Arizona Emergency Information Network

The Skeleton Fire continues to see reduced activity, and the fire remained within its perimeter on Thursday.

Crews continued work securing fire edges, and the fire is now 30 percent contained. Updated maps are available on the Skeleton Fire Inciweb page.

The fire has burned in the Agua Fria National Monument and the Tonto National Forest. 

Fire details: 

• Start Date: August 3, 2024 
• Location: About 11 miles north-northeast of Black Canyon City in the Agua Fria National Monument 
• Jurisdiction: Hassayampa Field Office, Bureau of Land Management 
• Fire Size: 24,034 acres 
• Cause: Lightning/Natural 
• Fuels:
• Grass/brush 
• Structures: Low threat to historic administration site. No active threats to area communities.  
• Fire Crews / Resources: One type 1 crew, one type 2 crew, 8 type six engines, 1 type 3 engine, 3 water tenders, and a medical team.  \
• Containment: 30% 
• Safety: No injuries reported. Fire managers are asking for the public’s assistance by avoiding the area to allow crews and resources to access and mitigate the fire.  

Wildfires are a no drone zone. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. If you fly, we can’t. 

Updates will be posted to Inciweb. 

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Friday, August 9.

Take Action

• Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
• Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Reduce wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
• Use low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
• Delay large painting projects until HPAs have passed.
• Properly seal containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air. Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
• Conserve electricity.

HPA Restrictions

• Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
• Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
• Off-highway vehicles are prohibited from being used.

Transportation Coordinators

Due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter, all Transportation Coordinators are requested to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.

Ozone: Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and VOCs to form. The months of April through September make up our Valley’s longer-than-normal "ozone season."

"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Fire crews continue to be deployed to the most active area on the northwest side of the Element Fire near the Mount Tipton Wilderness to improve containment and slow its progression to the north.  Helicopters are assisting firefighting efforts on the ground with water bucket drops.  Firefighters continue with structure protection in the Vock Canyon area as well as residences west of Stockton Hill Road

Structures: Vock Canyon and homes west of Stockton Hill Road between milepost 18-23 currently in “SET” status.

Closures:  Big Wash Road from the water tank junction (CM1470) to the Cherum Park Trailhead; CM1364 to Big Wash Road; Packsaddle Campground; Windy Point Campground; and Cherum Peak Trailhead.

Safety: No injuries reported. Fire managers are asking for the public’s assistance by avoiding the area to allow crews and resources to access and mitigate the fire.  
Wildfires are a no drone zone. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. If you fly, we can’t.

Fire Resources: 2 water tenders, 6 engines, 2 Interagency Hotshot Crews, 2 Department of Corrections crews, 1 suppression module crew, 2 helicopters, total personnel 145.

Fire details:

• Start Date: August 6, 2024
• Location: About 12 miles north of Kingman, west of Stockton Hill Road.
• Jurisdiction: Kingman Field Office, Bureau of Land Management 
• Fire Size: 3,986 acres.
• Containment: 5%
• Cause: Lightning/Natural
• Fuels: Lower Elevation-Grass/Brush; Higher Elevation-Chaparral/Pinyon Juniper.

Important fire information:

• Inciweb:  Element Fire

Successful firefighting efforts on the ground, in combination with aviation support, lower temperatures, and light precipitation, resulted in 100% containment of the Round 3 Fire and 96% containment of the Sand Stone Fire. Firefighters continue to operate through the night to increase containment on all other fires while also remaining available for initial attack of any new fire starts.

Operational Update: Fire behavior was moderated on the Bartlett, Clair, and Sheep fires yesterday due to scattered precipitation and lower temperatures. Helicopters dropped water on the western side of the Y Bar Fire throughout the day to prevent further growth. Today, firefighters are identifying suppression repair needs near the Y Bar Fire, including repairing fire control lines constructed by bulldozers along nearby roads. During an aerial reconnaissance flight, firefighters recorded updated fire perimeters on the Bartlett and Clair Fires. Firefighters will continue to direct air support toward the most active fires to moderate fire behavior and secure the perimeters. The Deer Fire experienced minimal fire activity yesterday, with some fire slowly backing along the northwestern side. Firefighters will maintain daily monitoring of the fire perimeter with reconnaissance flights. With containment reaching higher percentages on the Sand Stone Fire, chipping and mastication efforts will continue today on the 201 and 201A roads. Road grading will also begin today near Horseshoe Dam to clear out debris from storms and fires earlier this year. Aviation resources are expected to support the ongoing fire response today.

Weather: Today will return to a trend toward above normal temperatures and scattered afternoon/evening thunderstorms into the weekend. The highest chances for storms will be towards the higher terrain. This next increase in heat will peak on Saturday, potentially reaching excessive heat levels

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Deer Creek, Rye, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Closures: Horseshoe Lake campgrounds, Bartlett recreation sites, and Bartlett Dam Road are closed due to the Bartlett and Clair Fires. For more information on road closures, see https://www.az511.com/. The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sand Stone Fire area. See https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/ for more information about forest closures. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire areas.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Drivers are reminded to use caution and be aware of firefighters working along State Route 87. Temporary flight restrictions are currently in place for the Bartlett, Clair, and Y Bar Fires. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.

Total personnel on all incidents: 530

Fire details:

Clair Fire
Start Date: August 4, 2024
Acres: 2,170
Containment: 24%

Bartlett Fire
Start Date: August 4, 2024
Acres: 6,161
Containment: 17%

Y Bar Fire
Start Date: August 4, 2024
Acres: 297
Containment: 0%

Sheep Fire
Start Date: August 4, 2024
Acres 2,483
Containment: 0%

Round 3 Fire
Start Date: August 4, 2024
Acres: 41
Containment: 100%

Sand Stone Fire
Start Date: July 25, 2024
Acres: 27,390
Containment: 96%

Deer Fire
Start Date: July 17, 2024
Acres: 378
Containment: 18%

Important fire information:
InciWeb: Sand Stone Fire
Fire email: [email protected]
Information Phone: (480) 409-9683
Social Media: X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest 

Fire crews continue to make progress on the Element Fire. Firefighters on the scene report the most active area is the northwest side of the fire near the Mount Tipton Wilderness.  Aviation support including two large airtankers to deliver fire retardant to slow the fire progression.  Helicopters assisted firefighting efforts on the ground with water bucket drops.  Firefighters continue with structure protection in the Vock Canyon area as well as residences west of Stockton Hill Road.  The firefighters are also working to keep it from moving into the wilderness area.
 
Fire details:

• Start Date: August 6, 2024 
• Location: About 12 miles north of Kingman, west of Stockton Hill Road.
• Jurisdiction: Kingman Field Office, Bureau of Land Management 
• Fire Size: 3,986 acres. Updated acreage will be available Aug. 8 after mapping flight.
• Containment: 5% 
• Cause: Lightning/Natural 
• Fuels: Lower Elevation-Grass/Brush; Higher Elevation-Chaparral/Pinyon Pine
• Structures: Vock Canyon and homes west of Stockton Hill Road between milepost 18-23 currently in "SET” status.
• Fire Resources: 2 water tenders, 6 engines, 2 Interagency Hotshot Crews, 2 Department of Corrections crews, 1 suppression module crew, 2 helicopters, total personnel 145.
• Safety: No injuries reported. Fire managers are asking for the public’s assistance by avoiding the area to allow crews and resources to access and mitigate the fire.  

Wildfires are a no drone zone. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. If you fly, we can’t. 

Updates will be posted to InciWeb. 

There was minimal growth to the Skeleton Fire during the day on Tuesday. The fire received some moisture across Perry Mesa on Tuesday evening. The fire was mapped at 24,034 acres. Increased acreage is from fire activity Monday night. Firefighters continue working to secure fire edges. The fire has burned in the Agua Fria National Monument and the Tonto National Forest.  

Fire details: 

• Start Date: August 3, 2024 
• Location: About 11 miles north-northeast of Black Canyon City in the Agua Fria National Monument 
• Jurisdiction: Hassayampa Field Office, Bureau of Land Management 
• Fire Size: 24,034 acres 
• Cause: Lightning/Natural 
• Fuels: Grass/brush 
• Structures: Low threat to historic administration site. No active threats to area communities.  
• Fire Crews / Resources: One type 1 crew, one type 2 crew, 8 type six engines, 1 type 3 engine, 3 water tenders, and a medical  team. Total Personnel: 120 
• Containment: 0% 
• Safety: No injuries reported. Fire managers are asking for the public’s assistance by avoiding the area to allow crews and resources to access and mitigate the fire.  

Wildfires are a no drone zone. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression  efforts to a halt. If you fly, we can’t. 

Updates will be posted to Inciweb. 

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Wednesday, August 7 and Thursday, August 8.

Take Action

• Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
• Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Reduce wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
• Use low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
• Delay large painting projects until HPAs have passed.
• Properly seal containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air. Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
• Conserve electricity.

HPA Restrictions

• Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
• Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
• Off-highway vehicles are prohibited from being used.

Transportation Coordinators

Due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter, all Transportation Coordinators are requested to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.

Ozone: Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and VOCs to form. The months of April through September make up our Valley’s longer-than-normal "ozone season."

"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

At 6:00 a.m. this morning, Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 assumed command of the Clair, Bartlett, and Sheep Fires. Team 4 is now managing seven incidents on the Tonto National Forest (see below for fire statistics). Yesterday, Team 4 gathered information and began developing suppression strategies for the three new fires. Engines, crews, aircraft, and other firefighting resources are engaged on all incidents, working together to prioritize fires based on threats to communities and infrastructure.

Operational Update: Yesterday, no smoke was observed on the Sand Stone or Round 3 Fires. Crews will continue to chip vegetation along Forest Road 201 and complete suppression repairs on both the Sand Stone and Deer Fires. Mastication will continue on Forest Road 201A toward the Mount Peeley Trailhead. Crews are working to improve dozerline on the Y Bar Fire as helicopters drop water to slow the fire’s progression. Engines and other resources will be sent to the Clair Fire to identify contingency lines to protect the KA Ranch and Humboldt Tower. Firefighters will continue to use aircraft to support ground operations by dropping water on hot spots, conducting mapping missions, and monitoring fire activity. Yesterday, crews conducted strategic firing operations off Bartlett Dam Road and will spend today holding the Bartlett Fire within its current footprint. Firefighters are monitoring the Sheep Fire by air and plan to develop a strategy to prevent fire spread to the west toward the Verde River. Resources remain available to respond to fires 24 hours a day with both a day and night shift.

Weather: Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are possible today with gusty outflow winds and cloud-to-ground lightning. Temperatures will run near normal for early August after the recent streak of above normal temperatures. Thursday will return to a trend toward above normal temperatures and afternoon/evening thunderstorms.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Deer Creek, Rye, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Closures: Horseshoe Lake campgrounds, Bartlett recreation sites, and Bartlett Dam Road are closed due to the Bartlett and Clair Fires. For more information on road closures, see https://www.az511.com/. The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sand Stone Fire area. See https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/ for more information about forest closures. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire areas.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Drivers are reminded to use caution and be aware of firefighters working along State Route 87. Temporary flight restrictions are currently in place for the Bartlett, Clair, and Y Bar Fires. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.

Total personnel on all incidents: 417

Fire details:

Clair Fire
Start Date: August 4, 2024
Acres: 2,170
Containment: 0%

Bartlett Fire
Start Date: August 4, 2024
Acres: 5,600
Containment: 0%

Y Bar Fire
Start Date: August 4, 2024
Acres: 297
Containment: 0%

Sheep Fire
Start Date: August 4, 2024
Acres1,085
Containment: 0%

Round Fire
Start Date: August 4, 2024
Acres: 33
Containment: 0%

Sand Stone Fire
Start Date: July 25, 2024
Acres: 27,390
Containment: 82%

Deer Fire
Start Date: July 17, 2024
Acres: 378
Containment: 18%

Important fire information:
InciWeb: Sand Stone Fire
Fire email: [email protected]
Information Phone: (480) 409-9683 
Social Media: X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest

The Prescott National Forest will lift all fire restrictions on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.  Stage 1 restrictions have been in place across the forest since June 6, 2024.  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. 
• When recreational target shooting, bring a shovel and water or fire extinguisher in case of sparks, place your targets on dirt or gravel, away from grass; take your “trigger trash” with you and remember exploding targets are always prohibited. 

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.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Wednesday, August 7.

Take Action

• Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
• Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Reduce wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
• Use low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
• Delay large painting projects until HPAs have passed.
• Properly seal containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air. Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
• Conserve electricity.

HPA Restrictions

• Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
• Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
• Off-highway vehicles are prohibited from being used.

Transportation Coordinators

Due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter, all Transportation Coordinators are requested to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.

Ozone: Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and VOCs to form. The months of April through September make up our Valley’s longer-than-normal "ozone season."

"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Fire crews continue work on the Skeleton Fire. Aviation resources have provided support to help reinforce fire edges using helicopter bucket drops of water and fire retardant drops from airtankers. The fire saw increased activity on the southwest side overnight but is largely staying  on the mesa tops. Variable gusty winds from passing  thunderstorms could cause continued  fire growth. The fire has burned in the Agua Fria National Monument and the Tonto National Forest. 

Jurisdiction: Hassayampa Field Office, Bureau of Land Management 

Safety: No injuries reported. Fire managers are asking for the public’s assistance by avoiding the area to allow crews and resources to access and mitigate the fire. Wildfires are a no drone zone. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression  efforts to a halt. If you fly, we can’t. 

Structures: Moderate threat to historic administration site. No active threats to area communities.  

Fire details:
Start Date: August 3, 2024
Cause: Lightning/Natural 
Location: About 11 miles north-northeast of Black Canyon City in the Agua Fria National Monument
Fire Size: 20,963 acres. Updated acreage will be available Aug. 7. 
Containment: 0%
Fuels: Grass/brush
Fire Crews/Resources: One Type 1 crew; seven Type 6 engines; three helicopters; three water tenders.
Total Personnel: 101 

Important fire information:
Inciweb: Skeleton Fire 

Crews conducted an aerial reconnaissance flight yesterday to assess the progress of all fires and look for any additional new starts. The Southwest Incident Management Team 4 continues to respond to the fires within their designated response area while also lending resources to the Tonto National Forest. The two Superscoopers that assisted on the Sand Stone Fire last week have returned from Idaho and Colorado to support the firefighting efforts. Firefighters will remain in place near Deer Creek and Rye to protect structures from the nearby Deer and Y Bar Fires.

Weather: Today brings a greater risk for strong to severe thunderstorms with a 60% chance of showers. Although temperatures will be cooler today than yesterday, these storms could be more widespread or numerous and contain stronger outflows and downdrafts which has the potential to increase fire activity. A more typical monsoonal pattern of scattered activity and warmer temperatures is expected to return later in the week.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Deer Creek, Rye, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sand Stone Fire. More information can be found on the Tonto National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire area.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. Drivers are reminded to use caution and be aware of firefighters working along State Route 87. The temporary flight restriction (TFR) for the Sand Stone Fire will be removed later day. A new TFR is currently in place for the Y Bar Fire. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.

Total personnel on all incidents: 388

Y Bar Fire:

Acres: 191

Containment: 0%

Start Date: 8/4/2024      

Fuels: Grass, brush

Operations: The Y Bar Fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain on the border and within the Mazatzal Wilderness. The fire is actively burning upslope and spreading upcanyon through desert grass and brush, pushed by terrain winds and thunderstorm outflows. Firefighters constructed a dozer line yesterday and will work to connect this line into existing roads outside the wilderness. As the fire backs into the bottom of Shake Tree Canyon, crews are working to prevent fire from crossing the drainage bottom to the east to protect the communities of Deer Creek and Rye.

Deer Fire:      

Acres: 355      

Containment: 18%      

Start Date: 7/17/2024        

Fuels: Grass, brush, timber

Operations: The Deer Fire is slowly backing, creeping, and smoldering in grass and timber litter. Firefighters will continue to identify natural holding features and contingency lines for the Deer Fire. Crews will conduct another aerial reconnaissance flight tomorrow to monitor fire growth and behavior.

Sand Stone Fire:      

Acres: 27,390    

Containment: 82%    

Start Date: 7/25/2024      

Fuels: Grass, brush

Operations: Yesterday’s reconnaissance flight over the Sand Stone Fire showed minimal activity. Firefighters have successfully increased containment of the fire to 82%. Firefighters are continuing to monitor for any heat sources while holding and completing primary and secondary perimeter lines. The nearby Round 3 Fire also showed little activity, aside from a few interior pockets of smoke.

InciWeb: Sand Stone Fire Fire email: [email protected] Information Phone: 480-409-9683 

Social Media: X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest 

The Cox Pond Fire was reported on the afternoon of Aug. 5. on the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. The lightning-caused fire started in a remote area with limited access. It is burning in heavy brush and is estimated at 150 acres.

Safety: Wildfires are a no drone zone. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. If you fly, we can’t.  

Fire details:

Start Date: August 5, 2024

Location: About 29 miles south of St. George, Utah  

Jurisdiction: Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Bureau of Land Management  

Fire Size: 150 acres (estimated) 

Cause: Lightning/Natural  

Fuels: Sage and grass  

Structures: No structures threatened.  

Fire Crews / Resources: One Type 2 initial attack crew; four Type 6 engines; one helicopter; one air attack & smoke jumpers.

Containment: 0%   

Updates will be posted to Inciweb.  
 

The Skeleton Fire was reported on the afternoon of Aug. 3 on the Joes Hill area east of the Agua Fria canyon in the Agua Fria National Monument. The fire started in a remote area with limited access. Variable  gusty winds from passing thunderstorms drove the fire throughout the weekend. The fire has burned through high desert brush and grass and has expanded to 20,963 acres. It was most active to the east and has burned into the Tonto National Forest.

Jurisdiction: Hassayampa Field Office, Bureau of Land Management

Safety: Wildfires are a no drone zone. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. If you fly, we can’t.

Structures: No structures damaged. No active threats to area communities. Moderate threat to historic administration site. 

Fire details:
Start Date: August 3, 2024
Location: About 11 miles north-northeast of Black Canyon City
Cause: Lightning/Natural
Containment: 0%
Fire Size: 20,963 acres
Fuels: Grass/brush
Fire Crews/Resources: One Type 1 crew; five Type 6 engines; three helicopters; two water tenders.
Total Personnel: 93

Important fire information:
Inciweb: Skeleton Fire

Due to record-breaking temperatures, outflow winds, and over 800 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, several new fires started near the Sand Stone and Deer Fire areas yesterday. The Southwest Incident Management Team 4 is responding to two new fire starts within their designated planning area. The Y Bar Fire is located approximately 5 miles east of the Deer Fire and initially estimated at 150 acres. The Round 3 Fire is located near Bushnell, east of State Route 87 and mapped at 33 acres. Firefighting resources have been dispatched to fully suppress these two new lightning-caused fires. Overnight, crews were able to successfully stop the forward progress of the Round 3 Fire. Today, firefighters are continuing to respond to the Y Bar Fire. Crews will conduct an aerial reconnaissance flight early this morning to assess the progress of all fires and look for any additional new starts. Firefighting resources are also assisting with multiple other new fire starts across the Tonto National Forest, as needed.

Weather: An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for the Sand Stone Fire area into this evening with above normal temperatures occurring at the higher-elevation Deer Fire. Afternoon thunderstorms are also expected to develop near the fire area today with gusty outflows. A disturbance may bring an increase in moisture and slightly cooler temperatures with more widespread showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday. A return to monsoon conditions with hot temperatures and scattered afternoon thunderstorms is likely for the second half of the week.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/. 

Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sand Stone Fire. More information can be found on the Tonto National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire area.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft or drones. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information on the dangers drones pose to wildland firefighting aircraft and personnel on the ground can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.

Total personnel on all incidents: 353

Sand Stone Fire:
Start Date: 7/25/2024
Containment: 78%
Acres: 27,390
Fuels: Grass, brush

Operations: Despite weather conditions, the Sand Stone Fire showed little activity yesterday. Ground crews previously engaged with mastication, suppression repair, and other preparatory efforts are being redirected to immediate suppression actions on the new fires identified yesterday. Available helicopters assisted with water bucket drops as weather conditions allowed. Ground crews continued their work into the night to take advantage of every opportunity to contain these new starts. Additional resources, including aviation support, have been ordered to aid in the fire suppression efforts. An additional initial attack crew remains positioned near the community of Sunflower to manage any potential threats to structures. Drivers should use caution and be aware of firefighters working along State Route 87.

Deer Fire:
Start Date: 7/17/2024
Containment: 18%
Acres: 355
Fuels: Grass, brush, timber

Operations: Minimal fire activity was present on the Deer Fire yesterday. Preparation activities were redirected due to lightning in the area and new fire starts requiring support from ground resources. Firefighters worked overnight to protect structures near Y Bar Ranch. Crews will remain staged around Deer Creek and Rye to protect these values from the nearby Deer and Y Bar Fires. 

Important fire information:
InciWeb: Sand Stone Fire
Fire email: [email protected]
Information Phone: (480) 409-9683|
Social Media: X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest 

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6.

Take Action

• Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
• Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Reduce wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
• Use low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
• Delay large painting projects until HPAs have passed.
• Properly seal containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air. Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
• Conserve electricity.

HPA Restrictions

• Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
• Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
• Off-highway vehicles are prohibited from being used.

Transportation Coordinators

Due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter, all Transportation Coordinators are requested to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.

Ozone: Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and VOCs to form. The months of April through September make up our Valley’s longer-than-normal "ozone season."

"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

The acreage and percent containment of the Sand Stone and Deer Fires remain unchanged despite yesterday’s record high temperatures and low relative humidities. During a reconnaissance flight, firefighters observed dark grey ash pits within the fire area, indicating some heat still remains in the interior. Drivers should expect to continue to see smoke within the burned area along the west side of State Route 87.

Weather: Very hot temperatures will continue today and Monday. An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for the area around the Sand Stone Fire through Monday evening. Scattered thunderstorms will again develop over the higher terrain in the afternoon. Outflow winds may trigger new storms near or over the fires where the biggest threats will be heavy rain, outflow winds, and cloud-to-ground lightning.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/.  

Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sand Stone Fire. More information can be found on the Tonto National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire area.  

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft or drones. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.

Total personnel on all incidents: 498

Sand Stone Fire:

Acres: 27,390    

Containment: 78%    

Start Date: 7/25/2024      

Fuels: Grass, brush

Operations: Yesterday, firefighters completed chipping activities on Old Highway 87 and in the southern portion of the Sand Stone Fire area. Crews also continued to use masticators to chip and shred vegetation to reduce fuels along Forest Road 201 towards the Mount Peeley Trailhead and along Old Highway 87. This mastication work will be ongoing for the next few days. Crews responded to a third new fire start along State Route 87 and contained the fire at less than one tenth of an acre. Firefighters are beginning to implement actions described in the suppression repair plan, including repairing any cut fences, removing flagging from fire lines, clearing vegetation impacted by fire along roadways, and installing water bars on handlines to minimize erosion. Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol the fire perimeter and will remain available to provide initial attack to any new fire starts in the area.

Deer Fire:

Acres: 355

Containment: 18%

Start Date: 7/17/2024        

Fuels: Grass, brush, timber

Operations: Fire activity in the Deer Fire remains minimal with no new growth. Firefighters are identifying and assessing structures in Deer Creek, Rye, and Doll Baby Ranch to determine what protections may be needed in the future if wildfire were to move into these areas. 

InciWeb: Sand Stone Fire Fire email: [email protected] Information Phone: 480-409-9683 

Social Media: X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest 

Despite higher temperatures and afternoon winds, firefighters have successfully increased containment of the Sand Stone Fire to 78 percent. Minimal smoke and fire activity were observed on both the Sand Stone and Deer Fires again yesterday. The “set” status for the community of Sunflower has been downgraded to “ready”.

Weather: An Excessive Heat Warning remains in place for the area around the Sand Stone Fire today through Monday. High temperatures combined with chances of afternoon thunderstorms and associated outflow winds may increase potential fire spread today. 

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/. A daily smoke forecast for the Sand Stone Fire is available at www.azdeq.gov/wildfire/forecast/sandstonefire.

Evacuations: The “set” status for the community of Sunflower has been downgraded to “ready” status. “Ready” means residents should register for local emergency alerts, have a plan and prepare an emergency kit, and follow local officials on social media. The Ready, Set, Go! program is a nationwide program to educate residents about steps to take during an emergency. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at ready.maricopa.gov.

Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sand Stone Fire. More information can be found on the Tonto National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire area.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft or drones. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.

Total personnel on all incidents: 200

Sand Stone Fire:      

Acres: 27,390

Containment: 78%      

Start Date: 7/25/2024

Fuels: Grass, brush 

Operations: Yesterday, crews continued to use masticators to chip and shred vegetation to reduce fuels along Forest Road 201 towards the Mount Peeley Trailhead. Firefighters are also masticating and chipping along Old Highway 87 and Mesquite Wash. Yesterday morning, firefighters responded to a new fire start near Red Mountain on the west side of State Route 87. Crews successfully contained the new start at less than 10 acres. Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor containment lines on the east, south, and west sides of the fire today. A reconnaissance flight is planned for this morning to better assess fire activity and growth. Firefighters remain available to respond to any changes in fire activity, including possible new fire starts on the Tonto National Forest. As the percent containment continues to increase, crews are developing a suppression repair plan to reduce evidence of suppression actions in the area. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team will be arriving this weekend to identify and address any emergency stabilization issues related to wildfire.

Deer Fire:       

Acres: 355      

Containment: 18%       

Start Date: 7/17/2024        

Fuels: Grass, brush, timber

Operations: The Deer Fire acreage and containment remains unchanged from yesterday. Between ½ and 1 inch of rain fell across the fire yesterday afternoon. Fire activity has decreased to creeping and smoldering in downed logs, resulting in minimal smoke. Today, crews will continue to scout primary and secondary holding lines that could be used if the fire becomes active in the future.

InciWeb: Sand Stone Fire Fire email: [email protected] Information Phone: 480-409-9683 

Social Media: X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest 

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4.

Take Action

• Drive less, carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
• Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Reduce wait time in long drive-thru lines. Park your vehicle and walk inside at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, curbside pick-up, and banks.
• Use low-VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
• Delay large painting projects until HPAs have passed.
• Properly seal containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air. Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
• Conserve electricity.

HPA Restrictions

• Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
• Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
• Off-highway vehicles are prohibited from being used.

Transportation Coordinators

Due to unhealthy levels of particulate matter, all Transportation Coordinators are requested to email employees and activate your HPA plans. The department encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation, especially when pollution levels are expected to be on the rise.

Ozone: Ground level ozone is formed by a chemical reaction that needs heat from sunlight, nitrogen oxides and VOCs to form. The months of April through September make up our Valley’s longer-than-normal "ozone season."

"High Pollution Advisory" or "HPA" means the highest concentration of pollution may exceed the federal health standard. Active children, adults, and people with lung disease such as asthma should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Due to successful firefighting efforts, the Sand Stone Fire has now reached 60 percent containment. Although State Route 87 has been reopened in both directions, travelers should be mindful on the roadways as firefighting operations are still occurring in this area.

Weather: Temperatures will become hotter today and into the weekend with chances of afternoon thunderstorms that may impact the fires. An Excessive Heat Warning was issued for the area around the Sand Stone Fire from Saturday through Monday.

Smoke: Smoke may be visible from Fountain Hills, Sunflower, Rio Verde, Goldfield, and unincorporated communities in the Rio Verde Foothills. An interactive smoke map is available at https://fire.airnow.gov/. A daily smoke forecast for the Sand Stone Fire is available at www.azdeq.gov/wildfire/forecast/sandstonefire.

Evacuations: The community of Sunflower remains in “set” status. “Set” means residents should identify the closest shelter or safe space, prepare an emergency kit, listen to public health officials, and be ready to leave the area. The Ready, Set, Go! program is a nationwide program to educate residents about steps to take during an emergency. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at ready.maricopa.gov.

Closures: The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure order for the Sand Stone Fire. More information can be found on the Tonto National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/. Trail users should avoid using the Arizona National Scenic Trail near the fire area.

Safety: The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the first priority. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft or drones. Flying drones near wildfires is dangerous for pilots and firefighters and can bring wildfire suppression efforts to a halt. Know before you fly. If you fly, we can’t. More information can be found at: https://uas.nifc.gov/.

Total personnel on all incidents: 562

Sand Stone Fire
Start Date: 7/25/2024
Containment: 60%
Acres: 27,390
Fuels: Grass, brush

Operations: Minimal fire activity was observed on the Sand Stone Fire yesterday. Containment increased on the southern end of the fire, resulting in the Sand Stone Fire reaching 60% total containment. The northeast portions of the fire near Indian Springs and Quartz Creek, along with the east side near Dos S Ranch, are all holding within these areas. A structure protection group assigned to the Sunflower area continues to focus their efforts on protecting values in the community while also securing the eastern flank of the fire. Crews have prepped one mile of road along with a half-mile of chipping to reduce fuel loads near the entrance of Forest Road 201 to protect nearby communities and infrastructure. Preparation activities continue today around the Sugarloaf area and Old Highway 87. New suppression repair needs are being identified daily, including repairs to range fencing and a damaged water line. Firefighters are patrolling the northern perimeter and the area near Bartlett Lake to respond to any changes in fire activity.

Deer Fire
Start Date: 7/17/2024
Containment: 18%
Acres: 355
Fuels: Grass, brush, timber

Operations: Yesterday, the Deer Fire grew slightly to the northeast, smoldering along the forest floor within the wilderness area. Firefighters continue to perform reconnaissance flights to record any changes in fire activity. Today, crews are scouting out possible holding features from past wildfires around the Deer Fire area.

Davenport Fire
Start Date: 7/19/2024
Containment: 100%
Acres: 447
Fuels: Grass, brush

Operations: No smoke or fire activity have been observed for over two weeks. The Davenport Fire has now reached 100% containment. As such, this will be the last update for the Davenport Fire. 

Important fire information:
InciWeb: Sand Stone Fire
Fire email: [email protected]
Fire information Phone: (480) 409-9683
Social Media: X @TontoForest and Facebook @TontoNationalForest