Summary: The fire stayed active throughout the night as southeast winds fueled it to the northwest through the Gila River bottom. Firefighters stayed engaged into the early morning hours working to suppress numerous spot fires and scouting locations for day shift resources to safely engage at the head of the fire. The fire continues to produce extreme fire behavior with long-range spotting. The fire pushed approximately six miles on Friday. Additional resources arrived on the fire late Friday night, including engines, medical teams, water tenders, and overhead to support the more than 175 personnel currently assigned to the incident. A second hotshot crews is expected to arrive on the fire Saturday morning. For today’s operational period, a dozer and hand crews will continue working the north/northwest side of the fire as they try to stop it at its head and keep it from progressing. Crews will also begin prepping the local River Road roughly three miles ahead of the fire to use as a holding feature. Prep work around Fort Thomas is also underway. Firefighters are using direct and indirect tactics as part of overall suppression efforts. Resources are trying to keep the fire north of the US 70, east of Fort Thomas, and within its current footprint in the river bed. The fire is burning within the Gila River bottom near the community of Eden in dense Tamarisk stands. Tamarisk, or salt cedar, is an invasive species that is highly flammable making suppression efforts challenging. The plant can create extreme fire behavior and when it burns, produces thick, black smoke. Hot, dry, and windy conditions are forecast for the weekend. Some areas around the fire remain in SET. This morning, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office issued a READY notification for all homes in the river corridor in the Fort Thomas-area 

The fire started on Wednesday, May 7, and by the next day, operations called the fire 80% contained at 160 acres. Friday morning, high winds spotted the fire over a 25-30’ containment line on the north end. Those winds, coupled with the vegetation, fueled the fire pushing it out to the north and northeast. Single Engine Air Tankers were ordered but quickly grounded after their use was deemed ineffective by operations. Water scoopers took over and supported the incident for the rest of the day drafting water out of the nearby San Carlos Reservoir. Multiple power and gas lines were damaged in the fire. At this time, there are no reports of damaged or destroyed structures. On Friday, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office issued a SET notification to all homes between Eden Road and Fort Thomas on the north side of US 70. Some residents did voluntarily evacuate. The US 70 remains open in both directions between Fort Thomas and Safford, however, drivers in the area should be mindful of drifting smoke and any potential intermittent closures due to the fire activity. 

Today, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management will transfer command of the fire to the Southeast Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team. 

Evacuations and Closures: Per the Graham County Office of Emergency Management SET for homes between Eden Road and Fort Thomas on the north side of US 70. READY for all homes located in the river corridor in the Fort Thomas-area. 

Weather: Patchy, blowing dust before 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 93. Breezy, with an east/southeast wind of 16 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. 

Safety: Due to aircraft use, a TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) is in place over the fire. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

NEW BERN, N.C., May 10, 2025 – The Black Swamp on the Croatan National Forest remains at 950 acres, with containment at 70%. The USDA Forest Service continues working in close partnership with state and federal agencies, including the North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the National Park Service. An interagency team of 94 personnel are currently assigned to the fire. 

Today, crews will continue working to use the right tools in the right places. Sprinklers, engines, and pumps are being used to deliver additional water to help suppress the fire. In areas where more water is needed, heavy equipment is being used to improve ditches for the transport of water. Additionally, crews are working to improve roads for better firefighter and equipment access on No Name Road. Infrared flights are being used to track fire activity, while crews continue improving road access to critical fire areas.

Closures remain in effect for Black Swamp Road, the Black Swamp OHV area, Great Lake Boating Access Area and Sheep Ridge Wilderness Area, as well as portions of Great Lake Road, Seaborn Road and Holston Hunter Road.

Smoke from the fire can cause limited visibility and may impact local air quality. Please drive slowly and use caution on roads where smoke may be settling. Check for air quality alerts at https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ or https://fire.airnow.gov. For the latest wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina

Incident Commander: Richard Griffin (Type 3 IC) and Kyle Errecart (Type 3 IC Trainee)

Location: 15 miles northeast of Wisdom, MT in the Sawlog Creek drainage

Start Date: 05/01/2025

Cause: Undetermined – under investigation

Size: 1,834 acres 

Resources Assigned: 5 crews; 5 engines; 2 helicopters; 1 water tender; 3 skidgens

Total Personnel: 205

Containment: 48%

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:

An infrared (IR) flight was conducted to map the fire perimeter and identify areas of remaining heat last night. Based on improved mapping accuracy, the fire’s estimated size has increased to 1,834 acres.  The IR flight also confirmed that heat remains throughout the fire area.  The approximate 200 acre “donut hole” or  interior pocket of unburned fuels was not included in acreage total.

Strategic firing operations were completed in the “donut hole” or interior pocket located on the north side of Sawlog Creek yesterday, as firefighters used the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to light and burn the fuels between the uncontrolled fire edge and the constructed control line on the eastern flank. Firefighter may continue strategic firing operations on the south side of Sawlog Creek today, reducing available fuels between the uncontrolled fires edge and the control line.

Crews completed fireline immediately adjacent to the fire’s edge from the south side of Tucker Creek to the north side of Sawlog Creek.  Firefighters along with two skidgens will progress south with mop-up operations, working along the previously constructed fireline. Two spike camps are supporting smokejumpers and three hotshot crews working along the eastern flank of the fire. Helicopters continue to deliver supplies by air to keep these crews equipped and operational.

Fire crews will keep working along the western and northern edge of the fire, checking any remaining heat and putting out hot spots.  A boat has been utilized in ferrying firefighters across the Big Hole River on the west side.  This work will continue over the next few days as they focus on securing and improving containment lines.

WEATHER, FUELS, AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Elevated fire weather conditions are expected today and tomorrow with strong southwest winds. Afternoon thunderstorms will track along the divide moving eastward over the fire through the evening with wind gusts exceeding over 35 mph.  Another round of strong southwest winds is expected Sunday with a chance for showers and thunderstorms.  There is a low confidence for any wetting precipitation.

Fire behavior may pick up today in the afternoon with the potential for thunderstorms and gusty winds.  Fuel conditions, during this time of year (pre-green up), are extremely dry.

The fire is burning mainly in sagebrush and Lodgepole pine timber. The north-facing slopes in the area consist of a high “dead and downed” fuel component in a mixed conifer forest, and numerous “snags” or hazard trees are present. This fuel combination poses additional hazards for firefighters and affects on-the-ground progress.

Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and property are of the utmost importance during any incident.

The fire footprint from the 2021 Alder Fire is located to the east, and the fire footprint from the 2021 Christensen Fire lies to the south.

CLOSURES:

The Montana Fish, Wildfire and Parks has issued an Emergency Site Closure for the Fishtrap Creek Fishing Access Site on the Big Hole River due to fire activity from the Sawlog Fire. The site is closed to public use from Mudd Creek Bridge to Sportsman’s Park.

For public safety reasons, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for the Sawlog dispersed camping area, located at the Big Hole River ford site. Specific closure language can be viewed on the Sawlog Fire Inciweb page, Closures tab.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been implemented over the fire area. This allows for firefighting aircraft to safely work over the fire area.  Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

For Immediate Release:

Notification for Public Health and Safety

Ground Mapping Completed as Containment Increases

Press Release – Saturday, May 10, 2025

Acres: 482                                                                                                      Start Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Location: 38 miles east of Glenwood, NM                                       Personnel: 200

Containment: 77%                                                                                   Cause: Lightning

Summary: Ground-based GPS mapping of the Iron Fire has been completed, providing a highly accurate and detailed representation of the final fire perimeter. The fire has been mapped at 482 acres. Unlike aerial infrared mapping, which offers rapid area coverage, ground-based mapping allows firefighters to physically walk the fireline and capture precise perimeter data, enhancing accuracy and ensuring ground-truth validation.

Mop-up operations continue across the fire area, with crews working to a depth of up to 33 feet where conditions permit. This work involves extinguishing smoldering fuels, cooling remaining hot spots, and removing hazards to prevent re-ignition. Establishing this buffer zone well within the containment lines reinforces control efforts and further reduces the risk of fire escape. The depth and thoroughness of this mop-up, in combination with hazard mitigation, help ensure long-term security of the fire area.

Today, crews will complete mop-up in areas where infrared (IR) imagery from an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) has identified remaining heat. With containment now at 77%, personnel are preparing to backhaul equipment and personal gear from the wilderness. All firefighting resources are expected to be off the fireline and back at the Incident Command Post (ICP) by Monday night, ready to support new initial attack assignments on Tuesday.

The public is advised of increased fire-related traffic in and around the incident area. Fire engines and support vehicles, including two road graders, will be working along the 28 Road from Negrito Fire Base, extending down Bursum Road to Highway 12. Please slow down, turn on your headlights, and exercise caution when traveling in this area. Reminder: Forest Road 141 will be closed at the South Fork Negrito Creek Bridge starting Monday, May 12. This road will be closed for several months and visitors should seek alternate routes on Forest Road 94 or Bursum Road.

CDT Hikers: The Snow Lake area is open for public use. For public safety, consider using alternate routes when possible. For trail access updates and alternate route options, please contact: info@cdtcoalition.org.

Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area. Unauthorized drone use poses a serious risk to aerial firefighting operations. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke: Smoke presence has been minimal in recent days. However, as temperatures rise, there is potential for increased fire activity and smoke production. Smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson, and Snow Lake. For real-time smoke conditions, visit: fire.airnow.gov.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place on the Gila National Forest. For full details, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

For more information:

Public Information Officer: Email2025.iron@firenet.gov or 575-323-8956, 8am - 8pm

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

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Información de última hora:

Notificación para la Salud y Seguridad Publica

Bomberos comienzan a cartografiar el terreno; Snow Lake abierto para el uso público

Comunicado de prensa - Friday, May 9, 2025

Extensión: 637acres                                                                              Fecha de inicio: Domingo, 4 de mayo, 2025

Ubicación: 38 millas al este de Glenwood, NM                        Personal: 183 

Contención: 45%                                                                                    Causa: Relámpagos

Resumen: El día de ayer, los bomberos iniciaron una caminata terrestre para evaluar el perímetro utilizando GPS y así mejorar los datos en la cartografía del incendio. Aunque el esfuerzo aún está en curso, el perímetro norte ha sido verificado y combinado con los datos de un vuelo de infrarrojos (IR) que fue realizado anteriormente. Basado en las evaluaciones actuales, se estima que el Incendio Iron tiene una superficie aproximada de 637 acres. Las escuadrillas de bomberos continuaran trabajando para completar la cartografía del terreno para finalizar la superficie aproximada en acres.

Una vez cumplidos los objetivos de supresión de incendios en las zonas de Snow Lake y Willow Creek, los recursos serán reasignados para apoyar los esfuerzos de ataque inicial o regresarán a su base para descansar y prepararse para futuras misiones.

Los responsables del incendio se encuentran monitoreando de cerca pronósticos de vientos para principios de la próxima semana, que podrían influir en el comportamiento del incendio. Debido a la presencia de numerosos árboles muertos en la zona del incendio, y para garantizar la seguridad de los bomberos, estos serán retirados de una manera estratégica de la línea de fuego antes de producirse el viento. Los recursos que permanezcan en el área del incendio estarán disponibles para ayudar en caso de que se inicie un nuevo brote de fuego en la zona.

Un sistema aéreo automatizado (UAS o dron) está apoyando actualmente el incidente proporcionando imágenes infrarrojas para ayudar a los manejadores del incendio a detectar los focos de emanación de calor restantes, especialmente a lo largo del perímetro en donde representan una amenaza para las líneas de contención. El piloto del UAS se coordina estrechamente con las operaciones aéreas para garantizar la seguridad del vuelo y evitar conflictos con las misiones en curso de los helicópteros.

Han sido reabiertos al público la zona de Snow Lake, incluyendo el campamento Dipping Vat, el embarcadero de Snow Lake y el sendero de Snow Lake. Se advierte a los visitantes que el personal y los equipos de extinción de incendios siguen activos en el área. Por favor actúe con precaución al conducir por las carreteras forestales: reduzca la velocidad, manténgase alerta y utilice los faros para mejorar la visibilidad.

CDT excursionistas: Para la seguridad del público en general, por favor evite entrar en la zona del incendio y tome en consideración tomar otras rutas cuando le sea posible.  Para más información sobre el acceso a los senderos, incluyendo las rutas alternativas, póngase en contacto con: info@cdtcoalition.org

Seguridad: Se encuentra vigente la restricción temporal de vuelo (TFR) sobre la zona del incendio. Los drones representan un grave riesgo para los aviones combatiendo el fuego. ¡Si Usted vuela, Nosotros no podemos!

Presencia del Humo: La cantidad del humo se ha reducido significativamente en los últimos días. Sin embargo, al producirse un aumento en la temperatura, se da la posibilidad de un aumento en la actividad del incendio y en la producción del humo. Se podrá observar el humo desde Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson y Snow Lake. Para información actualizada de las condiciones de humo, visite fire.airnow.gov

Restricciones de Incendio: Se encuentra vigente la Etapa 2 de Restricciones de fuego para el Bosque Nacional de Gila. Para más información visite at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

Para más información:

Oficial para Información Pública: Email2025.iron@firenet.gov o 575-323- 8956, 8am - 8pm

Datos del Incidente: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest

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NEW BERN, N.C., May 9, 2025 – Firefighters continue to hold the Black Swamp Fire in Croatan National Forest at 950 acres, with containment at 70%. The USDA Forest Service is working in close partnership with state and federal agencies, including the North Carolina Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and the National Park Service.

Crews are clearing brush and debris from contingency lines as an added precaution in case any flames escape containment lines. Infrared imagery that detects heat from the peat burning underground is being used to track fire activity. Crews continue improving roads to better access critical fire areas. Sprinklers, engines, and pumps are being used to deliver additional water to help suppress the fire. Currently, four pumps are in place and pumping over 57 million gallons of water per day towards the fire area.

Closures remain in effect for Black Swamp Road, the Black Swamp OHV area, Great Lake Boating Access Area and Sheep Ridge Wilderness Area, as well as portions of Great Lake Road, Seaborn Road and Holston Hunter Road.

Smoke from the fire can cause limited visibility and may impact local air quality. Please drive slowly and use caution on roads where smoke may be settling. Check for air quality alerts at https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/ or https://fire.airnow.gov. For the latest wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina

Incident Commander: Richard Griffin (Type 3 IC) and Kyle Errecart (Type 3 IC Trainee)

Location: 15 miles northeast of Wisdom, MT in the Sawlog Creek drainage

Start Date: 05/01/2025

Cause: Undetermined – under investigation

Size: 1,412 acres 

Resources Assigned: 5 crews; 5 engines; 2 helicopters; 1 water tender; 3 skidgens

Total Personnel: 205

Containment: 30%

CURRENT STATUS/PLANNED ACTIONS:

Containment of the Sawlog Fire has increased to 30 percent as firefighters continue to make progress along the northern, southern, and western edge of the fire.  There is still some residual heat along both sides of Sawlog Creek with isolated hot spots remaining throughout the interior of the fire. 

Strategic firing operations are planned today for an approximately 200 acres “donut hole” located on both sides of Sawlog Creek.  This fire suppression tactic has the highest probability of success for reducing the unburned fuels between the uncontrolled fire edge in the high “dead and downed” fuel component. Firefighters may utilize a combination of hand and aerial ignitions with the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). 

On the southern edge, firefighters will continue to hold and secure the constructed lines, hot spotting areas of residual heat from the Big Hole River to the east working north towards Sawlog Creek. Over the next couple days, crews will work with heavy equipment to construct fireline immediately adjacent to the fire’s edge from Sawlog Creek north towards the Tucker Creek area. 

On the northern flank, smokejumpers and hotshot crews continue to work containment lines as they patrol the fire and mop up any hot spots progressing south towards the Tucker Creek drainage. A helicopter has been supporting the firefighters with cargo missions on the eastern flank of the fire.   

Crews will continue cold trailing and hot spotting along the entire western perimeter of the fire.  This work will continue in the coming days as they reinforce and improve the containment line.

WEATHER, FUELS, AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

The fire area saw some relative humidity recoveries last night with minimal fire behavior.  Warmer, drier conditions are expected today with an even smaller chance for showers or thunderstorms.  Breezy southwest winds could gust up to 25 mph in the afternoon.  There is a better chance for showers and a few isolated thunderstorms Saturday which may produce wind gusts of 35 mph or greater in the afternoon and evening. Another round of showers and thunderstorms are possible Sunday afternoon and evening with gusts exceeding 30 mph. 

Fire behavior may pick up today in the afternoon with the potential for thunderstorms, gusty winds, and low relative humidity. Fuel conditions, during this time of year (pre-green up), are extremely dry.

The fire is burning mainly in sagebrush and Lodgepole pine timber. The north-facing slopes in the area consist of a high “dead and downed” fuel component in a mixed conifer forest, and numerous “snags” or hazard trees are present. This fuel combination poses additional hazards for firefighters and affects on-the-ground progress.

Ensuring firefighter safety and protecting life and property are of the utmost importance during any incident.

The fire footprint from the 2021 Alder Fire is located to the east, and the fire footprint from the 2021 Christensen Fire lies to the south.

CLOSURES:

The Montana Fish, Wildfire and Parks has issued an Emergency Site Closure for the Fishtrap Creek Fishing Access Site on the Big Hole River due to fire activity from the Sawlog Fire. The site is closed to public use from Mudd Creek Bridge to Sportsman’s Park. 

For public safety reasons, the Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary closure for the Sawlog dispersed camping area, located at the Big Hole River ford site. Specific closure language can be viewed on the Sawlog Fire Inciweb page, Closures tab.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been implemented over the fire area. This allows for firefighting aircraft to safely work over the fire area. Firefighting aircraft and drones are a dangerous combination. Drones in the area could lead to accidents or slow down wildfire suppression operations. If you fly…we can’t.

For Immediate Release:

Notification for Public Health and Safety

Firefighters Begin Ground Mapping; Snow Lake Reopens for Public Use

Press Release – Friday, May 9, 2025

Acres: 637                                                                                                Start Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Location: 38 miles east of Glenwood, NM                                 Personnel: 183 

Containment: 45%                                                                              Cause: Lightning

Summary: Firefighters initiated a ground-based GPS perimeter walk yesterday to improve the accuracy of fire mapping. While the effort is still underway, the northern perimeter has been verified and combined with data from a previous infrared (IR) flight. Based on current assessments, the Iron Fire is estimated at approximately 637 acres. Crews will continue working to complete ground perimeter mapping to finalize the acreage.

With suppression objectives accomplished in the Snow Lake and Willow Creek areas, resources are being reassigned to support initial attack efforts or will return home to rest and prepare for future fire assignments.

Fire managers are closely monitoring a forecasted wind event expected early next week, which could influence fire behavior. Due to the presence of numerous snags (standing dead trees) in the fire area, firefighters will be strategically removed from the fireline ahead of the wind event to ensure their safety. Resources remaining on the incident will be available to assist with any new fire starts in the area.

An Unmanned Aerial System (UAS or drone) is currently supporting the incident by providing infrared imagery to assist fire managers in detecting remaining heat sources, particularly along the perimeter where they may pose a threat to containment lines. The UAS pilot coordinates closely with air operations to ensure flight safety and avoid conflicts with ongoing helicopter missions.

The Snow Lake area, including Dipping Vat Campground, Snow Lake Boat Launch, and the Snow Lake Trailhead are now open to the public. Visitors are advised that firefighting personnel and equipment are still active in the area. Please exercise caution when driving on forest roads—reduce speed, stay alert, and use headlights to improve visibility.

CDT Hikers: For public safety, hikers are asked to avoid the fire area and consider using alternate routes when possible. For trail access updates and alternate route options, please contact: info@cdtcoalition.org.

Safety: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect over the fire area. Unauthorized drone use poses a serious risk to aerial firefighting operations. If you fly, we can’t.

Smoke: Smoke presence has been minimal in recent days. However, as temperatures rise, there is potential for increased fire activity and smoke production. Smoke may be visible from Mogollon, Willow Creek, Reserve, CP Anderson, and Snow Lake. For real-time smoke conditions, visit: fire.airnow.gov.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place on the Gila National Forest. For full details, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/gila/alerts.

For more information:

Public Information Officer: Email2025.iron@firenet.gov or 575-323-8956, 8am - 8pm

Incident Information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-iron-fire

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GilaNForest 

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Portion of Big Hole River closed temporarily due to Sawlog Fire

Fish Trap Fishing Access Site also closed

WISE RIVER – An emergency closure is in effect for a portion of the Big Hole River due to the Sawlog Fire.

The portion of the Big Hole River from Mud Creek Bridge downstream to Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site is closed to all recreation. Fish Trap Fishing Access Site is also closed. Sportsman’s Park Fishing Access Site remains open.

These closures are for public safety during fire suppression operations, which may include bucket drops happening in and close to the Big Hole River. The closures will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.

For more information about site restrictions and closures, click here. 

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