Arizona Emergency Information Network

The National Weather Service is predicting dangerous impacts to the local area from Hurricane Hilary, which is projected to move in over the weekend and into next week. 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area leadership is keeping the health and safety of the community in the forefront as the storm moves in. Officials urge people to avoid the park if they can during the storm. Park staff are also taking actions to limit exposure of anyone from the potentially deadly flooding, high winds, and other hazards, as well as warning the community to always keep safety in mind.  

“My goal is to have no injuries or fatalities at the park this weekend,” said Mike Gauthier, Acting Superintendent. “We will be closing major at-risk areas, as well as doing everything we can to protect our visitors and employees.”  

As of 9 am, Saturday, the following locations will be closed to recreation until they are deemed safe to reopen: Temple Bar, Cottonwood Cove, Cottonwood Cove East, Nevada Telephone Cove, Christmas Tree Pass, Willow Beach and Eldorado Canyon. Other locations may also close as conditions warrant.  

The park is providing the latest information to the public on updated conditions via social media and the Lake Mead NRA Current Conditions web page. 

NPS officials also urge everyone to stay plugged into the National Weather Service sites for Lake Mead and Lake Mohave or the latest storm updates at the park, and use extreme caution if you are traveling anywhere in the area this weekend. 

The City of Bullhead City is preparing for and standing by to respond to the remnants of Hurricane Hilary. The National Weather Service is closely monitoring Hurricane Hilary, which is expected to bring multiple rounds of moderate and heavy rain beginning this afternoon and possibly lasting through Wednesday across Northwest Arizona, Southern California, and Southern Nevada. 

“The City’s Emergency team is standing by to respond to the effects of the heavy storm activity being predicted by the National Weather Service,” said City Manager Toby Cotter. “The City staff, Mayor D’Amico, and public safety staff have attended multiple briefings from the National Weather Service and are preparing accordingly.”  

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has advised that multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall will begin early this afternoon and intensify through Sunday.  

“They’re telling us that the storm will come in pockets, with heavy rainfall followed by brief periods of calm weather,” said Cotter. “Current predictions show the amount of rain will be heaviest late Saturday and early Sunday. NOAA is predicting major to historic rains.” 

The City of Bullhead City is preparing to handle the potential for significant flooding and possible road closures from the storm.  

Residents are strongly encouraged to: 

• Secure all loose items in your yard in case of strong winds. 
• Prepare an emergency kit for at least three days’ worth of food and water. Go to www.Ready.gov for a list of emergency preparedness items, including flashlights or battery-operated fans.  
• Reconsider outdoor activities, and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during Saturday and Sunday when rainfall is predicted to be heaviest. Remember: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! 
• Monitor the forecast before any travel. Check windshield wipers and tires, and take an emergency kit in your vehicle. Remember to reduce your speed if driving in heavy rain, and never follow too closely. Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!   

“Please be safe out there,” said Mayor Steve D’Amico. “Please stay home if you can, don’t drive anywhere unless it’s necessary, and don’t let the brief periods of calm weather between pockets of storm activity fool you into thinking it's safe to be outdoors.”  

The City will have sand and sandbags available for those who need them under the large Ramada at Rotary Park by the intersection of Lakeside Dr. and Balboa Dr. Starting at 2 p.m. this afternoon, residents will be able to arrive at the Ramada, grab up to 10 sandbags, and fill them with provided sand. City staff will be available onsite to help individuals fill their sandbags. The sandbags will be available from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday or while supplies last.  

In addition, The Bullhead City Fire Department is giving away sandbags (20 per household) at Fire Station One, 1260 Hancock Road, Monday – Friday from 8 – 5 p.m. The station is closed from 12 – 1 p.m. and is not open on weekends.  

“We’re prepared to open shelters or cooling centers if needed,” said Cotter. “We’re preparing for all possible outcomes.” 

City officials and local emergency managers are in constant contact with the National Weather Service meteorologists. Please continue to follow our official social media sites throughout the weekend. If there are any road closures or emergency information, we will be posting it.

As part our commitment to ensuring public safety, Lake Havasu City would like inform the community about the potential severe weather conditions associated with Hurricane Hilary, which is forecasted to impact our region in the coming days.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for our area, indicting the potential for heavy rainfall and high winds. It is crucial that all residents and visitors remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and property.

If your property is prone to flooding and you are in need of sandbags, Lake Havasu City Fire Department has sand and sandbags available at the following locations:

• Fire Station 1 96 Acoma Blvd South (Around North side of the station by the generator)
• Fire Station 2 2065 Kiowa Blvd North (West side parking lot area near chain link fence)
• Fire Station 3 3620 Buena Vista Ave (East side of the Station by the trash dumpster)
• Fire Station 4 3270 Paloverde Blvd South (East side of Station by trash dumpster)
• Fire Station 5 145 Lake Havasu Ave North (South East corner of the rear parking lot)

The Lake Havasu City Fire/Police Department would like to remind everyone of the following storm safety guidelines:

• When in doubt, wait it out! If the weather report looks unsafe for outdoor/lake activities do not go. If you are caught in a dust storm or heavy rain ahead, it’s best to exit the roadway or main body of water and get to a safe area to wait for the storm to move through the area. Safe areas are as far off the roadway as possible or in protected coves or areas of the lake protected from wind and rough water.
• Don’t risk crossing a flooded wash, even if it doesn’t look deep. Water is a powerful force that should not be underestimated. Even a few inches of running water poses a
• serious risk of sweeping pedestrians and or vehicles downstream. In addition, nonvisible washed-out roadways through a wash may be very deep and unseen from the surface.
• If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave your car if the water is moving!
• Do not drive around "Road Closed" signs or barricades. You are risking your life and the life of any passengers in your vehicle if you decide to do this.
• Stay away from down power lines and any standing water in the area of power lines. Lines and these areas may be or become energized at any time by automated systems.
• Clean out roof drains or scuppers on your home to prevent accumulation of rain water on the roof.
• Secure or bring in any outdoor patio furniture, trampolines or other objects that may become airborne.

During storm activity Lake Havasu emergency services may be inundated with 911 calls. Please only call 911 to report emergency situations during an active storm. Our 911 center will process life-threatening emergencies first and deploy resources to non-life-threatening incidents as resources are available.

The Lake Havasu City Emergency Manager is closely monitoring the situation and working in collaboration with local resources, Mohave County Emergency Management and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the community.

We urge everyone to stay calm, stay informed and follow all safety instructions provided by our Fire and Police Department.

For more emergency preparedness information,  visit www.lakehavasucity.gov.

For further information, contact the on-duty Battalion Chief at (928) 486-3507 or Fire Administration, at (928) 855-1141 for further information.

The Kane Fire will go to 100% containment today as crews continue suppression repair and rehabilitation work around the perimeter of the burned area. Management of the fire will transition from the local Type 3 organization to a smaller Type 4 managed by the Forest. Crews will continue to patrol and respond to any new starts as thunderstorms continue to move through the area.

Fire crews were able to quickly establish a perimeter on the Kane Fire with the assistance of the onset of the monsoonal weather pattern. Daytime cloud cover, higher humidity, and precipitation all moderated fire behavior, allowing crews to protect valuable cultural resources ahead of and in the vicinity of the fire. Although more rain is in the forecast through the weekend and into next week, smoke may still be visible from the Kane Fire area as pinyon pine and juniper stumps smolder.

This will be the last update on the Kane Fire.

Information can be found on InciWeb, the Kaibab NF website, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the local ranger stations.

The Prescott National Forest will lift all fire restriction on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 6:00 a.m.  Stage 1 restrictions have been in place across the forest since June 29.  Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement or rescind fire restrictions. Enough rain has fallen across the forest to increase fuel moisture levels and decrease fire danger.

The public should remain vigilant while visiting the forest, regardless of restriction levels. Leaving your campfire unattended is illegal all year round. Campfires must be dead out – cold to the touch – before you walk away.  Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest Land.

Know Before You Go!  Statewide fire restriction information can be found at www.wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.  The map shows current fire restrictions on federal and state managed lands in New Mexico and Arizona. 

For information on the Prescott National Forest, check out the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter. 

Fire managers are asking for the public’s assistance by avoiding the area to allow crews and resources to access and suppress the fire.  

Fire details:

• Start Date:  Wednesday, August 15 at 07:58 p.m. 
• Location:  30 Miles southwest of St George, Utah  
• Jurisdiction:  Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Bureau of Land Management 
• Fire Size:  Approximately 417 acres  
• Cause:  Lightning  
• Fuels:  grass, brush, pinyon juniper 
• Structures:  BLM Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) threatened.  
• Fire Crews/Resources:   Fire crews from BLM and NPS are assisting on this fire with the following resources: 4 Engines, 1 Air Attack Fixed Wing, 4 Seat Planes.
• Containment: 25% 
• Temporary Fire Area Closure – None 

For updates on the Hidden Fire go to: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire.  For additional information, please contact the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument at (435) 688-3200.

Fire managers are asking for the public’s assistance by avoiding the area to allow crews and resources to access and suppress the fire.  

Fire details:

• Start Date:  Wednesday, August 15 at 07:58 p.m. 
• Location:  30 Miles southwest of St George, Utah  
• Jurisdiction:  Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Bureau of Land Management 
• Fire Size:  Approximately 370 acres  
• Cause:  Lightning  
• Fuels:  grass, brush, pinyon juniper 
• Structures:  BLM Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) threatened.  
• Fire Crews/Resources:  Fire crews from BLM and NPS are assisting on this fire with the following resources: 3 Engines, 1 Air Attack Fixed Wing, 4 Seat Planes  
• Containment: 0% 
• Temporary Fire Area Closure – None 

For updates on the Hidden Fire go to: https://twitter.com/BLMAZFire.  For additional information, please contact the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument at 435-688-3200. 

Containment increased to 54% on the Kane Fire as the Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 4 transferred command to a local Type 3 organization. The size remains at 2,854 acres with 60 personnel assigned.

The Kane Fire remains quiet with little heat or smoke. Crews will continue to complete suppression repair on firelines, conduct road maintenance, and maintain a vigilant watch for any areas of increasing activity from the Kane Fire and new fires as thunderstorms pass through.

The monsoonal pattern is expected to continue, bringing showers and thunderstorms to the area through the week. The arrival of monsoonal systems have played an important role in moderating fire behavior, with cloud cover limiting surface heating and precipitation and higher relative humidity reducing the potential for the ignition of fuels.

The Kane Fire Emergency Area Closure and the Temporary Flight Restriction has been lifted on the North Kaibab Ranger District. Forest visitors are reminded that fire personnel will still be present in the Jacob Lake area, on state highways and forest roads, and in the vicinity of the Kane Fire area – please be aware of your surroundings and drive with caution.

Information can be found on InciWeb, the Kaibab NF website, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the local ranger stations.

Contractors have started thinning small diameter trees today (August 15) along a 2-mile section of Snowbowl Road (Forest Road 516) approximately 2 miles up the road from where it intersects with U.S. Highway 180.

Operations will include the use of chainsaws and hand-piling logs and slash. All motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians in the area of operations should be aware of falling trees. These fuels reduction treatments will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire on the San Francisco Peaks, improve forest health and improve wildlife habitat.

For public safety, intermittent road closures of up to 30 minutes at a time may occur during the thinning project. Signage will be displayed to alert the public and all motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians will be required to stop during intermittent road closures.

As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, the Kaibab and Coconino national forests have lifted all fire restrictions. Stage 1 restrictions had been in place on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and across Coconino National Forest since June 29.

Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement or rescind fire restrictions. Enough rain has fallen across the forest to increase fuel moisture levels and decrease fire danger. The forecast shows these improved conditions continuing. The increased moisture and cooler temperatures have reduced the risk of severe fire behavior.

The public should remain vigilant while visiting the forest, regardless of restriction levels. Leaving your campfire unattended is illegal all year round. Campfires must be dead out – cold to the touch – before you walk away. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest lands.

The Southwest Area Fire Restrictions website includes information on all state and federally managed lands in Arizona, including an interactive map. 

Stay informed of forest conditions before and during your visit. Keep in mind that there are year-round fire and camping restrictions in certain areas across Coconino National Forest which can be found on the Forest Orders page.

For information about the Kaibab National Forest, contact any of our offices, visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or by following @KaibabNF on Facebook and Twitter.

For information about Coconino National Forest, please visit www.coconinonationalforest.us.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will rescind all fire restrictions on Tuesday, August 15 at 8:00 a.m.

Increased amounts of rain in recent weeks and cooler temperatures have combined to reduce the fire risk. Although reduced, wildfire risk remains. Avoid using campfires if conditions are dry, hot, or a safe location is not available. If you decide to have a campfire, be sure to drown, stir, and feel the ash to be sure all heat is gone. It is illegal to leave a campfire unattended or use fireworks on National Forest land.

More fire restrictions information can be found on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Fire Management webpage https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/asnf/fire/ .

Statewide fire restriction information can be found on the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention resources webpage https://wildlandfire.az.gov/wildfire-resources

Stay up to date on Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests news at https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf and following @A_SNF on Facebook and Twitter.
 

Today hand crews and engines resumed monitoring containment line for any heat along the lines and possible smoke within the interior of the fire. The fire has stayed within its footprint for the last several days and increased humidity levels have allowed crews to make significant progress by keeping fire activity low. Crews successfully established black line around the left flank of the fire and it is now 46% contained at 264 acres. Storms continue to build up across the Mogollon Rim, but there has been no noteworthy moisture over the fire area. Some resources are being released for rest and rehab or being reassigned to other incidents across the state.

Additionally, Brady Fire resources continue to support the Tonto National Forest for initial attack for any new starts within the forest. The Tonto and Coconino National Forests’ Emergency Closure Order remains in place within the fire area. The order runs through September 7, 2023, or until rescinded by the forests. This will be the final update for the incident. Updates continue to be shared through InciWeb and agency social media channels.

 Weather: This week, afternoon thunderstorms forecast with a chance for precipitation during the week. Storms building along the Mogollon north of Payson.

Personnel Assigned: 176: Hotshot Crews – 2, Type 2-IA hand crews – 1, Type 2 hand crews – 1, engines – 1, dozers – 1, water tenders – 1, helicopters – 3.

Fire information:

• Start Date: 08/06/2023
• Location: 7 mi. E of Pine
• Cause: Unknown, under investigation
• Acres – 264 Containment – 46%
• Evacuations – None
• Structures Damaged – 0 Destroyed – 0

Additional Fire Information:
Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza4s-brady-fire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry
Fire Restrictions: wildlandfire.az.gov
Forest Closure Order Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
Media/Public Phone: 602-540-1036

In the next few weeks, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) begins a six-month fuels project southwest of Flagstaff to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, protect nearby communities, improve forest health, and safeguard watersheds. Starting the week of August 28, work starts on the 441-acre Woody Project located on State Trust lands around the Equestrian Estates subdivision.

Prep work, to include tree marking for the timber project finished a few weeks ago. Tree marking provides a guide for project contractors as to which trees stay and which ones get removed. There are two separate cutting units for the project. For cutting unit 1, Ponderosa pine trees with orange tagging stay. In cutting unit 2, DFFM foresters provide verbal and written direction to contractors for tree removal. Heavy machinery, including harvesters and skidders will be used to conduct the project work.

The project provides for the removal of dead or diseased trees and allows the forest to return to a more natural state, free of overgrowth and infestation. The strategic removal of trees allows for healthier forests and a landscape more resilient to wildfire. The Woody Project is one of many fuels reduction projects that fit within DFFM and the U.S. Forest Service’s strategic plans to safeguard the greater Flagstaff community.

Contractors will haul off all logging slash from within the project area. Forest Road 231 (Woody Mountain Road) and Forest Road 523 (Purple Sage Trail) are the two main haul routes for the project. While there are no planned road closures, residents within Equestrian Estates and adjacent communities should be mindful of heavy equipment working in the area and traveling along the roads.

The project is expected to be completed by February 2024. For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected]

At 6:00 PM on Tuesday, August 15, the Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 4 will transfer command of the Kane Fire to a local Type 3 organization, led by Incident Commander Quentin Johnson. Team 4 extends its sincere thanks to the local communities for their support, gratitude, and hospitality throughout this incident. Due to successful firefighting efforts, the Kane Fire is now 38% contained, and resources are either demobilizing to return to their home units or reassigning to assist other wildfires across the country.
 
The Kane Fire remains quiet with little heat or smoke, and monsoonal activity is expected to continue this week. Yesterday, Kane Fire crews completed two miles of suppression repair on firelines; ongoing repairs on Buffalo Ranch Road include grading washboards and reinforcing water drainage features. Crews have been conducting road maintenance on Forest Service Roads 220 and 284, including scattering cut brush. Over the next several days, crews will draft water from the Colorado River near the boat ramp at Lee’s Ferry to fill water tenders for grader work on Buffalo Ranch Road. The Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team will complete a thorough transition with the Type 3 organization and the Kaibab National Forest to ensure continued success after their departure on Monday evening.
 
Weather: Conditions over the fire area will be mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Tuesday will bring more moisture moving northward with a better chance of storms over the Kaibab Plateau. Winds will be generally light and somewhat variable day to day, however, strong and gusty winds are possible near any storms. High temperatures will range from 85 to 88 degrees at 5,400 feet in elevation, and 77 to 80 degrees at 7,400 feet.
 
Closures: The Kane Fire emergency closures remain in effect on National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management lands around the Kane Fire area. Additional information is available on the on the Kaibab National Forest website and on InciWeb.
 
Smoke: Smoke has become less visible as rainstorms have moved into the Kane Fire area. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Fire information:

Size: 2,854 acres
Start Date: August 4, 2023
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 38%
Total personnel: 221
Location: 11 miles south of US 89A, near Forest Road 220, North Kaibab Ranger District, AZ
Fuels: Pinyon pine/juniper with grasses and sage

More fire information:  
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/azknf-kane-fire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Kaibab NF website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/kaibab/home
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaibabNF

Kaibab National Forest Public Affairs at [email protected] or 928-643-8110 (office hours 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

The Black River Complex has decreased in complexity and will transition on August 15th at 0600 from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team to two Type 4 organizations. The Corduroy and Willow fires will be managed by Incident Commander Cody Chartier and trainee Steven Daly. The Boundary fire will be managed by Incident Commander Heath Barker and trainee Aaron Norman. This will be the final update from the White Mountain Zone Type 3 Team unless conditions change.

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for cloudy skies, a 70% chance of rain, a high of 66 degrees, and 8-13mph winds with gusts up to 20mph.

Values at risk: Sensitive species in surrounding areas, cattle and grazing areas, watersheds, riparian areas, impacts to Highway 191, Hannagan Lodge, and nearby electric powerlines.

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. For details, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/-notices/?aid=81123.
 
Smoke: Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from Hwy 191, especially at night.

Corduroy Fire details:

• Start Date: July 12, 2023
• Location: 20 Miles SW Alpine
• Percent Contained: 92
• Size: 1,027 acres
• Cause: Lightning
• Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) Medium Logging Slash
• Resources Assigned:  2 Engines, 2 Crews, 1 Dozer.

Operations: Fire suppression repair work will continue on the Corduroy fire in an effort to minimize adverse impacts resulting from fire suppression activities. Fire crews will monitor and patrol to mitigate any threats to containment lines.

Boundary Fire details:

• Start Date: July 27, 2023
• Location: 30 Miles SW of Alpine
• Percent Contained: 78
• Size: 929 acres
• Cause: Lightning
• Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) Brush
• Resources Assigned: 2 Engines.

Operations: Engine crews will patrol and monitor the Boundary fire with the objectives of keeping the fire to the north of the 2059B and east of the 2000D roads, and minimizing adverse effects to timber stands within the San Carlos boundary.

Willow Fire details:

• Start Date: July 27, 2023
• Location: 12 Miles SW of Alpine
• Percent Contained: 35
• Size: 401 acres
• Cause: Lightning
• Vegetation: Timber (Grass and Understory) Medium Logging Slash
• Resources Assigned: 3 Crews, 3 Engines, 1 Dozer.

Operations: Broadcast seeding of high-elevation native grasses is being used to stabilize soil and will continue as part of ongoing fire suppression repair work. Fire crews will monitor and patrol to mitigate any threats to containment lines.

Official fire information:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasf-black-river-complex
Incident Email and Phone: [email protected], (928) 245-1585
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs
Apache-Sitgreaves website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Hand crews continued cold trailing containment line today checking for any remaining heat. An engineassigned to the north side is patrolling along Forest Road 300 also checking for hotspots and interior smoke. Along the southeast side crews continue removing hazard trees and any other fuel that may pose a risk to containment lines. Crews secured black line around the fire on the south side and have the fire 19% contained at 264 acres. Storms continue to build up around the fire area during the afternoon, but the fire has not had any measurable rain since Friday. Monsoon moisture within the region will continue to bring afternoon showers and thunderstorms to the Mogollon Rim area north of Payson through the week.

Monday has the potential for the highest chances of wetting rain at 55%. Increased humidity levels help keep fire activity low and help with suppression efforts. Some Brady Fire resources are also being used for initial attack purposes to assist the Tonto National Forest for any potential new starts in the area. The Coconino and Tonto National Forests’ Emergency Closure Order for the Brady Fire remains in effect through September 7, 2023, at 6:00 pm, unless rescinded. Stage 1 fire restrictions are also still in place on Arizona State Trust lands and within the Coconino and Tonto National Forests.\

Personnel Assigned: 227: Hotshot Crews – 3, Type 2-IA hand crews – 2, Type 2 hand crews – 1, engines – 5, dozers – 2, water tenders – 1, helicopters – 3.

Weather: This week, afternoon thunderstorms forecast with a chance for precipitation during the week. Storms
building along the Mogollon north of Payson.

Fire informstion: 

• Start Date: 08/06/2023
• Location: 7 mi. E of Pine
• Cause: Unknown, under investigation
• Acres – 264
• Containment – 19%
• Evacuations – None
• Structures Damaged – 0 Destroyed – 0

Additional Fire Information:
Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza4s-brady-fire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry
Fire Restrictions: wildlandfire.az.gov
Forest Closure Order Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto

 On August 13 at 8 am a lightning-caused fire was reported in Saguaro National Park’s Rincon Mountain northeast of Spud Rock. The Coronado National Forest helitack crew has flown the fire in a helicopter stationed at the park and reported it is in a deep, rocky drainage and is currently around 1/10 of an acre in size. Smoke may be visible from Redington Pass. 

Due to the remote and rugged drainage the Spud Fire is found within in addition to the expected, incoming precipitation and increased humidity, no direct action will take place at this time. The Coronado helitack crew will continue to monitor the fire daily. No closures are expected at this time.  

“Due to the size, location and nature of this fire, the park will move forward with frequent monitoring. The expected rain over the next two days will hopefully add the necessary precipitation to put this naturally occurring fire out.” stated Superintendent, Leah McGinnis. 

Resource advisors scouted around the fire area to determine additional repairs needed to remove evidence of fire suppression actions. Crews completed repairs of firelines around Kane Ranch, including spreading brush to camouflage and naturalize the area. The fire remains quiet with little heat or smoke, and monsoonal activity is expected to continue to moderate fire behavior over the next week. Firefighters confirmed additional containment and determined more accurate acreage by ground-truthing the heel, or back end, of the fire where it first ignited.
 
Firefighters and resource advisors are working together to assess needed repairs to Forest Service Road 220 and evaluate conditions of fences and wildlife water troughs within the fire perimeter. In addition to scattering cut vegetation over firelines, crews also removed the sprinkler system that was installed to protect Kane Ranch when the fire was active. Firefighters conducted road maintenance using bulldozers on Buffalo Ranch Road and Forest Service Roads 220 and 224.

The primary purpose of these suppression repair efforts is to reduce the potential for erosion, limit further damage to cultural resources, and gain better access to the fire area. Firefighters are staying alert to changing conditions to provide for safety, pausing work when lightning presents a hazard over the fire. Initial attack crews are responding to two new single-tree fire starts in a previously burned area located approximately four miles north of the Kane Fire. Changing wind patterns from the north may generate some light smoke in drier fuels, but high humidity and precipitation will likely keep fire activity low.
 
Weather: Conditions over the fire area will be mostly cloudy with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. These weather systems will weaken on Monday and reposition over New Mexico on Tuesday, increasing the chances of storms over the Kaibab Plateau. Winds will be generally light and somewhat variable day to day, however, strong and gusty winds are possible near any storms. High temperatures will range from 85 to 88 degrees at 5,400 feet in elevation, and 75 to 78 degrees at 7,400 feet.
 
Closures: The Kaibab National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Kane Fire. The purpose of the closure order is to protect public health and safety during the Kane Fire, and to protect assigned firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. The full closure order (No. 03-07-23-06) and map are available on the Kaibab National Forest website:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices. The Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District has also implemented a temporary closure for public safety, with the full closure order and map available on InciWeb.
  
Smoke: Smoke from the Kane Fire may be visible in the surrounding areas of Page, Tuba City, Tusayan, Flagstaff, and Fredonia, AZ. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your area to see the latest smoke conditions.

Fire information: 

Size: 2,854 acres
Start Date: August 4, 2023
Cause: Lightning
Containment: 9%
Total personnel: 255
Location: 11 miles south of US 89A, near Forest Road 220, North Kaibab Ranger District, AZ
Fuels: Pinyon pine/juniper with grasses and sage

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/azknf-kane-fire
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Kaibab NF website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/kaibab/home
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaibabNF

CORDUROY FIRE

• Start Date: July 12, 2023,
• Location: 20 Miles SW Alpine,
• Percent Contained: 92
• Size: 1,027 acres
• Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) Medium Logging Slash,
• Resources Assigned: 2 Engines, 2 Crews, 1 Dozer.

Fire suppression repair is being conducted on all hand and dozer lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points that were used during the suppression of the Corduroy fire. These actions are taken to minimize soil erosion and other adverse impacts resulting from fire suppression activities. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor to mitigate any threats to containment lines.

BOUNDARY FIRE

• Start Date: July 27, 2023,
• Location: 30 Miles SW of Alpine,
• Percent Contained: 79, Size: 929 acres,
• Cause: Lightning, Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory) Brush,
• Resources Assigned: 2 Engines.

Engine crews will patrol and monitor the Boundary fire with the objective of keeping the fire to the north of the 2059B and east of the 2000D roads. 

WILLOW FIRE

• Start Date: July 27, 2023
• Location: 12 Miles SW of Alpine
• Percent Contained: 23
• Size: 401 acres
• Cause: Lightning
• Vegetation: Timber (Grass and Understory) Medium Logging Slash
• Resources Assigned: 3 Crews, 3 Engines, 1 Dozer.

Fire crews are initiating treatments to repair fire suppression damage; including broadcast seeding of high-elevation native grasses to provide quick temporary ground cover to hold and stabilize soil, control movement of water, and prevent adverse effects to ecosystem structures.  

Weather: Today’s forecast is calling for afternoon thunderstorms with an 80% chance of rain, a high of 63 degrees, and 5-10mph winds with higher gusts near approaching storm fronts.

Values at risk: Sensitive species in surrounding areas, cattle and grazing areas, watersheds, riparian areas, impacts to Highway 191, Hannagan Lodge, and nearby electric powerlines.

Restrictions: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. For details, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices/?aid=81123

Smoke: Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to see the latest smoke conditions in your community. Smoke may be visible from Hwy 191, especially at night.

Official fire information:

·       Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azasf-black-river-complex

·       Incident Email and Phone: [email protected], 928-245-1585

·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs 

·       Apache-Sitgreaves website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Today crews successfully secured black line on the south side of the fire. The fire is now 19% contained at 264 acres. The decrease in acreage is due to more accurate mapping. Crews also finished chipping operationsalong the north side of the fire. Fire operations reassigned those resources to the southeast side to help finish fuel reduction work around neighborhoods along that flank of the fire. An engine crew has now been assigned to the north side to patrol and monitor that line for any remaining heat or smokes. While thunderstorm activity built up around the fire today, there was no measurable rainfall to report.

The fire however, did receive a fair amount of moisture Friday into Saturday morning. An Incident Meteorologist forecasts more precipitation tomorrow along with increased humidity levels. Rain, along with higher relative humidity contribute to a decrease in fire activity which ultimately help with suppression efforts. On Friday night, aircraft conducted a third infrared (IR) flight. The IR captured a substantial decrease in heat within the interior of the fire with only a few scattered hotspots remaining. If necessary, helicopters assigned to the incident can support with bucket work to suppress any remaining heat. Brady Fire resources are prepared to assist the Tonto National Forest as part of initial attack efforts for any new starts within the forest. The Coconino and Tonto National Forests’ Emergency Closure Order for the Brady Fire remains in effect through September 7, 2023, at 6:00 pm, unless rescinded. Stage 1 fire restrictions are also still inplace on Arizona State Trust lands and within the Coconino and Tonto National Forests.

Personnel Assigned: 289: Hotshot Crews – 3, Type 2-IA hand crews – 3, Type 2 hand crews – 5, engines – 5, dozers – 2, water tenders – 2, helicopters – 3.

Weather: Hot and windy conditions. Outflow winds and lightning associated with possible thunderstorms.

Additional Fire information: 

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/aza4s-brady-fire
Twitter: https://twitter.com/azstateforestry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonaforestry
Fire Restrictions: wildlandfire.az.gov
Forest Closure Order Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
Media/Public Phone: 602-540-1036