Single Publication

This will be the final Horton Fire update, unless significant activity occurs.
Horton Fire Update: January 18, 2025

Acres: 8,346 Containment: 94% Start Date: December 14, 2024
Location: Payson Ranger District, Arizona Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: 107 Fuels: Timber, chaparral
Resources: 1 crew | 5 engines | 1 bulldozer | 1 water tender

Highlights: With the increase in containment and decrease in fire activity, fire officials are downsizing the incident. This will be the final written update on the Horton Fire, unless significant activity were to occur. After today, fire information will no longer be posted throughout the effected communities. Management of the Horton Fire will transition from a Type 3 team to a Type 4 team on Tuesday morning.
 

Operations: Crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire until it is fully contained, controlled, and called out. In addition, crews will work on completing the remainder of the suppression repair work throughout the area. Use of heavy equipment on the Forest Service Road 76 is nearing completion.

Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER): The BAER team’s initial assessments show that greater than 99% of the burned area experienced low severity fire effects meaning the 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 continue, with slightly higher winds. 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: 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/?aid=92588
 

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: 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 currently no closures. Please slow down for firefighters and apparatuses working on the roads. For current roadway status and conditions visit ADOT at https://www.az511.com/