestern Incident Management Team is being assisted by Tonto National Forest, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Maricopa and Gila County Sheriffs Offices, Arizona Department of Transportation, Maricopa County Department of Transportation, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and SRP.  No structures have been damaged. Infrastructure protection for State Highway 87, powerlines, private property, and sensitive recreation and heritage resources continue to be priorities for firefighting efforts. Smoke will continue to be seen in the east Phoenix metropolitan valley, with heavy smoke impacting the Tonto Basin and Roosevelt Lake areas, along with recreation sites along the lower Salt River.

Safety: Additional firefighters are arriving to assist with fire suppression efforts.  Due to increased fire activity and increased personnel near Tonto Basin/Punkin Center, please stay away from State Highway 188 to allow residents to safely leave the area.  The Beeline Highway, northbound State Route 87 remains closed at the intersection of Bush Highway and the southbound lanes of SR 87 is closed before the SR 188 junction.  Please avoid these areas.

Weather:  Hot and dry weather is expected for the next several days with winds out of the Southwest.  Tuesday may bring red flag conditions which will cause additional challenges for firefighters.

Values:  Fire fighter and public safety are the highest priorities on the Bush Fire.  The fire area includes multiple communities, state highways, communication sites and power lines which firefighters are working hard to protect.

Road and Area Closures:  Highway 188 between SR 87 and Globe is temporarily closed to allow for the safe travel of residents out of the area.  State Route 87, Beeline Highway, is closed from the junction of Bush Highway to above the SR 188 junction near Payson.  Please visit https://az511.com/ for current information about highway closures.

Recreation Closures:  The roads leading to Sugarloaf, Four Peaks, Lower Sycamore, The Rolls, Pobrecito, Butcher Jones, Saguaro Del Norte, and Saguaro Lake are closed at this time.  Remember, wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can't!

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bushfireinfo