Sawtooth Fire - June 5, 2020 Morning Update

Acres: 24, 729 acres Percent              Containment: 42%
Start Date: May 30, 2020                  Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Superstition Wilderness, two miles Northeast of Peralta Trailhead, Tonto National Forest
Jurisdiction: Arizona State Lands, private land, Tonto National Forest, including portions of the Superstition Wilderness
Fuels: Tall grass and heavy brush
Resources: Approximately 380 personnel

High Winds, Lightning Possible Today

Little fire activity was reported Thursday and containment has increased to 42%. Firefighters continue to secure the perimeter. Most of the containment is on the northeast side of the fire, where the Sawtooth Fire has burned into an area that burned last year during the Woodbury Fire. The majority of activity yesterday was in the Weavers Needle area. Helicopters dropped buckets of water to help cool hotspots. Firefighters are continuing to secure firelines, including searching for and put out hot spots near fire’s perimeter. Firefighters will continue to secure firelines today in anticipation of the significant change in weather this afternoon.

One of the aerial support tools firefighters have been using for a variety of tasks during this incident are Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS or drones). UAS have many capabilities including gathering images and video and patrolling areas inaccessible to firefighters or larger aircraft. While this technology does not replace the need for large aircraft and helicopters, it does lower the risk to our crews both in the air and on the ground. These UAS Operators are qualified and have constant communications with other fire aircraft.

The possibility of strong, gusty winds, and lightning later today could be a critical test of the work done by firefighters this week on the Sawtooth Fire. Wind gusts of up to 30 miles an hour are possible. Strong wind may fan lingering pockets of burning logs and brush and if embers land among new fuel sources, such as dry grass, and renewed fire activity is possible.

Dry lightning is also possible. “If lightning strikes in a receptive fuel bed, firefighters can expect to see very active fire behavior right away,” according to Fuel Behavior Analyst Stewart Turner. Resources assigned to the Sawtooth Fire are available to respond to new fires in the immediate area and will be ready to do so quickly today. Please help firefighters help you by being extremely careful with anything that might cause a fire. Today’s smoke outlook is available on the web at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/.

There are no evacuations in effect. The three steps encourage Arizonans to get READY by preparing now for what threatens their community, be SET by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to GO, evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening. Register for emergency alerts at https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.

A closure order is in place for the Tonto National Forest for the Peralta Trailhead and surrounding area. You can view the entire closures order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6730/51815/.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place. Visit https://firerestrictions.us/az/ for more information.

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 (6:00 am to 10:00 pm) Media Line: (928) 351-7618
Email: 2020.sawtooth@firenet.gov 
Facebook: fb.me/SawtoothFireInfo 
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6730/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SawtoothFire

 Sawtooth Fire - June 4, 2020 Morning Update

Acres:   24,600 acres (based on infrared flight)                                 Percent Containment or Completion: 8%
Start Date: May 30, 2020                                                                           Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Superstition Wilderness, two miles Northeast of Peralta Trailhead, Tonto National Forest
Jurisdiction: Arizona State Lands, private land, Tonto National Forest, including portions of the Superstition Wilderness
Fuels: Tall grass and heavy brush
Resources: 391 personnel including hand crews, engines, water tenders, and helicopters

Firefighters Continue Full Suppression Efforts

Firefighters are fully suppressing the Sawtooth Fire to protect nearby communities and other values at risk in the area.  Firefighter and public safety is our number one priority.

 

Yesterday minimal, creeping, backing fire was observed. Sparse fuels helped to limit fire spread. With limited wind, fire activity is expected to be low to moderate again today. An excessive heat warning remains in effect today.  As temperatures warm, fire activity is most likely to occur where fuels and topography align.

 

The most active part of the fire is in steep, rocky terrain in the Weavers Needle area on the northwest side of the fire. Firefighters are constructing indirect line in the Toe of Slope area and along the Peralta Trail and identifying holding opportunities should the fire grow to the north and west.

 

Yesterday helicopters dropped water to successfully cool pockets of heat on the east side of the fire.  On the southeast side of the fire, the Queen Valley and Elephant Butte areas are in mop-up and patrol status.  A heavy helicopter also helped reinforce firelines on the southwest side of the fire.

 

Today firefighters will continue to use a range of direct and indirect tactics where they can do so effectively. The goal is to keep the fire from moving west and south, as well as keep the fire east of the main Superstition ridegelines, west of Forest Road 172, and out of Elephant Butte and Queen Valley.

 

On Friday, strong gusty 25-30 mph winds from the southwest are expected. There is a chance of Isolated, scattered thunderstorms, with the potential for dry lighting and outflow winds. Firefighters are prepared to respond to increased fire activity and new starts in the area as needed.

The precautionary GO status for residents in Queen Valley has been lifted. There are no evacuations in effect at this time. Visit https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go for Ready, Set, Go and county emergency notification system information.

 

A closure order is in place for the Tonto National Forest for the Peralta Trailhead and surrounding area.  You can view the entire closures order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6730/51815/.

 

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place. Visit https://firerestrictions.us/az/ for more information.

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 Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information: (928) 351-7596 (6:00 am to 10:00 pm)   Media Line: (928) 351-7618 
Email: 2020.sawtooth@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6730/ (Air Quality info, County Emergency Alert sign-up link, Firewise tips)
Facebook: fb.me/SawtoothFireInfo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SawtoothFire

As of June 4, 2020 at 8:00am, Sawtooth Fire evacuations have been lifted for Queen Valley.  

Evacuation orders are put in place by the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. Learn more by visiting the following sites:
 
-Pinal County Sheriff's Office Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PinalCountySO/ or Twitter @PinalCSO 
-Sign up for the Pinal County Emergency Alert System for future notifications https://member.everbridge.net/892807736724089/login 
-Pinal County Emergency Management  https://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/emergencymanagement/pages/home.aspx 

                                 Sawtooth Fire - June 3, 2020 Afternoon Update
  Acres: 21,145 acres (based on infrared flight)                                 Percent Containment or Completion: 8%
 Start Date: May 30, 2020                                                                          Cause: Lightning

Origin Location: Superstition Wilderness, two miles Northeast of Peralta Trailhead, Tonto National Forest
Jurisdiction: Arizona State Lands, private land, Tonto National Forest, including portions of the Superstition Wilderness
Fuels: Tall grass and heavy brush 
Resources: Approximately 300 personnel including engines, handcrews, air attack, and helicopters 

Type 1 Incident Management Team Assumes Command of Sawtooth Fire

The Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Alan Sinclair, assumed command of the Sawtooth Fire, this morning, Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 6am.

Firefighters are fully suppressing the Sawtooth Fire to protect nearby communities and other values at risk in the area. Firefighter and public safety is our number one priority.

Yesterday firefighters made progress on fire containment along the southern and eastern portions of the fire, working in conjunction with air resources. Structure protection measures were successful in the Queen Valley and Elephant Butte communities. In late afternoon, fire activity picked up to the northwest in Peralta Canyon. Air resources dropped retardant and water on the fire in this area, slowing its progress.

Expect to see increased fire activity again this afternoon as temperatures rise. Slope and fuels will drive the fire. It remains extremely hot and dry. The fire is located in steep, rugged terrain.

Today a hotshot crew, engines and water tenders will be monitoring and scouting the southwest area of the fire for opportunities to keep the fire from moving to the west and south. On the northwest side, firefighters will be conducting reconnaissance and scouting the fire for opportunities to keep the fire east of the main Superstition ridgeline. On the southeast side of the fire a hotshot crew and engines will be mopping up and patrolling the line to keep the fire out of Elephant Butte and Queen Valley and west of Forest Road 172. Firefighters are also available to assist with initial attack for any new starts in the area.

A select group of residents in the community of Queen Valley is under a precautionary GO status for residents in Queen Valley. You can register for emergency alerts through the Pinal Emergency Notification System at pinalcountyaz.gov/EmergencyManagement and visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6730/51817/ for more details.

A closure order is in place for the Tonto National Forest for the Peralta Trailhead and surrounding area. You can view the entire closures order at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6730/51815/.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place. Visit https://firerestrictions.us/az/ for more information.

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 Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Information: (928) 351-7596 (6:00 am to 10:00 pm)   Media Line: (928) 351-7618 
Email: 2020.sawtooth@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6730/ (Air Quality info, County Emergency Alert sign-up link, Firewise tips)
Facebook: fb.me/SawtoothFireInfo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SawtoothFire

Fire Update Video for Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Operations Section Chief Jason Clawson gives updates on worked performed yesterday and the plan for today. Fire Update Video

Sawtooth Fire Evening Update - June 2, 2020

Location of Origin: Superstition Wilderness, two miles Northeast of Peralta Trailhead, Tonto National Forest
Start Date: May 30, 2020
Size: 21,000 acres
Percent Contained: 8%
Cause: Lightning
Fire Information Line: 602-525-1042

Full suppression effort continues for Sawtooth Fire
 
The Sawtooth fire, which was lightning caused, is burning through tall grass and heavy brush on Arizona State Lands, private land, and the Tonto National Forest, including portions of the Superstition Wilderness. The abundance of grass and brush in the area is a result of a mild, wet winter.

Firefighters continue making progress on fire containment along the southern and eastern portions of the fire, working in conjunction with air resources. Structure protection measures were successful in the Queen Valley and Elephant Butte communities. In late afternoon, fire activity picked up to the northwest in Peralta Canyon. Air resources dropped retardant and water on the fire in this area, halting its progress.

A Southwest Type 1 Incident Management Team, led by incident Commander Alan Sinclair, will take over command of the fire Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 6am. The Incident Management Team will provide updated information via Sawtooth Fire specific social media and a dedicated fire information line when they assume command.

Sawtooth Fire Update - June 2, 2020

Location of Origin: Superstition Wilderness, two miles Northeast of Peralta Trailhead, Tonto National Forest
Start Date: May 30, 2020
Size: 21,000 acres
Percent Contained: 8%
Cause: Lightning
Fire Information Line: 602-525-1042
 

Sawtooth Fire at 21,000 acres, crews work to identify containment options and protect private property
The Sawtooth fire, which was lightning caused, grew to 21,000 acres and remains at 8% containment. It is burning through grass and brush on Arizona State Lands, private land, and the Tonto National Forest.

Currently 300 firefighters and support are assigned to the fire, with expanded air resources prepared to drop retardant and water on the fire. Yesterday, firefighters were successful in building containment along Forest Service Road 172, near Elephant Butte. Crews are focusing on identifying containment options and protecting private property in the area.

A Type 1 Incident Management Team, led by incident Commander Alan Sinclair, will take over command of the Sawtooth Fire Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at 6am.

“This highly experienced team has the skill set and resources to manage the complexity of this incident.” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Tom Torres, “They will continue to fully suppress this fire while protecting property and critical infrastructure and minimizing the impacts to natural resources.”

Area closures are in effect around Peralta Road, Hewitt Station, Rogers Trough, and the Woodbury Trailhead. The detailed closure order can be found on the Tonto National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto  by clicking on the Closure Orders & Restrictions in Effect link.

Any warning notices or evacuations will be coordinated through the Pinal County Sheriff’s office via the Pinal County Emergency Management Office. For more information on the READY, SET GO evacuation and preparedness program: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go.

Official fire information, including updates, photos, and maps can be found on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6730/. Information will also be shared through the Tonto National Forest Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TontoNationalForest/ and Twitter: @TontoForest.

 

Sawtooth Fire Notification
June 2, 2020

Over the next few days, firefighters on the Sawtooth Fire will begin back burning operations as part of structure protection and community safety measures in and around the northeast portion of Queen Valley.  To ensure safety, starting at noon today, residents along Silver King Road and Williams Road in Queen Valley will be placed in precautionary GO status as they are being asked to vacate their homes while these suppression operations take place. At this time, this precautionary GO notification only effects those residents along those two roads. Currently, all other residents in Queen Valley and nearby communities are not impacted by this request and need not vacate their residence in support of these firefighting tactics. Should the situation change, residents will be notified by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. As a reminder, it is always important to be prepared to evacuate at any time, especially for residents living within the wildland urban interface on state and federal lands. Always have a ‘go bag’ ready in the event you are asked to evacuate. Items like cash, prescriptions, pictures, important documents, and identification are important to include. “We appreciate all your understanding and support as our firefighters work to reduce the threat from wildfire to the community,” said Tom Torres, Deputy Forest Supervisor, Tonto National Forest. There is no estimated timeframe as to how long back burning operations will take within the northeast portion of Queen Valley. Residents are asked to be prepared to leave for a minimum of three days. The Sawtooth Fire is currently 18,500 acres with 8% containment. Two hundred firefighters are assigned to the fire. Updates on the Sawtooth Fire are available on Tonto Nation Forest’s Facebook, Twitter, and the fire’s Inciweb page. For more information on the READY, SET, GO evacuation and preparedness program: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go To get notified about emergency alerts, including evacuation information, contact your local county emergency management office.

Sawtooth Fire Update - June 1, 2020

Location of Origin: Superstition Wilderness, two miles Northeast of Peralta Trailhead, Tonto National Forest
Start Date: May 30, 2020
Size: 18,500 acres
Percent Contained: 8%
Cause: Lightning
Fire Information Line: 602-525-1042

Sawtooth Fire on State, Private and Tonto National Forest land grows to 18,500 acres, crews continue to build containment lines, Closure Order in effect

PHOENIX, June 1, 2020 — The Sawtooth Fire continues to burn on Arizona State Lands, private land, and the Tonto National Forest, including portions of the the Superstition Wilderness area, of The Tonto National Forest. Overnight the fire expanded to 18,540 acres with 8% containment. The fire, which was lightning caused, is burning through grass and brush and located partially within the Woodbury fire scar.

Currently 200 firefighters and overhead support are assigned to the fire, with multiple air resources dropping retardant and water.  Containment efforts are focused on burnout operations for the protection of private property along southern and eastern edges of the fire, near the communities of Elephant Butte, Hardt Tank, and Angel Basin.

The communities of Elephant Butte, Hardt Tank, and Angel Basin were evacuated this morning to allow for these protection operations. An evacuation center has been set up at the Queen Valley Community Center. Area closures are in effect around Peralta Road, Hewitt Station, Rogers Trough, and the Woodbury Trailhead. We ask the public to remain out of the fire area to allow crews to continue to safely battle the wildfire.
 
Smoke and flames from the incident continue to be seen from the eastern valley. Smoke is forecast for the Green Valley and Superior areas. Smoke has also been reported in the Roosevelt Lake area. Those living or traveling in these areas should take precautions to avoid smoke inhalation, especially for those with respiratory conditions. For an updated smoke forecast, visit: http://azdeq.gov/wildfire-smoke-forecast?fire=sawtoothfire 

“The lives and safety of the public and firefighters is at the forefront of all our decisions and actions,” says Incident Commander Jim King, “Our team is working hard to provide structure protection and minimize impact to heritage, recreation, watershed, and wildlife values in the area.” 

Additionally, the Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sawtooth Fire (map provided below). The detailed order can be found on the Tonto National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto by clicking on the Closure Orders & Restrictions in Effect link.  State Highway 88 remains open to Fish Creek overlook. 

For current closure information visit the Tonto National Forest Website
 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
TONTO NATIONAL FOREST
GLOBE, TONTO BASIN AND MESA RANGER DISTRICTS

Sawtooth 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 on all National Forest System lands as, 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, within the state of Arizona.

1. Going into or being upon the Restricted Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from the provisions of this Order:

1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons engaged in a business, trade, or occupation in the Restricted Area, who are authorized to be in the Restricted Area by the US Forest Service, the state of Arizona, or the counties of Maricopa or Pinal, and their employees, agents, contractors and subcontractors.

RESTRICTED AREA
All National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the boundary starting at National Forest Peralta TH (NFST 102) and the Tonto National Forest (NF) boundary, then following the Tonto National Forest boundary west for approximately 5 miles, then one mile north then west for 2 miles to the Broadway TH, then continuing north for 4 miles, then west approximately .10 miles to AZ state route 88 (SR 88), then continuing north along the east side of SR 88 for approximately 6 miles, continuing east along the southern side of SR88 for approximately 1.5 miles to the entrance of Boulder Recreation site, then following the west boundary of Boulder Recreation site south, to the end then east and north around the Recreation site back to SR 88, the east for approximately 6 miles to the Tortilla TH (NFSR 213) then southeast along NFSTR 213 for approximately 3 miles to 106, then continuing southeast for approximately 4 miles to NFST 110, continuing along NFST 110 for approximately 1 mile, then south for approximately 2 miles to NFST 109, then continuing south for approximately 1 mile to Rogers Trough TH, then following NFSR 650 around Montana Mountain and south approximately for approximately 10 miles to NFSR 8, then southwest along NFSR 8 for 2 miles to NFSR 357, then west along NFSR 357 to the forest boundary, then continuing along the forest boundary north for approximately 8 miles, then west for approximately 4.5 miles to the Peralta TH.

Note SR 88 remains open to Fish Creek overlook where AZDOT has it closed for unrepaired damaged roadway east of that.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect National Forest visitor health and safety and firefighter health and safety, by eliminating the potential for members of the general public to enter into the Woodbury Fire planning area while wildland fire suppression and emergency operations are taking place.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be in effect at 08:00 a.m. on June 01, 2020 and shall remain in effect until July 31, 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_____1st _______ day of June, 2020, at Phoenix, Arizona.

Neil Bosworth
Forest Supervisor
Tonto National Forest