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Fire managers are anticipating that there will be an opportunity this afternoon and perhaps over the next few days to ignite some of the still unburned fuels in the interior of the Sheridan Fire. These operations serve to improve the health and ecological function of the area and reduce the risk of high intensity fire for many years into the future. A variety of factors dictate when a window of opportunity may arise and how much smoke it could produce over the area. Not much smoke is expected, and whatever smoke is produced will travel to the north and east with the wind direction, generally affecting communities along northern Williamson Valley Road and into Paulden.

Sheridan Fire Overview

Location: 23 miles Northwest of Prescott, AZ on the Chino Valley District (T16N, R6W, S16)

Size: 21,510 acres;

Percent Contained: 60%

Cause: Lightning

Vegetation: Piñon-Juniper, Grass, and Brush

Resources: Approx. 60 personnel including: 3-Engines, 1-Crew and 1-Helicopter

Closure: Forest officials reduced the Sheridan Fire area closure. County Road 68 (Camp Wood Road) is now open. All areas north of County Road 68 (Camp Wood Road) are open with the exception of a small area adjacent to Forest Service Roads 95 and 9821B (see map). The area south of County Road 68 (Camp Wood Road) remain closed. The current closure area map and detailed description are available on Inciweb and on the Prescott National Forest website.

Due to decreased fire activity we will only issue updates and News Releases when significant changes occur.

The public can obtain additional fire information via the following:

Prescott NF Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/

Twitter:  @PrescottNF

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

Fire Information: (928) 925-1111

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6522/

Local Ranger Stations: Bradshaw Ranger District (928) 443-8000

Wildland firefighters are managing the Whiskey Fire, a lightning-started fire reported on Sept. 2, burning on approximately 105 acres in Ponderosa pine about 15 miles southwest of Flagstaff within the footprint of the 2014 Slide Fire.

Fire managers are strategic when making decisions about how to manage a wildfire for restoration purposes.

When a wildfire begins in the forest, fire managers assess how best to use the fire as nature intended and whether or not to suppress it immediately. In the case of the Whiskey Fire, managers are using it as nature intended and allowing it to burn dense forest fuels across the landscape to help mitigate the possibility of severe wildfires in the future.

Fire managers will continue to assess the fire to determine the best course of action. Today’s operations will be similar to the last few days, where fire personnel continue to reinforce containment lines and monitor the fire for a change in fire behavior. Recent rains continue to aid fire personnel by creating excellent conditions for allowing the fire to burn slowly, consuming the forest debris at low intensities.

As temperatures drop in the evening, smoke impacts are possible to the communities of the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, and surrounding areas. Smoke may also settle along the state Route 89A corridor. The greatest impacts will be during the early morning hours from midnight to 3 a.m. and should improve by mid-morning.

Forest users are advised to use caution when entering the proposed fire area. Firefighting vehicles and firefighters are present on roadways and smoke may reduce visibility. Parts of Forest Road 231 may be closed periodically to allow for firefighting equipment and operations. Please reduce speed and remain alert.

The Whiskey Fire will be active for weeks to come. Due to safety concerns for the public and firefighters, campers should not set up long-term campsites near the fire area.

WHISKEY FIRE OVERVIEW

Whiskey Fire Inciweb site: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6580/

Discovery date: Sept. 2, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Containment: 0 percent.

Origin location: Approximately 15 miles southwest of Flagstaff (Latitude/Longitude: 35° 2.652N, 111° 50.394W).

Current size: 105 acres.

Current resources: One engine and fire prevention unit. Approximately 15 personnel. Resources will increase tomorrow as fire activity and burnout operations increase.

Predicted smoke impacts: Expect increased smoke production over the next few days, impacting Flagstaff, Lake Mary and Kachina Village. Communities at lower elevations, such as Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona and Village of Oak Creek may also experience smoke impacts in the evening and overnight as smoke drains into those areas. Firefighter, public safety, and ecosystem health remain the top priorities for fire managers while keeping the fire within the planning area. Smoke may appear thicker at times due to burnout operations or as the wildfire consumes larger trees. This is normal.

Current closures: None currently, but a closure around the fire area is anticipated soon, and parts of Forest Road 231 may be closed periodically to allow for safe firefighting operations.

Recent and current operations: Wildland firefighting crews are conducting burnout operations to ensure it remains in the planning area. Current operations are taking place along Forest Road 231.

#SheridanFire #AZ #AZPNF http://bit.ly/2Tz67wy  Sheridan Fire: new maps have been uploaded to this incident

#SheridanFire #AZ #AZPNF http://bit.ly/2HTPze8  Sheridan Fire: Fire Crews Expected to Begin Additional Firing Operations Today

NEW - #TelephoneFire #AZ #AZASF http://bit.ly/2HVGRMo  Telephone Fire:

#IkesFire #AZ #AZGCP http://bit.ly/2MsW3Us  Ikes Fire: Wildland Fire in Grand Canyon National Park: The lightning-caused fire is being utili

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2HSPhEi  Whiskey Fire: new photos have been uploaded to this incident

Two new wildfires started yesterday on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Multiple interagency resources, including aircraft, responded to the incidents and took immediate suppression actions to stop the fires' spread.

The Le Fevre Fire, located approximately 15 miles southeast of Fredonia off Highway 89A near the Le Fevre Overlook, was caused by a motor vehicle accident. Due to hot, dry and windy conditions the fire grew to approximately 20 acres in the pinyon, juniper and brush. Although the fire's spread has been stopped, fire managers only list the containment at 80 percent due to the potential for spot fires with another day of gusty southwest winds predicted. Today,crews will continue to hold, secure and mop up the fire.

Highway 89A remains open to motorists but may be restricted to one lane to allow fire crews to utilize equipment and personnel to secure the fire. Visitors traveling in the area should use caution and be aware that fire crews and equipment may be working near the road.

The Cougar Fire was also discovered yesterday near Cougar Lake just south of the recent Castle Fire area approximately 6 miles northwest of Demotte Campground. The fire was contained at approximately one acre and was caused by lightning from a recent thunderstorm. Today fire personnel will continue to hold, secure and mop up the fire.

In addition to the two new fires, fire personnel are still closely monitoring the progress of the Ikes wildfire. This fire has been managed jointly between the Kaibab National Forest and the National Park Service since its discovery on July 25 near Swamp Point on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It is currently 7,630 acres within its 7,785 acre planning area and is being utilized in order to fulfill its natural role of reducing dense forest fuels and improving overall ecosystem health. For more information regarding the Ikes Fire please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/

LE FEVRE FIRE OVERVIEW

Discovery Date: September 7, 2019.

Cause: Human (Motor vehicle accident).

Location (point of origin): Approximately 15 miles southeast of Fredonia, off Highway 89A near the Le Fevre Overlook on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.

Current Resources: 4 engines, 1 water tender, 1 dozer, and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel approximately 25.

Current Size: Approximately 20 acres. No additional perimeter growth is expected. Fire spread has been stopped, however fire managers list overall containment at 80 percent because of spotting potential due to the presence of hot, dry and windy weather conditions.

Predicted Smoke Impacts: Smoke is visible from Highway 89A in the immediate fire area. The highway is open to motorists however it may be restricted to one lane to allow fire fighters to work safely near the road

Recent and Current Operations: Crews will continue to hold, secure and mop up the fire.

COUGAR FIRE OVERVIEW

Discovery Date: September 7, 2019.

Cause: Lightning.

Location (point of origin): Approximately 6 miles northwest of Demotte Campground and 4 miles west of Highway 67 near Cougar Lake on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.

Current Resources: 2 engines and miscellaneous fire management personnel. Total personnel approximately 8.

Current Size: Approximately 1 acre. The fire is contained and no additional fire growth is expected

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

• Ikes Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/
• Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab 
•  Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
• Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kaibabnationalforest/albums

#EdenFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2Lz2sLD  Eden Fire: Eden Fire Update 9_8_2019

The Redmond Fire continues to burn into the Salt River Wilderness Area north of Globe. The fire grew to nearly 800 acres on Wednesday, and is putting up smoke which can be seen from State Route 188, as well as US Highways 60 and 70. There has been minimal fire activity on the east side of the fire today, aided by higher humidity overnight. Firefighters are assessing control options to the east and south of the fire area. There are no threats near the fire.

Please continue to avoid Forest Roads 644 and 223 to allow firefighters to safely work in the area. Smoke will continue to be visible through the afternoon as winds increase, and communities in the area may smell smoke as the air settles down drainages at night.

Redmond Fire Overview

Location:

• Approximately 15 miles north of Globe
• Nearest town is Globe

Start Date: 9/3/2019

Size: 800 acres

Percent Contained: 0

Cause: Lightning

Today firefighters completed burnout operations along Forest Road 17 on top of New River Mesa which helped secure the eastern flank of the fire. The increase in acreage today was the result of unburned pockets of fuel being consumed within the fire perimeter.

Crews will continue to monitor and reinforce containment lines in preparation for thunderstorms which are forecasted for the area on Sunday and Monday.

Motorists are asked to be aware of their surroundings and slow down for fire vehicles on Seven Springs Road.

To keep firefighters and the public safe, Forest Road 41 (“Table Mesa Road”) has been closed from the Tonto National Forest boundary on the west to the junction with Forest Road 24 (Seven Springs). 

Additional closures in the area may be required if the fire progresses.

River Fire overview

Location:

Approximately 7 miles north of Cave Creek, and 3.5 miles east of New River

Nearest town is New River

Start Date:       9/3/2019              

Size:  7,772 acres (estimated)    

Percent Contained:  35%

Cause:  Lightning

The River Fire grew to approximately 6,880 acres overnight, with the growth occurring within planned containment lines. Crews were successful in holding the fire between Forest Road 41 and Forest Road 17 on the northeast side of the fire. Crews extended burnout operations along Forest Road 17 back to the southwest on top of New River Mesa.

Today firefighters will work to reinforce containment lines in preparation for thunderstorms which are forecasted for the area on Sunday and Monday.

Though no containment has been reported thus far, many areas on the fire perimeter have not been active for a few days and are unlikely to spread. Due to remote and inaccessible terrain, it is difficult to insert firefighters on the ground to confirm containment in these areas. Firefighters will continue to monitor all areas of the fire from the ground and the air.

To keep firefighters and the public safe, Forest Road 41 (“Table Mesa Road”) is closed from the Tonto National Forest Boundary on the west to the junction with Forest Road 24 (Seven Springs). Additional closures in the area may be required if the fire progresses.

River Fire overview

Location:

• Approximately 7 miles north of Cave Creek, and 3.5 miles east of New River
• Nearest town is New River

Start Date: 9/3/2019

ize: 6,880 acres (estimated)

Percent Contained: 0

Cause: Lightning

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2HPfZxC  Whiskey Fire: new maps have been uploaded to this incident

#WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2UC5B1w  Whiskey Fire: Whiskey Fire Update Sept 7th

#EdenFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2HPppZR  Eden Fire: Eden Fire Update 9-7-2019

NEW - #WhiskeyFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2HQ8SFm  Whiskey Fire: The Whiskey Fire is burning approximately eight miles west of the Turkey

The River Fire grew to approximately 4,800 acres today, crews successfully held the fire between Forest Road 41 and Forest Road 17. Most of the growth was on the northeast side of the fire as crews completed burnout operations ahead of the main fire.

Airtankers were used to support burnout operations and helicopters were also utilized to extinguish hot spots along the fire’s edge.

Though no containment has been reported thus far, many areas on the fire perimeter have not been active for a few days and are unlikely to spread further.  Due to remote and inaccessible terrain, it is difficult to insert firefighters on the ground to confirm containment in these areas.  Firefighters will continue to monitor all areas of the fire from the ground and the air.

In order to provide for firefighter and public safety, Forest Road 41 (“Table Mesa Road”) has been closed from the Tonto National Forest Boundary on the west to the junction with Forest Road 24 (Seven Springs).  Additional closures in the area may be required if the fire progresses.

River Fire overview

Location:

• Approximately 7 miles north of Cave Creek, and 3.5 miles east of New River
• Nearest town is New River

Start Date:       9/3/2019              

Size:  4,800 acres (estimated)    

Percent Contained:  0

Cause:  Lightning

#IkesFire #AZ #AZGCP http://bit.ly/2KlnBs8  Ikes Fire: new photos have been uploaded to this incident

#EdenFire #AZ #AZCOF http://bit.ly/2UCWj5b  Eden Fire: new photos have been uploaded to this incident

The lack of summer monsoon activity has prompted The Tonto National Forest to lift the Woodbury Fire Area Closure effective at 6:00 am on Friday, September 6, 2019. Monsoon storms are still attempting to form and could produce locally heavy rain, so be alert and stay out of dry washes and low lying areas if a thunderstorm is visible in the distance. Please read and heed all warning signs within the Woodbury Fire Area in the Superstition Mountains.

Davis and Crabtree washes, near Apache Lake remain closed due to the potential for flooding in these low lying areas. View the closure order and map at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices

Storms

• Monsoons remain a possibility. With them come thunderstorms, which can be isolated in nature and materialize quickly.
• Check weather forecasts when preparing for outings, and seek shelter in buildings or vehicles during storms (avoid sheltering under trees)
• Visitors should avoid low-lying areas, washes and streams which can quickly become flooded without warning

Campfire, smoking and target shooting restrictions remain in effect due to lack of summer monsoon rain, and the abundant dry grass crop that can be seen across the Tonto National Forest. Additional information on restrictions can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/?aid=52969

Fireworks, Campfires, and Smoking

• Fireworks are prohibited year-round on all National Forest lands
• Discharging a firearm is prohibited, except for taking game in accordance with Arizona hunting laws. This includes target shooting
• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or charcoal-burning device is prohibited outside of metal fire rings and metal pedestal grills provided by the Forest Service in developed recreation sites (see list included attached to the order). The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices are allowed.

• Restrictions also apply to operating internal combustion power tools, using welding equipment or torches with open flames, operating combustion engines without spark-arresting devices in effective working order and meeting either USDA or SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards
• Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed recreation site. Please deposit the remains in an ashtray or inside a building. Do not toss or discard remains on the ground

For questions regarding the closure order or fire restrictions, please contact one of the local ranger district offices, or call (602) 225-5200 during business hours. For more information about the Tonto National Forest and its district offices, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home.