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Containment increased as crews contained the remaining line along SR-260.
Horton Fire Update: January 17, 2025
Acres: 8,346 Containment: 94% Start Date: December 14, 2024

Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel: 109 Fuels: Timber, chaparral
Resources: 1 crew | 5 engines | 1 bulldozer | 1 water tender

Highlights: A lot of progress on containment and repairs were made yesterday. Containment along the SR-260 road was completed and AZ Public Service helped to clear vegetation along the powerlines to further secure the lines. Work on FS road 284 has been completed.

Operations: Today, crews are continuing restoration work in areas around the fire. Firefighters are patrolling the FS 76 and 300 roads and conducting mop up as needed. Use of heavy equipment will depend on road conditions at higher elevations and the amounts of snow and ice received overnight.

Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER): The BAER team's initial assessments show that greater than 99% of the burned area soil structure remains intact and that only minimal impacts to fine roots within the soils has occurred. The BAER team will continue to assess and mitigate any potential risks as needed.
 

Weather: Cool and dry conditions will return and persist through the weekend. Visitors are asked to be safe with sparks and flames to help prevent wildfires while conditions remain dry. More information can be found at https://smokeybear.com/

Smoke: Smoke will continue to be visible as pockets of vegetation burn well within the interior of the fire footprint.

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 latest Forest closure please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.

Evacuations: On January 10, 2025, all communities returned to the READY evacuation status. The READY stage is continuous and involves preparing for all possible hazards before they strike.

Firewise: Creating “survivable space” around homes is one way to be prepared for future wildfires. For more information on creating a fire wise home surrounded by survivable space visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5339207.pdf 

Road Closures: AZ Department of Transportation (ADOT) still has reduced speed limits along the fire effected areas of SR-260 but there are no closures, at this time. Please slow down for firefighters and apparatuses working on the roads. For current roadway status and conditions visit ADOT at https://www.az511.com/