Incident Publication

Willamette Complex South & Red Fire Update 

Red, 208, Moss Mountain, Coffee Pot, Tire Mountain, McKinley Creek and Chalk Fires 

Date: Friday, September 13, 2024          
Fire Causes: Lightning 
Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov  
Information Phone Line: 541-208-1742 

Willamette Complex South: Total Personnel: 626 |  Total Willamette Complex South Acres: 23,197 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/orwif-willamette-complex-fires-south 

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

Red Fire: Total Personnel: 70  |  Total Red Fire Acres: 1,732 

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/ordef-red-fire 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2024RedFireOR/ 

Summary 

Today’s operations will concentrate on the completion of primary control lines to limit fire impacts to the identified values at risk. As Incident Commander, John Szulc stated, “We’re going to move with purpose.” Backhaul operations continue on the Moss Mountain, Coffee Pot, and Chalk fires, focusing on the removal of unused hoses and supplies. Where conditions permit, snagging, brush pile removal, and the maintenance of secondary and interior roads remain priorities. 

Red Fire (1,732 acres, 0% containment) 

Firefighters continue constructing shaded fuel breaks, removing smaller trees and underbrush while leaving larger, more fire resistant trees in place. All deployed structure protection equipment will continue to be checked and maintained in the event of unforeseen changes in fire behavior. As temperatures drop and the forecast predicts more moisture, resource needs in this area are being reevaluated while focusing on actions to minimize acres burned. 

208 Fire (8,843 acres, 0% containment) 
The fire growth towards Fire Service Road (FSR) 23 Road in the northwest and FSR 21 and 2154 in the south. Crews are actively reinforcing these roads to complete a fireline from FSR 23 to FSR 423. The objective is to connect this line with the existing fireline from the Moss Mountain Fire. 

Moss Mountain Fire (2,133 acres, 8% containment) 

Primary and contingency lines along FSR 23, 2120, 490, and 2309 are being reinforced and patrolled for changes in fire behavior. Crews continue to strengthen firelines by removing excess slash and other vegetation from these control features. 

Chalk Fire (5,987 acres, 86% containment)  

Firefighters are actively monitoring and improving containment lines on the south, east, and north sides of the fire. On the west side, crews are enhancing firelines along FSR 1912 and connecting them back to the fireline on FSR 1925. Monitoring of the unburned fuel island on the northwest side of the fire is ongoing. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Yesterday, skies stayed mostly cloudy, keeping relative humidity high in the area. The fires within the complex showed minimal growth. Looking ahead, a low-pressure system is expected to bring increased cloudiness and moisture tomorrow through early next week. Continued high humidity and the cooling trend should sustain the current creeping and smoldering fire behavior. 

Closures, Fire Restrictions, and Evacuations 

• For closure information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/RedFireClosues2024 & https://tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024. 
• For fire restrictions, visit: https://tinyurl.com/DesFireRestrictions2024 & https://tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024. 
• For current Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), visit: http://tfr.faa.gov. 
• The Level 1 – BE READY to Evacuate notice remains in effect for the Red Fire. For more information or to sign up for alerts, visit: www.klamathcounty.org/300/emergency-management. 

Unified Command: CAIIMT15 & CAL FIRE 

Fire Size: 14,071 acres 

Percent Contained: 59% 

Primary Strategic Control Line: 96% 

Personnel: 894

Cause: Lightning 

Start Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10:05 a.m. 

Location: Southeast of Three Rivers, CA 

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday, construction of direct control line continued in the rugged terrain near the confluence of Horse Creek and the East Fork Kaweah River; helitankers dropped retardant to lower the fire’s intensity, while hotshot crews worked to build handline. The cooler temperatures and reduced winds helped to moderate fire behavior, with most of the remaining activity focused in the Eden Creek drainage with little threat to control lines. On the remainder of the fire perimeter crews continued to work on road rehabilitation, chipping, and mop-up operations.

Today, firefighters will continue direct control line construction in the northeast section of the fire. Aircraft will support their efforts with retardant drops as directed. Crews working around the remainder of the fire lines will continue to focus on mop-up and backhaul; removing hose, pumps, and other equipment that are no longer needed. Crews will work east along Mineral King Road toward Silver City reducing roadside vegetation and developing contingency lines.

WEATHER: The weather system that had previously impacted the area is now moving off to the northeast, while another system is approaching. As a result, temperatures will rebound slightly, similar to what was experienced on Wednesday, bringing near-normal conditions for this time of year. Expect slightly lower afternoon relative humidity levels, with winds and sunny conditions remaining consistent. Mixing heights are expected to increase, which will lead to better smoke dispersion across the region.

SMOKE IMPACTS: With moderate fire behavior, smoke impacts have reduced. GOOD air quality can be expected throughout the outlook area. Hammond will see MODERATE air quality conditions this morning, clearing to GOOD this afternoon. All other areas can expect GOOD air quality throughout the day, unless fire activity increases. For more information on current wildfire smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov.

EVACUATION NOTICES: The Tulare County Fire Department has issued Evacuation WARNINGS for zones TLC-E094-B, TLC-E094-C, TLC-E094-D, TLC-E094-E, and TLC-E095. To find your zone, please refer to: protect.genasys.com.

FIRE INFORMATION: A Public Information Officer will be at the Three Rivers Village Market daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide fire information and answer questions. 

BLM AND PARK CLOSURES: The portion of South Fork Drive within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and trails accessed from the road, including the Ladybug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed. Recreational access to the Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park is closed to the public. This applies to Mineral King campgrounds, trailheads, and area trails. All other areas of the parks are open but are likely to be impacted by varying levels of smoke and poor air quality. Park closure information is available online at nps.gov/seki. The Bureau of Land Management has also issued a closure of the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area at blm.gov/press-release.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Friday September 13, 2024

*** There will be a Community Meeting this evening, Friday September 13th at 7:00 PM at the Ola Community Center 2175 Main Street, Ola, ID*** 

Overview: The Lava Fire is on the Boise and Payette National Forests and lands administered Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Department of Lands. The fire is located north of Emmet and west of Lake Cascade and started by lightning on Monday, September 2nd and is burning in tall grass, brush, and timber. 

The Lava Fire is currently 94,589 acres with 6 percent containment and 746 personnel assigned. 

Any property remaining in an area that is either evacuated or impacted by Forest Service closures will need to remain in place until fire managers and Sheriff’s departments deem the area is safe for reentry. 

Operations: Yesterday, structure protection prioritized God’s Acres Subdivision and The Church Camp. Crews installed lines connecting with natural unburnable features to secure structures. The fire is burning slowly in the previous Four Corners Fire scar of 2022 near Hazard Creek and Lookout Peak. Lava Fire personnel and equipment supported a new initial attack response five miles south of Lake Cascade. Fire was controlled at one quarter of an acre. Firefighters escorted communication companies to telecommunication towers to inspect and repair equipment and local ranchers were escorted to Hwy 618 to retrieve their stock from the fire area.

On the western flank of the fire, crews began mopping up on dozer lines east of Indian Valley Road, North Crane Road, and Spring Creek. 

Night shift crews patrolled and monitored fire activity ready to respond to any concerns. 

Today, fire suppression activities include handlines, dozer lines, and using natural features for containment lines around the fire perimeter.

On the northern flank, personnel are scouting location for direct perimeter containment. Structure protection personnel will continue structure assessments in God’s Acres Subdivision, the Church Camp, and Tamarack Ski Resort. 

On the eastern flank, firefighters are mopping up dozer lines on Forest Service Road 404 and Willow Creek. Crews continue mop up along the fire perimeter north of Boulder Creek. Continue the structure assessments and structure protection around Lake Cascade. 

On the southern flank, structure protection priority is on Third Fork, Nesbitt, and 653 Roads. Personnel scouting line construction from the 601 Road to the north. Initial attack resources are mopping up the new start from yesterday. 

Along the western flank, fire personnel are constructing a continuous containment line northward to Little Weiser River Road. Firefighters will mop up and extinguish areas of heat near the fire edge as they move north, protecting the range allotments, grasslands, and private property outside the fire perimeter. 

Weather/Fire Behavior: Yesterday, a cloudy sky and isolated rain showers moved across the fire area with precipitation up to three quarters of an inch. Lower temperatures and higher humidity resulted in minimal fire activity and allowed firefighters to effectively mop up areas where heat persisted. A drying trend begins today with higher temperatures and lower humidity. Fuels will lose the moisture gained through these rain events, creating the potential for increased fire activity. 

Evacuations and road closures: 

Adams County Sheriff’s Office issued a LEVEL 3 “GO!” Evacuation notice to residents south of South Grays Creek and along Little Weiser Road in Indian Valley. A LEVEL 2 “SET” Evacuation has been issued for residents North of South Grays Creek Road to Highway 95, and a LEVEL 1 “READY” Evacuation has been issued for the Mesa area.

Gem County Sheriff’s Office issued a LEVEL 3 “GO!” Evacuation notice to residents on Third Fork Road (North of Nesbitt Lane), Second Fork Road (North of Nesbitt Lane), and the Sage Hen Reservoir area. Gem County Sheriff’s Office notified the residents in person on September 8th, 2024. A LEVEL 2 “SET” Evacuation has been issued for Nesbitt Lane residents. 

Gem County Road and Bridge issued the following road closures: Third Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, Second Fork Road at Nesbitt Lane, and Nesbitt Lane. The Sweet-Ola Highway is closed at the High Valley intersection in Ola. Please be advised that the Gem County Sheriff’s Office is staffing the road closure check points.

Valley County Sheriff’s Office has downgraded zones 4, 5, 6 to a “Set” status, effective as of 9/12/2024 at 10:15 AM. Zones 7 – 11 remain in their current unchanged in a “Set” status. 

Forest Closures and Restrictions: The Boise and Payette National Forests implemented a joint Lava Fire Area, Road, and Trail Closure for public and firefighter safety. The closure includes Forest Service lands north of the 601 Road (approximately 7 miles southwest of Smiths Ferry) and north all the way to the northernmost extent of Lake Cascade. This expanded closure order supersedes previous closure orders and will be in place through December 31, 2024 unless rescinded. 

A temporary flight restriction is in effect in and around the fire area. This includes the use of personal drones. If you fly, we cannot fly.

Willamette Complex North Update

Boulder Creek, Ore, Linton Creek, Pyramid, 374, and Roundtop fires

Date: Friday, September 13, 2024

New Willamette Complex North Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565845313387 

Email: 2024.WillametteComplex.North@firenet.gov Information line: 541-208-1262 Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Overview: Clearer skies increase the ability for firefighters to go direct with the support of aircraft providing water drops. The Boulder Creek Fire remains the top priority. A road closure continues for a section of OR 242, and a portion of OR 126 remains closed while conditions are evaluated for safety. Today will be much drier and warmer with high temperatures around 75 in much of the complex with light winds. Fires in the complex had minimal growth overnight. Precise mapping on some of the fires is limited due to recent clouds and rain. Fire-impacted trees are a significant safety risk across the complex for fire crews and the public, with increased fire behavior expected. 

Boulder Creek Fire Evacuation Notices

LEVEL 3 (GO NOW) EVACUATION NOTICE: Scott Creek Road

LEVEL 1 (BE READY) EVACUATION NOTICE:

South of Highway 126 from milepost 53.5 east to Scott Creek Road and Horse Creek Road east of Foley Springs, Foley Springs, Forest Service Road #302, Belknap Springs Road South, Camp Yale Road, Yale Lane, North of Highway 126 East from the east end of Drury Lane to the end of North Belknap Springs Road

Evacuation Notice Source: Visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov or use this link.

Boulder Creek: 501 acres, 0% contained
Located 5 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. Structure protection work is near completion with areas around cabins cleared of easily ignited fuels. Crews are going direct on the fire where safe and taking advantage of the recent rain to find opportunities. 

Ore: 3,461 acres, 44% contained
Located 7 miles northeast of Blue River. Chipping and removal of fuels continues. Successful firing operations were completed and will be expanded as conditions allow.

Linton Creek: 1,288 acres, 0% contained

Located in the Three Sisters Wilderness northeast of Eileen Lake. Clear air will likely provide opportunity for crews to better access the fire. Structures in the area are being evaluated. Ground and aerial firefighting will continue.

Pyramid: 1,311 Acres, 98% contained

East of Middle Santiam Wilderness. Securing containment line continues with chipping of burnable fuels.

374: 47 acres, 0% contained

This fire is also in the Three Sisters Wilderness, northwest of Packsaddle Mountain. 14 smokejumpers are assigned to the fire with the goal of keeping the fire as small as possible by working on control lines near the fire.

Roundtop: Near the 374 Fire and Little Roundtop Mountain. It was kept at a quarter acre and fully contained.

Road Closures: Due to the Boulder Creek Fire, OR 126 is closed between mileposts 13 and 19.5 (intersection with OR 242). OR 242 remains closed to all traffic indefinitely between the intersection with OR 126 and the Dee Wright Observatory (mileposts 55 to 75), in the area of the Linton Creek Fire. Use an alternate route; do not divert onto forest roads to avoid closures. Check for updates at: https://tripcheck.com/ 

Willamette National Forest Area Closures: Due to increased fire activity in the McKenzie River Ranger District, the Linton Creek Fire closure area was expanded to include Boulder Creek, 374, Roundtop, as well as other fires on the Middle Fork Ranger District including Young Grasshopper and Lowell Creek fires. Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd552029.

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Wood Lake Fire Update

Date: September 13, 2024     Size: 17 acres        Containment: 0%
Cause: Under Investigation   Start Date: September 10, 2024

Fire Information:
Inciweb page: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mnsuf-wood-lake-wildfire

Superior NF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorNF

Twitter/X: https://x.com/SuperiorNF

Closure Information 

Sign up for Superior NF Fire Information notices and news

Current Status and Resources: Fire acreage increased yesterday along the southeast perimeter due to 
firing operations aimed at strengthening the fire’s edge. Firefighters continue to suppress the 
fire, strengthen fire holding lines and use natural fire breaks such as wetlands when possible. 
Aircraft are being used to cool the fire and initiate suppression actions with the highest likelihood of success; however, increased fire weather remains elevated statewide and aerial resources may be limited. The National Preparedness Level remains at 5.

Planned Actions: Resources are planning for a potentially active fire day from forecasted increased 
winds and continued drying weather. Resources will continue to strengthen containment lines with a 
variety of tools including utilizing pumps and hose lays, using natural features, and using 
backfiring through hand ignition when needed to reduce spotting potential near the perimeter or 
containment line. Additionally, firefighters will be looking at contingency planning around the 
Moose Lake area today to analyze and plan that wider perimeter area around the fire.

Closures: The Superior National Forest implemented Emergency Closure Order #09-09-24-07 for the 
public’s health and safety due to the Wood Lake fire within the vicinity of recreation areas. The 
closure order includes Exhibit A-List of Closed Areas and Exhibit B-Closure map.

Weather and Smoke: Today-mostly sunny with a high near 78. South winds 5-15 mph with gusts up to 20 
mph. Overnight-Partly cloudy. Low of 59. Southeast wind at 5 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph.
Saturday-A chance of showers with thunderstorms possible aft 1pm. Partly sunny. High of 76. South 
wind 5-10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. 30% chance of precipitation. Elevated burning conditions 
continue into the weekend.

Overall air quality in the Ely area will be MODERATE today. Wildfire smoke from Canada is also 
present in the area. https://www.airnow.gov/and https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land- 
climate/air-quality-forecast

Fire Summary: On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, around 11:00 a.m. a fire was detected on an island of 
Wood Lake, which is located north of County Road 18, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area 
Wilderness (BWCAW) of the Superior National Forest (NF). The fire is located in Township 64, Range 
10, Section 26 on National Forest System land. An Emergency Closure Order wis in effect for 19 
locations including BWCAW Entry Point 26 on Wood Lake.
 

Bridge Fire Community Meeting

Saturday, September 14, 2024

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Serrano High School Performing Arts Center

9292 Sheep Creek Rd. Phelan, CA 92371

The meeting will also be live-streamed on the Angeles National Forest Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/angelesnationalforest/

Bridge Fire Community Meeting Flyer.jpg

Fri, 09/13/2024 - 21:00

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Bridge Fire Community Meeting Flyer.jpg

Southwest Area Incident Management Team Update for Wednesday, September 13, 2024

Acres:  5,824 acres                                                                                    

Start Date: 09/07/2024

Location: Washoe Valley, Nevada                                                           

Personnel: 685

Containment:   56%                                                                                       

Fuels: Timber

Resources:   10 Crews | 14 Helicopters | 71 Engines | 5 Water Tenders | 4 Dozers 

Highlights: Crews continued reinforcing existing fire lines, completing approximately 2,000 feet of handlines near Slide Mtn. Five to ten acres of unburned fuel pockets (islands) were intentionally burned near Winter Creek Rd. to eliminate flammable materials like leaves, pine needles, and small limbs. Isolated areas of large logs and stumps, or ‘heavies,’ are still smoldering and producing light smoke. Additional containment was secured along the fire perimeter. Aviation resources will remain available today. Water tenders and portable tanks have been strategically placed to strengthen firefighting efforts.

Smoldering and creeping fire activity is expected, with isolated pockets of smoke still visible. Firefighters will continue mop-up efforts, working over 100 feet inside the fire lines. The fire lines are dozer lines, handlines and existing road systems. Mop-up operations will focus on all areas where heat is detected, with particular attention along the fire perimeter near Davis Creek Rd, progressing northwest past Hidden Lake and up to Mt. Rose Highway. Mop-up includes extinguishing hot spots with water, stirring burning vegetation with hand tools, and trimming lower limbs to prevent the fire from reaching the tree canopies. Crews will patrol fire lines to ensure embers remain contained and will remove any hazardous, burned trees at risk of falling across fire lines or roads.

Weather: Forecast warmer and drier conditions for today.  The relative humidity is expected to drop down into the teens. Winds will be primarily out of the east, but also affected by the steep slopes (terrain driven). Expect breezy conditions over the weekend. Temps will be in the mid-80s on Saturday and dropping down to the mid-70s on Sunday.

Evacuations: We urge everyone to remain vigilant and stay clear of evacuation zones. Stay informed by relying on official fire information sources.For updates on evacuation statuses please visit: https://perimetermap.com 

To sign up for code red alerts and warning visit https://www.washoecounty.gov/em/RegionalAlerts.php

Warmer and Drier Weather Returns Over Fires

SPRAY, Ore. – Warmer and drier weather is returning to the fire areas which will increase fire activity.  Crews have made a lot of progress with the cooler and wet weather in preparation to a return to these conditions. The west and northwest edge of the fire is plumbed with hose lay and crews are building the rind in that section of the fire.  From the north to the northeast section of the fire crews will continue laying hose in preparation to start mopping up.  The east side of the fire had fire activity within the perimeter late in the day yesterday.  Crews will continue cold trailing along the fires edge and extinguish any areas with active fire to secure the line.  The southwest to south point along ORE 19 is in mop up.  ODOT opened Ore 19 early Friday morning. Check for updates on ODOTs TripCheck - https://tripcheck.com/

With the warmer and drier weather air resources will be fully available to the ground crews today. 

Community members in Spray attended a community meeting and heard updates from ODF Operations, the Incident Meteorologist, Dustin Gustaveson John Day Unit Forester, Jeremiah Holmes Fire Defense Board Chief, and Matt Howard Incident Commander.

Videos: Due to an issue with the Fossil Complex Facebook page, recordings of the Daily Operations Updates and other stories will be available at: https://www.youtube.com/@FossilComplex.

The Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office has reduced all evacuations outside of the fire’s perimeter. Level 3 evacuations remain in place inside the perimeter of the Service Fire.  For the most recent evacuation levels please go to: https://www.facebook.com/WheelerCountySheriffsOffice/

The Two Cabin, Holmes, Kinzua and Canyon Fires are all in patrol status. 

Flying unauthorized drones is hazardous to aircraft and will ground critical aerial operations.

Current Situation: California Interagency Incident Management Team 14 assumed command of the Diamond Complex and Middle Fork Fire as of 7:00 a.m. today, September 13, 2024. A weather system brought significant rains throughout the fire area Wednesday and into Thursday morning. Cold overnight temperatures near freezing were observed into this morning. A quick warming and drying trend is forecasted for today and into Saturday, while cooler temperatures, higher humidity and another weather system arrives the latter half of the weekend. This moisture and decrease in temperature have minimized fire activity but have also created access issues for crews on many of the roads. Fire personnel will take advantage of this dry weather period to continue making progress on their operations.  

Diamond Complex: The Diamond Complex includes 33 fires in the Umpqua National Forest, 31 of which are 100% contained. Crews continue suppression repair work as well as patrolling and mopping up any remaining areas of interior heat. Due to recent rain and current weather, all fires are anticipated to stay within current containment lines. 

The remaining two fires that are not yet fully contained are the Pine Bench Fire (3,976 acres, 66% contained) and the Potter Fire (3,428 acres, 76% contained). Crews assigned to these fires are constructing primary control line along remaining sections of the fire perimeter while continuing to patrol and mop up interior heat, ensure containment lines hold, and remove unneeded equipment. 

Middle Fork Fire: The fire perimeter continues to hold with no new growth. Reconnaissance flights over the fire area revealed no significant heat sources. Crews have completed suppression repair operations along the Pacific Crest Trail. Crews will continue to monitor the fire via vantage points and with a helicopter while also completing suppression repair work east of Route 230 in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Closures: Umpqua National Forest lands, roads, and trails around the Diamond Complex fires are temporarily closed (with several exemptions) under Forest Order 06-15-24-07. Due to the Middle Fork Fire, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lands, roads, and trails west of Crater Lake National Park are also temporarily closed under Forest Order 06-10-24-24-02. You are responsible for knowing where you are in relation to the closed areas, so be prepared and view the orders and maps prior to recreating on your public lands. Crater Lake National Park is open; however, several trail closures are in effect.

Fire Restrictions: On the Umpqua National Forest, fire danger is set at High and Public Use Restrictions Level 2 are in effect. Campfires must be in Forest Service constructed fire rings or fireplaces in designated sites and are not allowed in dispersed sites or in wilderness areas.

Diamond Complex (Umpqua National Forest)                                          

Size: 11,141 acres                                                                      

Containment: 86%                                                                     

Personnel: 492                                                                                       

Middle Fork Fire (Crater Lake National Park) 

Size: 5,286 acres

Containment: 70%

Personnel: 11     
 

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Next update to be released 9-15-2024

Infrared flight provides more accurate acreage

Leer en español.

Highlights/Operations: Firefighters anticipate beginning ignitions on the West Fire again today after holding multiple days through higher winds. With the previous ignitions providing a buffer of burned area on the northern and northeast side of the planned perimeter, the focus now is on igniting from the Rim Road south through Bray Creek as well as on the east side, adding another section of fire towards the southeast to around Milk Point Flat. The ignition strategy is to have fire continue to gently back down the slopes around Camp Geronimo and carefully apply fire to protect those structures if needed. Helicopters with water buckets are available to assist crews. This ignition plan is designed to remove an unnatural build-up of potentially dangerous fuels, restore fire to the ecosystem that depends on it and fully contain the West Fire within the planned perimeter. Crews and dozers have constructed a contingency line east of Bray Creek along FR 646 road in the event it is needed. They are also finishing the removal of fuels with heavy equipment along the Control Road from Bray Creek to SR 87.

On the Preacher Fire, the small amount of fire that crossed the perimeter near Wildcat Springs was lined and mopped up yesterday. Engines continue to patrol the entire perimeter and crews are extinguishing any hotspots close to the perimeter’s edge. Interior pockets of fuel continue to burn as fire moves around. At times residents will see smoke. The fire is still being staffed day and night to ensure everything is secure. 

Weather: Winds will decrease a bit for Friday while remaining out of the southwest. Expect gusts between 18 and 23 mph during the afternoon, highest above 6,000 feet. High temperatures on Friday will be in the mid-70s to around 80 degrees. Minimum relative humidity will average 20 to 25 percent.

Safety: Two Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are now in place over the area, which includes uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. The public is reminded, if you fly we can’t; unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations.

Closure:  The Tonto National Forest has issued a closure for land surrounding the West Fire, this includes Pine Trailhead. 

Evacuations: Some residents east of Payson near the Preacher Fire have been moved to SET status and Geronimo Estates residents near the West Fire have also been placed in SET status. An interactive map is available to stay up to date with evacuation levels related to both the West and Preacher Fires.

Receive emergency notifications from Gila County. 

Smoke: During ignitions, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight. Residents are encouraged to close windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. Talk with your doctor and plan for how to manage your health conditions when it is smoky. Additional resources for how to prepare for wildfire smoke.

For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest, ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) @TontoForest or Instagram @tontonationalforest and on the Tonto National Forest website.