Single Publication

Crews continue mop up and suppression repair throughout the fire area.
Horton Fire Update: January 14, 2025

Acres: 8,346 Containment: 80% Start Date: December 14, 2024
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel: 126 Fuels: Timber, chaparral
Resources: 2 crews | 5 engines | 1 helicopter | 1 bulldozer | 1 water tender

Highlights: Mop up and suppression repair work continue throughout the fire affected area. Firefighters are closely monitoring interior pockets of heat to ensure the fire remains in its current footprint. Unburned pockets of fuel are producing smoke that is visible from surrounding areas. The SR-260 corridor continues to be monitored and accessed for further containment.
 

Operations: Firefighters are utilizing heavy equipment to make repairs on the Forest Road 284. Forest Road 76 road and SR-260 will continue to be monitored and patrolled. Crews will work to complete backhauling of excess equipment and suppression repair throughout all areas. Areas with berms or excess topsoil will be leveled and cut vegetation will be scattered. Extra attention is being given to repair efforts on popular trails such as the Horton Creek and See Canyon trails. As work continues along SR-260 travelers are encouraged to be mindful of fire traffic throughout the day.

Weather: Light winds and cool temperatures are forecasted for the next few days. Conditions on the rim will be colder and gustier than at the lower elevations.

Smoke: Smoke will continue to be visible in the area as pockets of vegetation burn well within the interior of the fire footprint. For more information visit https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/.
TFR: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR 5/1983) is in place for the Horton Fire through January 31. More information is available at https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_5_1983.html. Intruding the flight restriction area puts firefighter safety and operations at risk.

Evacuations: As of January 10, 2025, all communities returned to the READY evacuation status. The health and safety of firefighters and the public are always the priority. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while firefighters continue their work. Visit https://www.facebook.com/GCPHCS/ for more information on evacuation notifications.

Forest Orders: As of January 13, 2025, the forest closure order was revised and reduced to reflect current conditions. Forest Order 03-12-00-25-02 is in place to protect public health and safety during the Horton Fire as well as protecting firefighting personnel engaging in wildland firefighting operations. To see the updates please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.
 

Road Closures: For roadway status and conditions visit AZ Department of Transportation at https://www.az511.com/.